Option #1

Replace the entire back housing. This is an option for locations that don't have a laser machine, or if there are bends in the frame where just replacing the back panel is not an option.

• Involves gutting the entire contents of the phone, and transferring them over to the new housing.

• May cause more issues from replacing all internal components than just doing a back repair.

• Cost of parts goes way up compared to just replacing the back panel.

• Good option for locations without a laser, as that has a steep starting cost.

Option #2

Extreme heat or Extreme cold

• Involves using a Rework station or liquid nitrogen to remove the back glass through extreme temperatures to make the back glass adhesive as brittle or melted as possible.

• Not the most ideal, but an option for some repair stores.

• It's recommended that you gut the phone, to avoid damaging sensitive internal components and flex cables. Remove the back glass, and then replace the internal components.

• This is the most labor-intensive process of all options if you remove the internals. But you run the high risk of damaging multiple parts if you leave the internals inside the device.

Option #3

Arguably the most common is the laser machine.

There are many different types of laser machines that use different technology and have different advantages and disadvantages. I'll highlight a few options

• A laser machine will be the most expensive option up-front, but if you plan on doing multiple repairs or making this a core part of your business, it will be the most profitable.

• They effectively all do the same thing, burning through the back glass and removing the adhesive underneath the glass. You'll still need to chip the outside glass off and scrape through quite a bit of leftover adhesive. But it is a night and day difference between doing it with a laser vs without - which is almost impossible.

Forward Blue Light Laser Machine

Estimated cost: $1,500

What makes it a good laser

• It's an all-in-one machine that doesn't require 3rd party software ran from a separate computer. It's all built-in using a display with a USB drive that has all the phone templates you would need.

• It's very easy to operate, with minimal setup.

What could be better

• The fumes it produces, are quite smelly. It does come with an extractor, but the smell is definitely noticeable and it's not recommended for a small confined space.

• It doesn't have the capability of engraving, like some other machines.

• It can take about 20-30 minutes of running to complete a back glass.

It's a simple great machine and doesn't require a separate computer or software to operate, but doesn't have engraving capability if that is something you may offer down the road.

M - Triangel Z-one (they offer several models)

Estimated cost: $1,700

What makes it a good laser

• It's a very popular brand of laser and they have several options depending on size, power, etc.

• It has a portable design, in the event, you would need to transfer it from one location to another.

• Engraving capability on almost all of the models they offer.

• Only 5-10 minutes of laser time is required before starting the removal of glass.

What could be better

• It does require a separate PC to run the software for the machine.

• They do recommend putting a protective mold on the device before putting starting the laser which could increase the cost even further.

It's a popular brand of laser that has a sleek portable design and engraving capability. You'll need to be prepared to understand and manage the software that it requires on a separate PC.