The part went EOL. We’ll keep looking.
470,000+ electronic components reached end-of-life in 2023 alone (IHS Markit), and the rate is accelerating. When standard distributors can’t help, 3E hunts across brokers, surplus dealers, and specialty sources — and keeps hunting until one surfaces.
How 3E Helps
Hunt the gray market
Our deep research system runs multi-round investigations across broker sites, surplus dealers, and specialty distributors — the sources that keep obsolete parts in circulation long after authorized channels drop them.
First email when it surfaces
When a verified source appears — an hour from now or six months from now — we email you. No re-searching, no dashboard checks.
Beyond electronics
ICs, semiconductors, industrial, mechanical, marine, aerospace, MIL-spec, and ITAR components. Nearly 40 years of cross-industry sourcing means we know where to look.
Pay when you find it
5 free unlocks per month, no card required. Credit packs from $19 when you need more. You only pay when a match is worth contacting.
Example
Obsolete IC, five years past EOL
You need an IC that went end-of-life five years ago. Mouser shows it discontinued. Digi-Key shows it unavailable. Search on 3E — zero instant matches, but our deep research system starts investigating. Three weeks later, an email lands: a surplus dealer in Rotterdam found 800 units in an old inventory audit. You unlock the contact and place the order the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if we don’t have a match yet?
Our deep research system starts investigating immediately — multi-round research across broker sites, surplus dealers, and specialty distributors worldwide. When a verified supplier surfaces, we email you. Your search never expires, so a match next week or next year still reaches you.
How long does deep research take?
Matches from 105,000+ vetted suppliers appear instantly. Newly discovered sources surface within 24-72 hours on common parts; specialty or obsolete components take longer. With 470,000+ components reaching end-of-life in 2023 alone, the research system is built specifically for the long tail.
Do you cover non-electronic obsolete parts?
Yes. The 3E network spans electronic, industrial, mechanical, aerospace, marine, MIL-spec, and ITAR components. Nearly 40 years of cross-industry sourcing covers hard-to-find parts across every category — not just semiconductors.
What is EOL component sourcing and why is it difficult?
End-of-life (EOL) sourcing means finding parts that manufacturers have discontinued. According to IHS Markit, 470,000+ electronic components reached EOL status in 2023, and lifecycles keep shortening. Once a part drops from authorized channels, only brokers, surplus dealers, and specialty sources keep it in circulation. 3E indexes 105,000+ companies including those non-traditional sources, and our deep research system keeps investigating and verifying new ones long after your first search.
Ready to start?
Free to search. 5 free unlocks per month. Credit packs and unlimited plans available.
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