Case 1717 ยท Public preview
A Solderable ENIG Finish Can Degrade When Used as an Edge-Card Contact
Gold-finished edge-card contacts from a vibration-tested assembly and a control showed wear, contamination, and concern about long-term resistance.
Backscattered-electron SEMEDSMetallographic microsectioningGold-thickness measurementNickel-thickness measurement
What the evidence preview establishes
Vibration did not produce a significant difference from the control, but both ENIG contact sets were suspect. Scratches exposed nickel-phosphorus, ionic residues and oxides were present, and corrosion locally undermined the gold.
Why this case matters
A finish can meet thickness requirements and still be unsuitable for separable contacts. Qualify the finish for contact service while evaluating scratches, ionic residue, corrosion, and nickel attack together.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.