Case 737 ยท Public preview
Ultrasonic Cleaning Can Expose Mechanical Weakness in a Thin Metal Film
A deposited gold-and-titanium film exhibited missing, loose, and fractured coating around microspherical surface features after processing.
SEMBackscattered-electron imagingEDSBefore-and-after process comparisonLocalized surface examination
What the evidence preview establishes
The adhesion failures were most consistent with mechanical weakness in the Au/Ti film, excessive stress from ultrasonic cleaning, or a combination of both rather than widespread surface contamination.
Why this case matters
When a thin film fails after cleaning, compare surfaces before and after the operation and inspect geometric stress concentrators. Repeated edge peeling without associated contamination can distinguish mechanical film weakness from a chemistry-driven adhesion loss.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.