Hi Kathy - I just recieved the following reference (thanks to whoever
mentioned it in a TechNet response!) which you may find helpful:

"Survey of Contact Fretting in Electrical Connnectors", M. Antler, IEEE
Transactions on Components, Hybrids, and Manufacturing Technology, Vol.
CHMT-8, No. 1, March 1985

It doesn't address flash gold specifically but contains a great deal of
info on issues you are facing. Good Luck.

Dave Hillman
Rockwell Collins
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[log in to unmask] on 03/10/98 06:23:22 PM

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cc:    (bcc: David D Hillman/CedarRapids/Collins/Rockwell)
Subject:  [TN] Gold Flash vs Gold Plate on PCB connector Fingers




Hey everyone.  Can anyone help me out here?  Our board vendor is trying
to convince our purchasing department to use gold flash (about 7u"
thick) on the PCB connector fingers instead of gold plate (about 30u"
thick).  We make memory boards.  These boards will most likely be
plugged in to a system one time, however there could be instances where
they are installed and removed many times.  We guarantee our boards for
life.  Won't the gold flake off, exposing the nickel and eventually
cause opens if the nickel surface starts to oxidize?  Could anyone tell
me where I can find documented proof which supports this theory?
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