{"id":2304,"date":"2026-07-04T11:28:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T03:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/?page_id=2304"},"modified":"2026-07-04T11:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T03:28:09","slug":"stamped-contact-wipe-edge-radius-rfq-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/fil\/stamped-contact-wipe-edge-radius-rfq-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Stamped Contact Wipe and Edge Radius RFQ Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> Stamped contacts should be quoted with wipe length, mating direction, contact force, edge radius, burr side, and plating wear evidence when the mating interface is functional. A sharp edge can scrape plating or plastic, while too much radius can reduce contact pressure or wipe action. The RFQ should connect geometry to resistance and cycling evidence.<\/p>\n

Contact wipe is the small sliding motion that helps a stamped contact clean or stabilize the mating interface. It can improve electrical behavior, but it can also create wear, plating debris, or unstable resistance if the edge, force, and mating surface are not controlled.<\/p>\n

Use this page with the terminal and contact design guide<\/a>, electrical contact resistance guide<\/a>, terminal plating selection guide<\/a>, and deburring and edge break guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Contact wipe and edge decisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Decision<\/th>\nWhy it matters<\/th>\nRFQ evidence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Wipe length<\/td>\nToo little wipe may leave oxide; too much can wear plating.<\/td>\nMating travel, contact path, and allowed wear mark.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Edge radius<\/td>\nSharp edges can scrape; excessive radius can reduce contact behavior.<\/td>\nRadius target, edge break, burr side, and inspection method.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mating surface<\/td>\nTin, nickel, silver, gold, and bare metal wear differently.<\/td>\nMating finish, hardness, roughness, and approved substitutes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Electrical evidence<\/td>\nGeometry alone does not prove stable contact.<\/td>\nResistance before and after cycling, force, and visual contact mark.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Connect edge shape to the mating path<\/h2>\n

A contact drawing may show width, height, and material, but the mating edge is often what decides the field result. If the edge wipes across a pad, blade, shell, or chassis surface, define the direction of motion and which edge touches first. Burr side and edge radius should be controlled around that contact path.<\/p>\n

A burr toward the mating surface can cut plating or create debris. A heavily rounded edge may lower local pressure and reduce useful wipe. The right edge condition depends on contact force, plating, mating finish, travel, current, and acceptable wear. This is why a simple maximum burr callout may not be enough for contact surfaces. For receiving checks, align the edge note with the incoming inspection checklist<\/a> so inspectors know which edge is functional.<\/p>\n

Review plating and cycling together<\/h2>\n

Plating choice and wipe behavior should be reviewed together. Tin can be cost effective but may need enough force and stable motion. Gold flash may support low-current signals but can wear quickly if the wipe path is long or the mating surface is rough. Nickel, silver, or selective plating may change both cost and test evidence.<\/p>\n

For low-current or signal applications, resistance drift may matter more than visible wear. For grounding or power contacts, contact area and heat rise may matter. If vibration or small motion is part of the risk, pair this review with the fretting corrosion guide<\/a> and define the resistance measurement points.<\/p>\n

RFQ details to include<\/h2>\n