A Plating Microsection Can Redirect a Premature-Wear Investigation

What the evidence preview establishes

The plating on both sides of the contact pair was uniform and generally met specification, with no anomaly capable of explaining the premature wear. The evidence redirected the investigation toward mechanical factors such as shock and vibration.

Why this case matters

Do not assume visible contact wear began with thin plating. Measure both mating surfaces and compare them with specification; acceptable continuous layers shift the corrective-action focus toward contact mechanics and dynamic loading.