I looked at the broken parts under a microscope. The two halves are injection molded. A form of epoxy or ultrasonic welding is used in conjunction with centering posts.
I know these things because I develop high density connectors for the Electronics industry.
Yes. That was what I was getting at. The two halves are injection molded but they are bonded in some other way. I only looked at mine with a 20x loupe and figured it was glued together.
My field is maintaining DVD replication equipment, mainly on the metalizing end, but I have to know a little bit about the molding end. Maybe they should use the polycarbonate we use to make DVDs? That stuff is durable but requires 250C to mold it.
I looked at the broken parts under a microscope. The two halves are injection molded. A form of epoxy or ultrasonic welding is used in conjunction with centering posts.
If you look at the second picture, you will notice the base plastic is cracking. Whatever was used to join the case may have been working, however the plastic is inferior. It was split several places, including a split running down behind the label. This split is a tear that propagated down from the "gate" of the injection molding.
When you press on the top of a SD card, There is a lot of shear force acting against the spring that acts against the card down in the slot. If the plastic is the improper grade for the application, it will not handle the stress. The breaks I observed were very shiny, the material is brittle. I cannot see any filler used in the plastic. Fillers are added to improve strength and flame retardancy.
The heat from the Axim would not affect a proper Engineered plastic. I believe the wrong material was used, whether it be by design or by a mistake on the subcontractor (more likely the latter).
It doesn't help that a SD card is a flimsy casing in general. They probably shouldn't be used in applications where a heavy spring acts on the bottom while you push from the top directly on the case's seam.
I know these things because I develop high density connectors for the Electronics industry.
This is an awesome post.
A crazy informative and in-depth answer ... followed by validation.
I was just reading along and thinking '''What the hell? Is he making this stuff up?" :approve:
For those of you following the story, I received a somewhat used card to replace the one I sent in. It took exactly two weeks from the time I emailed until I had the replacement card in my hand, and I live on the East Coast.
The card looks the same, with a dark blue jacket and pink label 150X.
Edit: This card benchmarks the same as the original.
This warranty experience was good with A-Data.
__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."
I have several A-Data cards too...and my 4gb card did the exact same thing that yours did. They must be aware of a problem because they sent an RMA number right away (it was the same canned email that the original poster posted).
The replacement 4GB card is now crackling apart, just like the first one did. Meanwhile, my other 9 A-Data cards are fine.
This time, I'm getting the runaround. Instead of support from A-Data USA, I'm getting emails with taiwan characters.
First, they wanted pictures as proof. I sent those. Then they told me to consider purchasing RMA service for $10. I called BS. Now they want me to dig up records from the first service.
Every day goes by I am getting aggravating emails instead of appropriate customer support.
I thought you guys deserve to know. More details will follow.
__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."
Please provide the clear front and rear pictures of the SD card for us to identify its physical condition better.
Regards,
[unsigned]
---
Thu 6/7/2007 7:12 AM
Here are your pictures.
Recently when I had trouble writing to it I removed it from the device. To remove it you must press on the back edge. When doing so, It makes a brittle crackle noise.
Also, the write lock falls out when in the unprotected position.
Thank you,
Paul
---
Fri 6/8/2007 3:51 AM
Dear Paul,
We can only provide the paid RMA service for $10. Please inform us if you are willing to have the card fixed.
I have purchased a total of 10 A-DATA cards (1x4GB, 8x2GB, 1x1GB) and use them all the same. Only the 4GB has a problem.
You replaced the original problem another card with the same quality problem. Instead of being embarrassed, you want me to pay more? This is inconsistent with your warranty, and you are inconsistent in your claim methods.
I am an Engineer. Paying for RMA service is absurd.
Please provide appropriate customer service. I await your reply.
Regards,
Paul
---
Fri 6/8/2007 6:40 AM
Dear Paul,
We would like to know when and from whom you got the card replaced before first.
Regards,
[unsigned]
---
Fri 6/8/2007 5:29 PM
The support was given at a USA facility on the west coast via "support@adatausa.com". This was on June 27, 2006. The replacement was shipped to me July 7, 2006. Please check your business records for any additional details you require.
Paul
---
Mon 6/11/2007 5:44 PM
When are you going to provide quality service for a repeated product defect?
Do you not like to have happy customers?
Paul
---
Mon 6/11/2007 11:30 PM
Dear Paul,
Our USA branch didn't find any information you mentioned. What was the name you used? Or, what was the RMA number?
Regards,
[unsigned]
---
Tue 6/12/2007 7:00 AM
I really don't care about your internal problems with record keeping. Why are you sending me short useless messages, instead of telling me how you will be providing me service?
Why isn't your USA branch still providing warranty service? They provided excellent service, as I documented in the following link. Did you bother reading it yet?
I remember they even told me they were sorry I had problems with their product. I see nothing in your emails to me that indicate you are sorry your product repeatedly fails.
Is everybody in your country cold and inconsiderate? Evidently you want my money or your want me to leave you alone. Bring back USA service.
Paul
---
Tue 6/12/2007 8:01 AM
I told you WHEN I received service. I cannot tell you WHO provided the service.
Consider YOUR emails. You do not sign your emails! I do not know WHO I am receiveing emails from. How do you expect me to have information if it is not provided to me?
Please escalate this service inquiry to someone in the USA who can assist me. I am unhappy with service I am getting at this time.
Regards,
Paul
---
Tue 6/12/2007 10:40 PM
Dear Paul,
The webpage you wanted us to take a look at is not existing. Yet, our USA branch will contact you and provide the RMA service.
I had a problem with a 4GB SD card coming apart (splitting in half) when pressing on the back side to eject it. The write protect switch will not stay in place. The plastic is all brittle.
It just so happens this is the same card that was replaced about one year ago to the date.
I am also using 1 each 1GB card and 8 each 2GB cards for a very long time without any such problem.
I simply want the card replaced under the lifetime warranty.
I've spent a couple thousand dollars on A-Data cards and now "A-Data Taiwan" is giving me the run-around.
I hope that you can help me get back in business with my 4GB A-Data card. I cannot use it as it exists, the write protect tab defect won't allow me to write to it.
Thanks,
Paul
---
Dear Paul,
We apologize for the inconvenience that may have caused you.
RMA form(see attached file)
Please complete your return address(no P.O. Box) and make a copy with the return unit.
************************************************** ************************************************** *****
Mark given RMA# outside of the returning package.
A-DATA strongly recommends to use a freight carrier that provides online tracking service.
A-DATA will not be liable for any lost or damage caused by carrier during the transit from end-user.
A-DATA recommend you use bubble envelop and tape the unit on the letter if you ship it by post mail.
************************************************** ************************************************** *****
Please feel free to contact us if there is any query.
Best Regards
[unsigned]
---
June 15, 2007
Card carefully packaged and sent via USPS priority flat rate envelope with RMA form and copy of original receipt to California address provided by ADataUSA.
__________________
"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."
I've got a 4-gig A-Data, and have absolutely no problems with it (knock on wood). Please keep us updated with your customer service. From reading this thread, I don't think I'll buy any more A-Data memory.
The Microcenter memory (somebody here posted a coupon a few months ago) works perfect, and gets tossed around between PDA, Camera, GPS (old Meridian Green), and the laptop -- used outside with a telescope (the card holds my starcharts). These Microcenter cards take a beating! The A-Data really doesn't.
My 4G A-Data SD is working well also... I think I purchased it about 2 years ago for about $130. Mine stays in my X51v almost 100% of the time but based upon this thread, I took it out and looked at it through a loop. I found one side was starting to seperate at the seam so I think I'll tack it with a few small drops of superglue. Thanks for starting and running this thread Paul and please keep us updated as you can.
Thanks for this thread. I bought 2 4GB A-DATA cards a while ago. One has been flawless. The other fell apart exactly the same as the ones mentioned. The top and bottom separated 'cleanly' so that I tried glue, tape, etc. but I never did get it working. I've held on to it tho.
I just sent my letter today asking for an RMA. I'll add the results here. It would be great to get a working card again. . .
whoah the EXACT same thing happened with me. I bought it nearly a year ago? I taped it for a few months but that peeled off and now it split in two. Do I need to dig up the receipts or do I just send it in? I'll shoot that email address a message with some pictures I guess.
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That stuff is durable but requires 250C to mold it.
Super Member
Judge for yourself - A-Data service has changed
