Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the metallurgical bond between the end of an armature wire of an electric motor and the connector riser or tine on the motor armature. The armature wire has a titanium oxide-containing insulation coating. The titanium oxide content improves the resistance of the wire to erosive forces which occur during the winding operation but it also tends to interfere with the metallurgical bond between the wire and the riser or tine. The disclosed method involves the roughening of the surface of the riser or tine at least to a depth equal to the thickness of the insulation. Grit or vapor blasting with silica glass beads as well as other roughening techniques are disclosed.