Method for manufacturing a magnetic tape head using an ink mask formed by printing

Abstract

A method for forming a protective overcoat onto a tape bearing surface of a tape head used for magnetic tape recording. In order to ensure optimal surface tension and liftoff properties of the ink mask, the tape bearing surface is treated with a first application of ethanol, followed by an application of polydimethylsiloxane, followed by a second application of ethanol. After this treatment an ink mask can be printed onto the tape bearing surface so as to form a mask having an opening over the location of the magnetic transducer. An etching can then be performed followed by the deposition of a protective coating such as alumina.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to magnetic data recording and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a magnetic tape head using ink printing to pattern an overcoat with high resolution.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In magnetic storage systems, data is read from and written onto magnetic recording media utilizing magnetic transducers. Data is written on the magnetic recording media by moving a magnetic recording transducer to a position over the media where the data is to be stored. The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field, which encodes the data into the magnetic media. Data is read from the media by similarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic media. Read and write operations may be independently synchronized with the movement of the media to ensure that the data can be read from and written to the desired location on the media.[0003]An important and continuing ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The above treatment of the tape bearing surface prior to printing of the ink mask provides an optimal surface tension that allows the mask to be well defined by printing, but which also allows the ink mask to be removed. The ink mask can be formed with an opening at a location of the magnetic transducer. After forming the mask, an etching can be performed followed by deposition of ...

Problems solved by technology

However, the development of small footprint, higher performance tape drive systems has created various problems in the design of a tape head assembly for use in such systems.

The Wallace spacing is, among other factors, due to asperities on the tape and to erosion of the sensor due to wear.

Build up of non-magnetic material between the sensor and the tape magnetic coating can also cause Wallace spacing.

Corrosion or oxidation initiated at the TBS of the sensor or the protective poles surrounding the sensor can also lead to increased Wallace spacing losses.

Corrosion or oxidation of the sensor at the TBS can result in surface oxidation of the sensor metals which results in an increase in the spacing betwee...

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