Magnetic Head Lapping Angle Adjustment for Recording Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of magnetic heads for perpendicular magnetic recording systems, existing methods do not adequately consider the magnetic pole length of the recording element during the lapping process, limiting the achievable recording density.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes an angle adjusting step to set the angle of the floated surface with respect to the substrate, followed by a lapping step, allowing for precise adjustment of both the magnetic pole length of the recording and reproducing elements, with the intersecting angle optimized within 90°±0.3° to enhance recording density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lapping step only adjusts the magnetic pole length of the reproducing element, then the reading performance is improved, but the recording density cannot be further enhanced due to lack of control over the recording element's magnetic pole length
Solution Approach 1:
The lapping process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first lapping step that primarily controls the reproducing element's magnetic pole length for reading performance, and a second lapping step that controls the recording element's magnetic pole length for recording density. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both elements without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lapping step is performed preliminarily to establish the reproducing element's magnetic pole length before the second lapping step adjusts the recording element's magnetic pole length. This preliminary action ensures that reading performance requirements are met before optimizing for recording density.
2Ease of manufacture
If the magnetic pole length of the recording element is not strictly controlled in the lapping step, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the recording density cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The lapping process is divided into two steps with different control priorities. The first step maintains simplicity by focusing only on the reproducing element, while the second step introduces precise control for the recording element's magnetic pole length to enable higher recording density.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of controlling both elements simultaneously from the beginning, the patent applies partial control in the first step (reproducing element only) and adds excessive precision in the second step (recording element) only when needed for high-density recording applications.
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-step lapping process is implemented to control both magnetic pole lengths, then the recording density is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex task of controlling both magnetic pole lengths is segmented into two manageable steps, each with a specific control objective. This reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the simultaneous control problem into sequential, simpler control tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lapping step performs preliminary control of the reproducing element before the second step addresses the recording element. This preliminary action simplifies the overall process by establishing a baseline control state that reduces the complexity of subsequent adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In a magnetic head manufacturing method, a floated surface of each block having plural magnetic head elements formed and arranged on a substrate is ground and lapped in a grinding/lapping step. The grinding/lapping step contains an angle adjusting step for adjusting the angle of the floated surface of the block with reference to a magnetic-head-element formed surface of a substrate and grinding the floated surface concerned, and a finishing lapping step of lapping the floated surface at an angle adjusted in the angle adjusting step.