Magnetic heads material removal

This chapter provides experimental data for the magnetic head material removal rate and surface finish. These two parameters were considered as the important factors for the magnetic head manufacturer as it reflects the needs of the customers. In this step, where we super polish the magnetic heads, we are trying to obtain a direct relationship between slurry type and material removal rate. Other characteristics to be included are particle size, concentration, and amoimt more parameters will be included in future experiments. 

The first approach toward super polishing of magnetic heads attempts to provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of the resulting surfaces of the magnetic heads and the material removal rate of the process. Keeping other parameters as constant as possible and changing only the slurry t)q)e, we are able to determine the best choice to cover the customer needs in terms of production volume, economy, and surface quality. This fact will help the related industries to make appropriate suggestions to their customers needs. 

This test was developed to rate the abrasivity of head cleaning tapes for magnetic recording devices. Some tapes were more abrasive than others all intentionally contained abrasive particles, usually aluminum oxide, to remove brown stain from heads. The stains were really adhesive transfer of polymer from the tapes that contact tlm heads. The riders in the original test were made from high nickel alloys or other materials that were used for recording heads. This was done to simulate the actual tribo stem. Since that time, it has been learned that type 316 stainless steel balls, that are readily commercially available, produced the same rankings as the more exotic materials. For this reason, 316 stainless steel has become somewhat of a standard for evaluation of the abrasivity of all sorts of web materials. 

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