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01 - Substrates
3.5” aluminium or 2.5” glass substrates are processed. |
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02 - Texture
Substrates are polished to create texture patterns on the disk surface. Texturing is done for the purpose of removing substrate level defects. In addition inducing a specified level of roughness to prevent stiction between the head–disk interface. Finally it is done for aiding magnetic anisotropy in the sputtering process. |
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03 - Wash
All particulate contaminations must be removed and the disk surface must be perfectly cleaned and dry before entering the vacuum sputtering process. |
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04 - Sputter
Magnetic thin film layers are sputtered onto the disk surface Areal densities for media are primarily determined by this process. Substrates take on magnetic properties after various layers of magnetic alloys are sputtered onto them. A carbon layer finish is applied to make the media more robust and durable. |
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05 - Lubrication
A layer of solvent based lubricants are coated over the disk surface to enhance durability and media reliability performance. |
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06 - Tape Burnish
An abrasive tape is used to remove any asperities on the disk before testing. |
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07 - Testing
Disk is sent for mechanical and parametric testing. |
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08 - Packing
All disks that pass testing are then sealed in a vacuum package, ready for shipment to customers. |
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Disclaimer: Manufacturing flow may be modified depending on program requirements.
