Swaging is the primary method of attaching magnetic recording heads to the actuator in computer hard disk drives. The swaging process involves passing a series of precision balls through the hubs of swage mounts mounted to magnetic recording heads stacked in an assembly. The balls plastically deform the swage mount hubs such that the heads are precisely located by press fit into holes in the actuator arms. The actuator locates the heads over the appropriate disk tracks during drive operation. Failed magnetic recording heads attached by swaging can be removed and replaced with good heads to lower manufacturing yield losses.

Before IntriPlex's involvement, all swage mounts were turned on automatic lathes (screw machined). The data storage industry needed a lower cost, higher volume, more dimensionally capable supply solution that was scalable to very high volumes. IntriPlex exceeded these goals by developing a manufacturing process that formed all part dimensions through stamping.

IntriPlex continues to innovate swage mount products, processes and testing to satisfy the needs of the fast paced data storage industry. We created the industry standard Universal Swage Tester (US Patent 5,948,997) to asses and optimize swaged connections. As magnetic recording head fly heights were further reduced, IntriPlex developed near burr-free stamping and non abrasive deburring solutions. Hard particles are transferred to parts exposed to traditional abrasive deburring methods. These particles cause failures at the head disk interface.

IntriPlex was the first to implement interferometer based metrology to control the flatness and shape of swage mount flanges to the 0.5µm (20µin) level. Programmed test and reference regions are used to mimic critical part datums and surfaces. This metrology is now an industry standard requirement to meet demanding head fly height, dynamic and read/write performance. IntriPlex was also the first to model the swage process through finite element simulations to optimize part and system design and performance.

IntriPlex continues to lead the data storage industry with swage mount solutions. How can we help you?