Abstract: A process for producing high precision apertures in plastic components comprises the steps of: injection molding the component from a crystalline or semicrystalline thermoplastic material wherein at least one aperture is formed in the component during the molding step; inserting an annealing rod having an oversized diameter with respect to the aperture into the aperture; placing the component, with the annealing rod inserted into the aperture, into an oven at an elevated temperature for a period of time; allowing the component to cool; and withdrawing the annealing rod from the aperture of the component.

Abstract: A carriage assembly has a carriage frame which supports a transducer for reading and/or writing on a recording medium. The carriage frame is slideably supported upon support members for rectilinear movement with respect to the recording medium. The carriage assembly includes an auxiliary mass slideably supported upon a support rod of a support framework secured to the carriage frame. The auxiliary mass is slideably mounted on the support rod between elastomeric spring dampers disposed at opposite ends of the mass. The carriage assemby is driven by a flexible band which is secured at its ends to the carriage frame and is in wrapped engagement with the drive shaft of a stepper motor. The drive force of the motor is applied to the carriage assembly along a drive axis. The effect of the auxiliary mass and mass support framework is to align the drive axis with the center of mass of the carriage assembly in order to damp carriage vibrations and improve transducer/track alignment.