Abstract: Systems and methods are illustrated for manufacturing hard disks with double lubrication layers that allow minimization of a HDD head DFH touchdown point while maintaining good tribology performance for HDD reliability. An exemplary hard disk includes a magnetic recording layer, a carbon overcoat, and a double lubrication layer: a bonded lubrication layer and a mobile lubrication layer. The bonded lubrication layer includes a high conformity and high density first lubricant. The mobile layer include a high lubricity lubricant that promotes HDI reliability.

Abstract: A disk buffing apparatus includes a spindle for rotating an annular disk, and a first pad arm for loading a first abrasive tape against a first surface of the annular disk. The first pad arm includes a pad arm frame having a pad receptacle and a first pad. The first pad has a first damping layer in contact with the first pad arm within the pad receptacle, and a first tape loading layer for contacting the first abrasive tape. The first damping layer comprises a first polymeric material and the first tape loading layer comprises a second polymeric material. The first polymeric material has a lesser hardness than the second polymeric material.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning workpieces are described. One method includes performing both a sonication cleaning operation and a rinse cleaning operation within a single cleaning tank. Another cleaning method described includes the use of cross flow of cleaning liquid within a cleaning tank while performing a rinse clean. The cleaning method includes the oscillation of one or more workpieces in the cleaning tank to perform the rinse clean.

Abstract: Systems and methods are illustrated for manufacturing hard disks with double lubrication layers that allow minimization of a HDD head DFH touchdown point while maintaining good tribology performance for HDD reliability. An exemplary hard disk includes a magnetic recording layer, a carbon overcoat, and a double lubrication layer: a bonded lubrication layer and a mobile lubrication layer. The bonded lubrication layer includes a high conformity and high density first lubricant. The mobile layer include a high lubricity lubricant that promotes HDI reliability.

Abstract: A disk is placed into a sonication cleaning tank containing a liquid. A first flow rate and a first sonication power are applied to the liquid to clean the disk. An opacity count is generated indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the liquid. Based at least in part on the opacity count, a second flow rate and a second sonication power are then applied to the liquid.

Abstract: A composite lubricant for recording disk media, a recording disk media including a layer of the composite lubricant, and method of manufacturing the same are described. The composite lubricant may include a non-phosphazene component and a phosphazene component where the non-phosphazene component is a difunctional perfluoropolyether compound terminated with first and second polar end groups, the first polar end group comprising a first number of hydroxyls and the second polar end includes a second number of hydroxyls, greater than the first number of hydroxyls. The phosphazene component may be a difunctional perfluoropolyether compound terminated with a phosphazene functional group and with a third polar end group, the third polar end group comprising a third number of hydroxyls equal to the second number of hydroxyls.

Abstract: A composite lubricant for recording disk media, a recording disk media including a layer of the composite lubricant, and method of manufacturing the same are described. The composite lubricant may include a non-phosphazene component and a phosphazene component where the non-phosphazene component is a difunctional perfluoropolyether compound terminated with first and second polar end groups, the first polar end group comprising a first number of hydroxyls and the second polar end includes a second number of hydroxyls, greater than the first number of hydroxyls. The phosphazene component may be a difunctional perfluoropolyether compound terminated with a phosphazene functional group and with a third polar end group, the third polar end group comprising a third number of hydroxyls equal to the second number of hydroxyls.

Abstract: A stamper having a perfluoropolyether coating.

Abstract: A burnishing tape apparatus includes pads that press the burnishing tape against the surfaces of the disk to be burnished. The pads are mounted on pad holders that are biased to press the pads against both sides of the disk. Tape guides are used to apply tension to the burnishing pad when the pads are moved away from the disk. When the pads are away from the disk tape guides hold the burnishing tape away from the pads so that the burnishing tape may be indexed without damaging or dislodging the pads. As the pads are moved into contact with the disk, the tape guides release the tension on the burnishing tape while the centering guides ensure that the burnishing tape is centered on the pads. By releasing tension on the burnishing tape, the pads are permitted to press the approximate center of the burnishing tape against the surfaces of the disk without deforming in an uncontrolled manner.