Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A method for mounting a head slider of the type having terminal pads to a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure including a slider mounting region, lead contact pads, and a deflectable and resilient slider engagement member for releasably mounting a head slider to the slider mounting region. The method includes engaging and deflecting the slider engagement member and positioning the head slider onto the slider mounting region and between the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member while the slider engagement member is deflected. The method further includes disengaging the slider engagement member and causing the slider engagement member to force the head slider into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member with the lead contact pads in mechanical and electrical contact with the head slider terminal pads.

Abstract: A robotic tool for assembling a portion of a disk drive includes a movable end effector that includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to engage the actuator assembly and the second portion may be configured to engage the flex circuit connector. A controller may be provided to control the movable end effector, causing the end effector to pick up the head stack assembly in a first configuration, move the second portion of the end effector relative to the first portion thereof so as to articulate the head stack assembly into a second configuration that is different than the first configuration, and place the head stack assembly into the base.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a shipping comb for assembling a disk drive is provided. The shipping comb has a comb block which includes a locking portion having a comb pin hole formed therein, at least one spacer, and a connecting beam to connect the locking portion and the at least one spacer. A comb pin is received in the comb pin hole of the locking portion. The comb pin includes at least two engaging portions. A controlling system has a comb latch selectively engagable with the at least two engaging portions so as to control the comb pin to move in the comb pin hole. In certain example embodiments, a method for assembling a disk drive using the shipping comb is provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive for use with a host electronic unit (HEU). The HEU including a printed circuit board having a socket and HEU disk drive circuitry. The method includes providing a lead frame. The lead frame is a single component having material continuity rather than an assembly of subcomponents. The method includes forming a plurality of leads in the lead frame by removing material of the lead frame, and attaching the lead frame to a housing body. The housing body defines a housing periphery sized and configured to be engaged within the socket. The leads extend to the housing periphery. The method includes attaching a disk drive electrical component to the housing body, and electrically connecting the disk drive electrical component to at least one of leads. The disk drive circuitry is located on the HEU printed circuit board rather than within the housing periphery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to techniques to remove a defective head gimbal assembly (HGA) from a head stack assembly and replace the defective HGA with a good one without allowing any good HGAs to be damaged. In one embodiment, a volatile alcohol solvent is moved by gravity from a holder included in a reworking tool provided for a reworking jig to a shearing edge of a cartridge type edge mounted in the holder. The alcohol solvent is thereby deposited on the shearing edge in a drop-like shape through surface tension. The cartridge type edge is made to slide on a surface of an actuator arm and is inserted in a gap between contacting surfaces of a mount plate and the actuator arm. This assigns the drop-like alcohol solvent a function as a lubricant. Possible vibration can therefore be prevented from being transmitted through a carriage to other HGAs.

Abstract: A method of producing hard disk drives of reduced size including using a one or more MEMS spindle motors, and one or more magnetic heads. Each spindle motor includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor carries a film of magnetic film, and a head is arranged to communicate data with the magnetic film. The rotors are formed by MEMS technology. Rotor elements are formed within a substrate 4, and the substrate is subsequently cut to simulate the rotor elements, and turn them into rotors.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a performance parameter of a head suspension for positioning a read/write head in a disk drive. The suspension includes a beam and flexible element for carrying a read/write head extending from the beam. The flexible element has one or more adjustment portions. The beam has one or more openings adjacent to the adjustment portions of the flexible element to provide access to the adjustment portions through the beam. The method comprises acting upon one or more adjustment portions of the flexible element through one or more of the openings in the beam to change a performance parameter of the head suspension. A laser beam is used to irradiate the adjustment portions of the flexible element in one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A head actuator assembly of a disk device has a suspension which supports a head, an arm which supports the suspension and is rotatably supported by a bearing portion, signal wires which extend on the suspension and the arm and are connected electrically to the head, and a board unit. In manufacture, the signal wires are mounted on the suspension and the arm, and a connecting end portion of the board unit is connected to the signal wires mounted on the suspension and the arm. Thereafter, the head is mounted on the suspension and connected electrically to the signal wires.

Abstract: A micro-actuator used in HGA of the disk drive unit is provided. The micro-actuator comprises a metal frame which includes a base piece and two opposite arms extending from the base piece, in which at least two pieces of thin film PZT are attached to the side surface(s) of each one of said two opposite arms respectively in such a manner that the displacement of each arm is increased due to the superposition effect when each arm displaces together with the thin film PZT attached thereon in response to drive signal(s) applied to the thin film PZT. Since at least two pieces of thin film PZT are attached on the side surface(s) of each arm, an increased displacement of the arms can be achieved due to the superposition effect.

Abstract: A method for forming a planarized surface for at least one bar of sliders for utilization in a hard disk drive is disclosed. In general, at least one bar of sliders is placed on an adhesive layer. A single thermoplastic layer is then provided above the at least one bar of sliders. The single thermoplastic layer is then heated to a softening temperature such that the single thermoplastic layer will flow between the at least one bar of sliders. The single thermoplastic layer is then cooled to form a planarized surface of both said single thermoplastic layer and said at least one bar of sliders at said adhesive layer.

Abstract: The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.

Abstract: A head actuator assembly of a disk device has a suspension which supports a head, an arm which supports the suspension and is rotatably supported by a bearing portion, signal wires which extend on the suspension and the arm and are connected electrically to the head, and a board unit. In manufacture, the signal wires are mounted on the suspension and the arm, and a connecting end portion of the board unit is connected to the signal wires mounted on the suspension and the arm. Thereafter, the head is mounted on the suspension and connected electrically to the signal wires.

Abstract: A limiter used to limit the motion of a ring gimbal with attached slider relative to a load beam within a head suspension assembly of a disk drive. The ring gimbal includes a flexible substrate supporting at least one electrical lead and a limiter assembly joined to a portion of the flexible substrate. The ring gimbal also includes a tongue portion disposed within a substantially ring-like portion. The limiter is attached to a first surface of the tongue portion. The gimbal may further include a slider attached to a second surface of the tongue portion, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface of the tongue portion.

Abstract: A method of assembling a head gimbal assembly. The method comprises a series of steps which include: stacking a base plate, a load beam, and a flexure to form a three-layered stacked series with at least a bottom layer being a base plate series; joining portions of the load beam to the base plate, and the flexure to the load beam in the three-layered stacked series to make a suspension section; attaching a slider to the flexure in the suspension section to make a head gimbal assembly; load-bending a hinge portion formed in the head gimbal assembly; and heating the hinge portion in order to adjust a bending load on the hinge portion at a predetermined bending angle to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a magnetic head with which bonding of a slider and a suspension can be performed by taking an ABS pattern, which determines flying characteristics, as a reference, with no special fabrication required on the slider or the suspension. The method relates to a method of manufacturing a magnetic head for attaching a slider, on which an air bearing surface (ABS) is formed, to a suspension. A surface of the slider on which the ABS is formed is photographed, and the ABS and an engraved region formed within the ABS are identified from the photographed image. Then, a reference that serves as a guide in attaching the suspension is computed, and the slider is attached to the suspension based on the reference. It thus becomes possible for positive pressure and negative pressure that occur in the ABS to be well balanced centered about the suspension, making it possible to stabilize flying attitude and electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of bonding flying leads produces reliable bonds between the flying leads and substrate pads and can efficiently bond a plurality of flying leads and a plurality of substrate pads using a bonding tool. Flying leads are respectively aligned with a plurality of substrate pads disposed in parallel and a bonding tool applies ultrasonic vibration to the flying leads to bond the respective substrate pads and the flying leads. Bonding is carried out using a bonding tool in which (at least one contact member) a plurality of contact members that contact(s) the flying leads and apply (applies) the ultrasonic vibration thereto are (is) rotatably supported.

Abstract: A disk drive head stack assembly (66) of a configuration that facilitates the assembly thereof is disclosed. One or more head/arm assemblies (74) are mounted on a pivot bearing (118). This pivot bearing (118) includes a tapered section (126). Each head/arm assembly (74) may be mounted on the pivot bearing (118). Thereafter, a retainer ring (102) may be advanced relative to the pivot bearing (118). Advancement of the retainer ring (102) along the tapered section (126) expands the retainer ring (102) so that the same may be disposed within a retainer ring slot (130) of the pivot bearing (118). Each head/arm assembly (74) is maintained between this retainer ring (102) and a flange (134) of the pivot bearing (118).

Abstract: A system and method for the production level screening of low flying magnetic heads in the manufacture of disk drive head disk assemblies (HDAs) is disclosed. A test disk is provided and has a plurality of bumps extending from at least one surface thereof. The test disk is rotated to fly a head of a head gimbal assembly selected from the group adjacent the surface of the test disk. An interaction of the head with one or more of the plurality of bumps may be sensed and the head gimbal assembly may be screened out from the group in response to the sensing of the interaction.

Abstract: A disk drive unit includes a first cover having a first part of magnet component and a head stack assembly mounted on the first cover; and a second cover assembled with the first cover, which having a second part of magnet component, a spindle motor and at least one disks. The invention also discloses a ramp tool used for assembling the disk drive which has its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, which includes a tool body; and a holding means extending from the tool body to hold a lift tab of a head stack assembly in a loading status. The invention also disclose a method of assembling such as disk drive unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge assembly of a hard disk drive, including a step of forming a part of a wiring circuit into flying leads and a step of forming a coating layer on the respective opposite surfaces of the bonding surfaces of the flying leads, which will be connected to bonding terminals of a flexible printed circuit board. The method also includes a step of placing an ultrasonic tool in contact with the opposite surfaces of the flying leads via the coating layers, and applying ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic tool in a state where the flying leads are pressed onto the bonding terminals to ultrasonically bond the flying leads and the bonding terminals together. Additionally, the method includes a step of heating and melting the coating layers to smooth surfaces of the coating layers that have been roughened by contact with the ultrasonic tool during ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a suspension for disc drive includes a process for manufacturing a semi-finished suspension product integrally including a base plate, a rigid body portion of a load beam, and a pair of connecting portions connecting the base plate and the rigid body portion. The method also includes a process for fixing a spring member, formed independently of the semi-finished suspension product, to the base plate and the rigid body portion of the semi-finished product, and a process for cutting off the connecting portions, projecting individually from the opposite sides of the spring member, from the base plate and the rigid body portion after the spring member is fixed to the semi-finished suspension product.

Abstract: A method of making electromagnetic wave shielded read and write wires is provided. The method includes forming a bottom insulation layer on a bottom shield layer formed on a substrate. Then, forming electrically conductive wire material into openings in a first forming layer to form first and second read wires and first and second write wires. Forming a top insulation layer on the bottom insulation layer and on the wires. Then, forming a second forming layer on the top insulation layer with first, second, third, fourth and fifth openings down to the top insulation layer. Ion milling portions of the top insulation layer exposed by the openings in the second forming layer down to the bottom shield layer, then removing the second forming layer. Then, forming nonmagnetic electrically conductive middle shield layers in the openings in electrical contact with the bottom shield layer and forming a top shield layer on top of the middle shield layer.

Abstract: A head stack assembly of a disk drive unit including a head arm assembly (HAA) having a head gimbal assembly, a drive arm to be connected with the head gimbal assembly; wherein the drive arm comprises a securing portion, a connection portion and a spacer connecting the securing portion with the connection portion. In the present invention, at least one undercut is formed on the spacer of the drive arm to strengthen the drive arm. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing such a head stack assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic head arm assembly (HAA), reducing complexity of design and difficulty of manufacture, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for reworking a head gimbal assembly (HGA). An ultrasonic probe is used to stress the connection between the slider component of an HGA to remove the slider from its mounting position.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a magnetic head device includes a preheating step of irradiating a laser beam to terminal pads of a magnetic head slider and to connection pads of a lead conductor member that is to be electrically connected to the magnetic head slider, a supply step of supplying conductive metal material for connecting the terminal pads and the connection pads during or after the preheating step, and a heating step of performing molten-metal connections between the terminal pads and the connection pads by irradiating a laser beam to the conductive metal material.

Abstract: The upper voice coil motor magnet assembly (64a?) of a disk drive (10?) is magnetically aligned with the lower voice coil motor magnet assembly (64b?) using an alignment fixture (126). The alignment fixture (126) engages the upper voice coil motor magnet assembly (64a?) and lifts the same into a suspended position above the lower voice coil motor magnet assembly (64b?). In this suspended condition, the alignment fixture (126) allows the magnetic field to move the upper voice coil motor magnet assembly (64a?) within the horizontal dimension to a magnetically aligned position with the lower voice coil motor magnet assembly (64b?). Thereafter, the alignment fixture (126) lowers the upper voice coil motor magnet assembly (64a?) to a position where the same is again supported above the lower voice coil motor magnet assembly (64b?).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a clamping mechanism capable of clamping a magnetic disk by an accurate fastening force. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk fastening method includes the steps of: mounting a magnetic disk on a hub structure, setting a thin plate spring having a pressure-bearing part, a flexible part and a disk holding part at a predetermined position relative to the magnetic disk with the disk holding part in contact with a surface of the magnetic disk; pressing the pressure-bearing part by screwing a fastening screw in a threaded hole formed in the hub structure; measuring a deflection by which the flexible part is deflected in the pressure-bearing part pressing step; and stopping pressing the magnetic disk upon the increase of the deflection to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a method of manufacturing a disk drive coupling apparatus for rigidly coupling a disk drive to a chassis of a computer. In one embodiment, a disk drive to chassis coupler is formed and a disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism is created. One end of the disk drive to chassis coupler can be coupled to the chassis. The disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism can be used to cause the second end of the disk drive to chassis coupler to apply pressure to the disk drive, thus, the disk drive can be rigidly coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for easily and reliably neutralizing charge in an assembly process for an actuator head suspension assembly used in a magnetic disk device. In one embodiment, a head suspension assembly includes a wire trace that includes a laminated structure of a metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a conductor layer, and a second dielectric layer. The conductor layer includes an exposed portion exposed from the second dielectric layer. The suspension assembly also includes a head/slider supported by the metal layer. An actuator assembly includes an actuator arm and a flexible printed circuit board. The exposed portion of the conductor layer is immersed in a charge neutralizing solvent. The head suspension assembly is mounted to the actuator arm. A terminal of the wire trace is connected to a terminal of the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A framing assembly with lower stiffness design and a method of manufacturing that framing assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a framing assembly pattern is cut from a piece of a thin planar material, such as metal. The pattern is then bent to form a framing assembly with a base piece, two arms, and supports for a connection plate. In an alternate embodiment, the base piece includes a rear support and a support base. In a further embodiment, excess material surrounding the pattern is cut away so as to allow the most efficient use of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided to facilitate building of a disk stack for inclusion in a magnetic disk drive. A spindle is provided which comprises first and second disk contacts. A mechanism is provided to bias an inner diameter of a stack of plural disks toward both the first disk contact and the second disk contact. The spindle may comprise one or a pair of lateral protrusions. The apex of each such spindle lateral protrusions may comprise one or both of the disk contacts. In addition, or alternatively, the inner diameter of a disk, to be inserted over the spindle, may comprise one or a pair of lateral protrusions. The apexes of such disk lateral protrusions may comprise one or both of the first disk contact and the second disk contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a load/unload ramp assembly which is interconnectable with a base plate of a dynamic load/unload-type disk drive. The load/unload ramp assembly generally includes a load/unload ramp and at least one base plate attachment cantilever. A fastener shaft is directed past each of the base plate attachment cantilevers and into a fastener receptacle on the base plate. A fastener head simultaneously exerts a force on each of the base plate attachment cantilevers that are engaged by the head to deflect such base plate attachment cantilevers toward the base plate, to in turn dispose the load/unload ramp assembly in forcible engagement with the base plate.

Abstract: A method for loading single head in a hard disk drive includes the following steps: mounting a head assembly (30) in a baseplate (10) of a hard disk drive, the head assembly comprising an actuator arm (32), a suspension (34) and a HGA, the baseplate engaging a motor (110) and the HGA is positioned close to the motor; biasing the suspension by a mounting tool (50) from the original position, the mounting tool comprising a cantilever arm (52), a pressing head (54) and a supporting rod (56), wherein, the mounting tool rotates to the suspension and gets down to press the suspension; mounting a disk (90) on the motor in the baseplate; and releasing the pressing head from the suspension, loading the HGA of the head assembly to a parking zone of the disk.

Abstract: A head suspension or head suspension component for supporting a head slider over a rigid disk in a dynamic storage device and a method of manufacturing. The head suspension includes a head suspension component and a compliant locating feature formed within the head suspension component. The compliant locating feature includes a plurality of spring beam tabs defined by an aperture and positioned to extend toward an opening. The compliant feature is preferably configured to receive a tapered cylindrical pin through the opening for precisely locating the head suspension component relative to a desired reference while the spring beam tabs are engaged by the tapered pin. The head suspension component may include two or more compliant locating features, and the head suspension may include two or more components that each include one or more compliant locating features.

Abstract: A disk clamp is provided for securing one or more data storage disks to a disk drive without the need for screws. A preloading device is also provided for installing the disk clamp and removing the disk clamp after installation. The preloading device applies a load to the clamp to deflect the clamp, and allows a retaining ring to be positioned between the disk clamp and the hub of the disk drive. Preloading the disk clamp helps to reduce disk drive contamination, potential damage to the motor hub, and improves reworkability of the disk drive. The preloading device can be incorporated within a manually manipulated preloading device, or within an automated assembly process in which the preloading device is incorporated. Methods are also provided for clamp preloading and clamp installation.

Abstract: A fixture with a shaped molding may hold a first micro-actuator part and a second micro-actuator part in place for coupling while maintaining the structure of the first micro-actuator part. The first micro-actuator part and the second micro-actuator part may be a frame or a strip of piezoelectric material. A vacuum nozzle system embedded in the fixture may hold the first micro-actuator part in place. A mobile vacuum nozzle system may hold the second micro-actuator in place and positions the second micro-actuator part relative to the first micro-actuator part. A camera system may monitor the process. A dispense may apply epoxy between the first and second micro-actuator part. An ultraviolet source may provide ultraviolet radiation for curing.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are provided for positioning and handling single-sided hard memory disks. A disk carrier is provided with ribs formed on the inside surface of opposing side walls. The ribs form disk receiving grooves or channels. The ribs further comprise an alternating pattern of large and small ribs. The large ribs separate pairs of disks from other pairs, the small ribs separate and maintain spacing of the two disks comprising each pair of disks.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic head arm assembly (HAA) is disclosed. The HAA includes three principal components, a head gimbal assembly (HGA), a flexible printed circuit (FPC) assembly, and an actuator coil assembly. The design allows for HAA rigidity, yet each of the components is designable and manufacturable independent of one another, in addition to other advantages over current methods.

Abstract: A micro-actuator that reduces suspension tongue stiffness and a method of manufacturing the micro-actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the micro-actuator has a base piece with two arms extending from the base piece. The electric contact pads for the arms are situated on the exterior of the arms at the end opposite the base piece. In one embodiment, the electric contact pads are electrically coupled to the same connection plate that the magnetic read/write head is coupled to, reducing the number of connection traces.

Abstract: A head stack assembly comb (154) for maintaining the heads (44) of a head stack assembly (26) in spaced relation is disclosed. The head stack assembly comb (154) includes a comb body (158) and a latch (218). The comb body (158) engages an upper surface of an uppermost actuator arm (30a) in the head stack assembly (26). The latch (218) engages a lower surface of this same actuator arm (30a). When installing the comb (154), the comb (154) is pivoted relative to the head stack assembly (26). This brings the latch (218) into engagement with the noted actuator arm (30a) and causes the latch (218) to pivot in a first direction against a spring (214), and then in the opposite direction by the action of the spring (214) on the latch (218) to engage the latch (218) with the lower surface of the noted actuator arm (30a).

Abstract: A method for centering and securing data storage disks to the hub of a spindle motor in a hard disk drive has a chamfer and a countersink on the top of the spindle motor shaft center. During the hard disk drive assembly process, a disk centering tool engages and uses these features to locate and center the disks that are installed on the spindle motor. The features are closely toleranced to provide a very precise centering feature for mounting and aligning the media disks with respect to the hub and the spindle motor. The present design reduces the complexity of the tooling and fixtures required to complete the assembly. As a result, the overall part cost is reduced and the manufacturing yield is improved.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the pitch static attitude of a slider in an integrated lead suspension head gimbal assembly. The integrated lead suspension includes a load beam, a mount plate, a hinge and a flexure made out of a multi-layer material. Localized heating is applied to the outrigger leads during the process of forming flexure legs to set a stable pitch static attitude, which does not change, by subsequent thermal exposures.

Abstract: A method for creating a hard drive includes installing a slider in a disk drive having at least one disk lubricated with a first stage lubricant. The slider is designed to be in contact with the disk at initial use. The slider is burnished. A second stage lubricant is added to the disk after the burnishing step. The first stage lubricant provides less lubrication than the second stage lubricant, allowing the slider to be burnished in a controllable manner during the burnishing step. The second stage lubricant then provides lubrication to the disk during use by the end consumer.

Abstract: A method producing a limiter and flexure configuration that includes a flexure that has a first section attached to the load beam, and a second section defining a slider mounting section and a frame that defines an aperture into which the slide mounting section extends in a direction towards the first section, and terminating in an end that interacts with the free end of the limiter. The aperture is sized and positioned to provide a clearance allowing the limiter to freely move through the aperture such that the limiter is free to be bent from the first position to the second position and to extend through the aperture after the flexure assembly has been attached to the load beam. The limiter is bent from the first position to the second position, extending through the aperture, after the flexure assembly has been attached to the load beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic head construction, a connection method and a connecting device by which excellent electrical connection can be carried out between a core electrode and a substrate land face on a flexure in a magnetic head employing the piggy back system. In order to attain the object of interest, in the present invention, a fine adjustment actuator is arranged between a core and a flexure; a projection portion which is projected from the fine adjustment actuator when viewed from the flexure is provided in the core; a hole is provided in the position, on the flexure, corresponding to the projection portion; only the core is fixed by a support portion provided through the hole portion and a clamp pin without applying any load to the fine adjustment actuator; and while maintaining this fixing state, an electrode and a substrate land are bonded to each other with a wire.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base plate (19) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and a load beam (21) consisting of a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29), to apply load onto a slider. The rigid part and resilient part are separately formed. The rigid part is joined to a first side (29a) of the resilient part. The suspension also has a reinforcing plate (37) to hold and fix a second side (29b) of the resilient part between the reinforcing plate and the base plate. The base plate stably and resiliently supports the load beam. This suspension satisfies required characteristics.