Abstract: A method is provided for processing a metal foil sheet to produce magnetic recording media. The method comprises providing an elongate metal foil sheet having a first side and a second side. The sheet is advanced through a plurality of processing stations in equal unit length segments such that each segment receives the same treatment to form a magnetic recording medium from each segment. Method are also provided to prepare the foil surfaces by polishing, texturing, cleaning, and stress relieving, to coat the prepared surfaces with at least one metal layer, to finish the coated layers by buffing, burnishing, and lubricating, and to form disk units from the prepared, coated and finished surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary magnetic recording media, and in particular, flexible metal foil disks, read/write systems having such disks, and methods for making such disks. In one exemplary embodiment, a recording medium is provided which comprises a metallic substrate and at least one sputter deposited film of magnetic material on the substrate. The recording medium has a thickness that is less than about 0.010 inch and the substrate occupies at least 80% of the thickness. Further, the sputter deposited film is adapted to record and reproduce high areal densities of digital data. In one embodiment, such a recording medium is included in a read/write system to provide a unique recording interface that can resist mechanical shock.