Abstract: Punches or dies are manufactured using a photolithographic process and an ion milling or ion beam etch process. The punches or dies are used for coining bearing surfaces in hydrodynamic bearing arrangements in computer disc drive spindle motor assemblies.

Abstract: A slider includes a magnetic head having first and second magnetic poles separated by a gap. A recess in the air-bearing surface extends into at least the first magnetic pole and has a first portion having a length parallel to the gap length to define a gap width orthogonal to the gap length. The first portion of the recess has a curved depth defining a curved profile along its length. In one embodiment, the recess has a second portion having a length orthogonal to the gap length and a depth defining a curved profile along its length.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element has a height that extends from the air-bearing surface of a head. The height is determined by a slot in the head extending from the air-bearing surface adjacent the sensor portion at an acute angle to both the air bearing surface and the height of the magnetoresistive element to separate the magnetoresistive element into the sensor portion and a dormant portion. Alternatively, the height is determined by a recess of design depth in the magnetoresistive element at the air bearing surface. Alternatively, the height of the magnetoresistive element is determined by a stepped thickness to the first and second bias current carrying contacts along the height of the magnetoresistive element.