Abstract: An apparatus for lapping sliders comprises a rotatable lapping plate for lapping elements that are to be formed into sliders, a pushing force adjusting member that has an internal space therein and that extends vertically along an lapping plate axis that is perpendicular to the lapping plate, a pusher for pressing the elements, the pusher being connected to the pushing force adjusting member, and gas supply means for supplying a gas into the internal space, the gas supply means being connected to the pushing force adjusting member. The pushing force adjusting member comprises a first part that includes a connection with the pusher, a second part that includes a coupling between the internal space and the gas supply means, and an axially deformable part that is located between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping a slider comprises a lapping head for supporting elements while pressing the elements against a rotating lapping plate, the elements that are to be formed into sliders, a holding mechanism for supporting the lapping head, the holding mechanism having a first engaging member that extends in a vertical direction, a base for supporting the holding mechanism, the base having a second engaging member that extends in the vertical direction, wherein the second engaging member is engaged with the first engaging member to form an internal space therebetween, and a decompressing mechanism for decompressing the internal space. The holding mechanism is subjected to vertically upward force from the decompressed internal space in order to be movably supported by the base in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping sliders comprises a rotatable lapping plate for lapping elements that are to be formed into sliders, a pushing force adjusting member that has an internal space therein and that extends vertically along an lapping plate axis that is perpendicular to the lapping plate, a pusher for pressing the elements, the pusher being connected to the pushing force adjusting member, and gas supply means for supplying a gas into the internal space, the gas supply means being connected to the pushing force adjusting member. The pushing force adjusting member comprises a first part that includes a connection with the pusher, a second part that includes a coupling between the internal space and the gas supply means, and an axially deformable part that is located between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping a slider comprises a lapping head for supporting elements while pressing the elements against a rotating lapping plate, the elements that are to be formed into sliders, a holding mechanism for supporting the lapping head, the holding mechanism having a first engaging member that extends in a vertical direction, a base for supporting the holding mechanism, the base having a second engaging member that extends in the vertical direction, wherein the second engaging member is engaged with the first engaging member to form an internal space therebetween, and a decompressing mechanism for decompressing the internal space. The holding mechanism is subjected to vertically upward force from the decompressed internal space in order to be movably supported by the base in the vertical direction.