Abstract: Improved manufacture of thin-film magnetic heads includes a piezoelectric driven actuator for bending row tools used in the mass manufacture of magnetic heads. The actuator is independent of the row tool and includes a lever arm which structurally deflects when driven by the piezoelectric element, converting physical displacement of the piezoelectric element to a force supplied to the row tool, through a portion of the lever arm arranged to undergo deflection. Arrays of piezoelectric actuators are also disclosed for individual adjustment of each magnetic head component of a row being polished.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a workpiece against a polishing surface in a first embodiment includes a lower plate member, the lower plate member includes a hub on a top surface. An upper plate member includes a seat disposed on a bottom surface. The hub fits within the seat to form an air bearing between the lower and upper plate members. A structure supplies air to the air bearing and a flexure spring is disposed between the upper and lower plate members. The lower plate member includes vacuum holes in its bottom surface which are connected to a vacuum source which creates a vacuum pressure for holding the workpiece against the lower plate. A retainer ring including a flange is positioned about the outer edge surface of the lower plate member for holding the workpiece in place on the bottom surface of the lower plate member.