Abstract: A method for de-tabbing a dielectric tab extending between and bonded to first and second stainless steel portions of a disk drive head suspension component. Exemplary first and second stainless steel portions are a flexure base region and a flexure tongue. The method includes applying laser energy to the dielectric tab. The laser energy is characterized by one or more parameters, e.g., a pulse width and/or an energy density, causing de-bonding of the dielectric tab from the first and second stainless steel portions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an contaminated surface on a head suspension with laser energy. A laser beam is patterned such that a single pulse extends across the entire contaminated surface. One or more pulses of the laser energy is applied to the contaminated surface sufficient to melt the contaminated surface. The melting serves to polish, smooth and/or reshape the contaminated surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously adjusting the gram load and radius geometry height of a head suspension by scanning a spring region of the head suspension with a laser beam. The incremental height difference between left and right legs of a spring region of the suspension may also be concurrently corrected. Apparatus and method for measuring the radius geometry height are provided by two or more non-contacting optical probes. A nitrogen atmosphere may be maintained in the region scanned.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension by scanning a region of the head suspension with a laser. A head suspension having a gimbal region is provided that permits a head slider attached thereto to gimbal about pitch and roll axes in response to fluctuations in an air bearing over which the head slider flies. One or more predetermined regions of the head suspension are irradiated by a laser beam by scanning the laser beam across the head suspension regions to affect the static attitude of the head suspension. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned on the leaf spring arms of a flexure with the laser to correct pitch errors in static attitude, and a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned with the laser in the cross section attached to the leaf spring arms to correct roll errors in static attitude. One or both sides of the head suspension can be scanned to create a desired pitch and/or roll correction.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension by scanning a region of the head suspension with a laser. A head suspension having a gimbal region is provided that permits a head slider attached thereto to gimbal about pitch and roll axes in response to fluctuations in an air bearing over which the head slider flies. One or more predetermined regions of the head suspension are irradiated by a laser beam by scanning the laser beam across the head suspension regions to affect the static attitude of the head suspension. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned on the leaf spring arms of a flexure with the laser to correct pitch errors in static attitude, and a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned with the laser in the cross section attached to the leaf spring arms to correct roll errors in static attitude. One or both sides of the head suspension can be scanned to create a desired pitch and/or roll correction.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension by scanning a region of the head suspension with a laser. A head suspension having a gimbal region is provided that permits a head slider attached thereto to gimbal about pitch and roll axes in response to fluctuations in an air bearing over which the head slider flies. One or more predetermined regions of the head suspension are irradiated by a laser beam by scanning the laser beam across the head suspension regions to affect the static attitude of the head suspension. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned on the leaf spring arms of a flexure with the laser to correct pitch errors in static attitude, and a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned with the laser in the cross section attached to the leaf spring arms to correct roll errors in static attitude. One or both sides of the head suspension can be scanned to create a desired pitch and/or roll correction.

Abstract: A method of treating an operative surface on a head suspension with laser energy. A laser beam is patterned such that a single pulse extends across the entire operative surface. One or more pulses of the laser energy is applied to the operative surface sufficient to melt the operative surface. The melting serves to polish, smooth and/or reshape the operative surface.

Abstract: A method of treating an operative surface on a head suspension with laser energy. A laser beam is patterned such that a single pulse extends across the entire operative surface. One or more pulses of the laser energy is applied to the operative surface sufficient to melt the operative surface. The melting serves to polish, smooth and/or reshape the operative surface.