Abstract: A method for removing a thin metallic layer using an etchant solution is provided for essentially eliminating undercutting in a thin metallic layer such as a seed layer in a magnetic recording head. The etchant solution has a suitable solvent additive such as glycerol or methyl cellulose. With suitable solvent additives, which generally increase solvent viscosity, lateral etching rates are similar to surface etch rates and undercutting is essentially eliminated.

Abstract: In a magnetic read/write assembly, a removable fusible-link shorts the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element to minimize electrical current through the MR sensing element during discharge of static electricity. Other magnetic head assembly elements such as the write coil and MR magnetic shields are also shorted using fusible-links. The fusible-link is removable during the assembly process. The existing terminal pads and wires are used to remove the fusible-link.

Abstract: In a magnetic read/write assembly, a removable fusible-link shorts the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element to minimize electrical current through the MR sensing element during discharge of static electricity. Other magnetic head assembly elements such as the write coil and MR magnetic shields are also shorted using fusible-links. The fusible-link is removable during the assembly process. The existing terminal pads and wires are used to remove the fusible-link.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a process for bonding a durable low surface energy polymeric coating to a metal or oxide surface. The metal or oxide surface is first treated with an alkali, thereby maximizing the hydroxide ion concentration on the surface, and then in a rigorously dry state with a rigorously dry fluorinated material to form the polymeric coating. The fluorinated material has the formulaRf -- O -- (CH.sub.2).sub.n -- SiX.sub.3wherein Rf is a fluorinated lower alkyl group, n is an integer from 2 to 10, and X is a halogen, cyanide or alkoxy group.