Abstract: A lapping guide for use in fabrication of a device includes a first resistive element and a second resistive element. The two resistive elements can provide different changing resistances throughout the lapping of the device. These two resistances can be used throughout the lapping of the device to facilitate determination of when a predetermined desired height of the device has been achieved, and therefore stop the lapping of the device. The resistive elements can be physically adjacent to each other or separate from each other. Further, a common lead can be electrically connected to both resistive elements for measuring their respective resistances. In addition, the resistive elements can be separated from each other by the device.

Abstract: A process for producing air bearing sliders for thin film magnetic heads, one at a time from a strip of material having the thin film heads aligned in a column. The thin film heads are aligned within the column such that the slider processing is performed in a direction substantially parallel to the orientation of the column. In one embodiment, a mechanical backing, fixture or substrate provides structural rigidity to the strip of material having the sliders while undergoing mechanical processing, such as lapping.