Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a disc drive actuator assembly. A rigid actuator arm formed of printed circuit board (PCB) material is configured for placement over a rotatable disc. A head-gimbal assembly (HGA) is provided comprising a data transducing head, a flexible suspension assembly and a conductor which is connected to the head and routed along the flexible suspension assembly. A Z-axis conductive adhesive film is used to mechanically and electrically connect the HGA with a distal end of the PCB actuator arm. The Z-axis conductive adhesive film is substantially conductive across the thickness of the film and is substantially nonconductive along the length and width of the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film establishes a grounding path to dissipate electrostatic charge in the HGA. In another embodiment, the film establishes a data signal path for the head.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting an actuator mechanical response characteristic in a data handling system, such as a disc drive. An actuator rotates about a pivot system to move a read/write head adjacent a recording surface, the pivot system comprising a stationary shaft and a bearing asesmbly comprising a stationary inner race coupled to the shaft and a rotatable outer race coupled to the actuator. A fastener is provided to engage the shaft and apply an initial amount of axially directed force on the inner race. A broad spectrum excitation is applied to the actuator and a mechanical response characteristic of the actuator is measured. The fastener is repetitively adjusted to increase the amount of axially directed force until the measured mechanical response characteristic of the actuator reaches a desired level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a disc drive actuator assembly. A rigid actuator arm formed of printed circuit board (PCB) material is configured for placement over a rotatable disc. A head-gimbal assembly (HGA) is provided comprising a data transducing head, a flexible suspension assembly and a conductor which is connected to the head and routed along the flexible suspension assembly. A Z-axis conductive adhesive film is used to mechanically and electrically connect the HGA with a distal end of the PCB actuator arm. The Z-axis conductive adhesive film is substantially conductive across the thickness of the film and is substantially nonconductive along the length and width of the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film establishes a grounding path to dissipate electrostatic charge in the HGA. In another embodiment, the film establishes a data signal path for the head.