Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: Devices including a substrate and a plurality of coil portions disposed on the substrate. The plurality of coil portions electrically coupled to form a coil structure.

Abstract: Devices including a substrate and a plurality of coil portions disposed on the substrate. The plurality of coil portions electrically coupled to form a coil structure.

Abstract: A method of making a component includes applying a clamping force to the component, the component coupled to a carrier strip of a panel via a polymeric tab and separating a portion of the polymeric tab from a substrate of the component, thereby causing the component to be detached from the panel.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A backside connection access structure and method for manufacturing are described. The method including forming a gold layer over at least a portion of a substrate. The method also including forming a metal layer over the gold layer. And, the method includes forming an opening in the substrate to expose at least a portion of the gold layer.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a rigid interposer circuit; a plurality of flexible circuits configured to attach to the rigid interposer circuit and movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; and a sensor mounting region on the rigid interposer circuit.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.

Abstract: A backside connection access structure and method for manufacturing are described. The method including forming a gold layer over at least a portion of a substrate. The method also including forming a metal layer over the gold layer. And, the method includes forming an opening in the substrate to expose at least a portion of the gold layer.

Abstract: A method of making a component includes applying a clamping force to the component, the component coupled to a carrier strip of a panel via a polymeric tab and separating a portion of the polymeric tab from a substrate of the component, thereby causing the component to be detached from the panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.

Abstract: A suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure includes a loadbeam and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure includes a metal layer with a pair of spring arms, a tongue including a slider mounting surface, and a pair of struts connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The suspension further includes a pair of traces including one or more insulated conductors and being routed around opposite sides of the slider mounting surface, over the pair of struts to a set of terminal contacts on a distal portion of the tongue. The suspension also includes a motor mounted on the flexure, the motor having opposite lateral ends, the motor orientated laterally across the flexure such that the opposite lateral ends of the motor are on opposite lateral sides of the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor rotates the slider mounting surface relative to the loadbeam.

Abstract: A stainless steel dual stage actuated disk drive head suspension baseplate including a plated electrical contact area having nickel and gold. The baseplate can be heat treated. The nickel and gold can be in a mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.

Abstract: A suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure includes a loadbeam and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure includes a metal layer with a pair of spring arms, a tongue including a slider mounting surface, and a pair of struts connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The suspension further includes a pair of traces including one or more insulated conductors and being routed around opposite sides of the slider mounting surface, over the pair of struts to a set of terminal contacts on a distal portion of the tongue. The suspension also includes a motor mounted on the flexure, the motor having opposite lateral ends, the motor orientated laterally across the flexure such that the opposite lateral ends of the motor are on opposite lateral sides of the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor rotates the slider mounting surface relative to the loadbeam.

Abstract: A stainless steel dual stage actuated disk drive head suspension baseplate including a plated electrical contact area having nickel and gold. The baseplate can be heat treated. The nickel and gold can be in a mixture.