Effects of
Stripe Width &
Optimum Magnetic Head Performance By Larry W. Ditty,
Executive V. P. Technology, brush Industries, Inc.
New soft core head profile
Condition of a new ceramic coated traditional material
magnetic head. The magnetic head contour is shaped in a manner to insure good head gap to
media contact. The traditional core material containing the head gap is in a plane
slightly elevated above the ceramic. Magnetic heads in this condition will generally
perform flawlessly.
Process of wear on soft heads
Condition of a ceramic coated traditional material
magnetic head. The softer traditional material magnetic core, sandwiched between the two
adjacent areas of ceramic, had worn down flush with the ceramic. As abrasive magnetic
media continued to pass over the head it wore in a concave manner (scalloping). This
condition is caused by a low pressure area created at the top of the head and roller
pressure on tickets. At this point the low pressure area is still able to maintain
magnetic head gap to media contact. The magnetic head continues to function.
Spacing loss due to scalloping and
dirt accumulation
Condition of a ceramic coated traditional material
magnetic head showing effects of scalloping to a point that low pressure (Bernoulli
principle) can no longer maintain magnetic head gap to media contact. The magnetic head
fails dramatically, no longer capable of reading or writing. In this case the head fails
and is worn out. (see Spacing Loss figure below).
Hypermium™, Sidewinder™,
Duet™, and Hercules™ are trademarks and Brush® and Supermium® are registered
trademarks of Brush Industries®
All Website Content Copyright 1997-2010