Disk Drive Sector Discussion Forum Message Board

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Technology Stocks : Disk Drive Sector Discussion Forum

WDC 153.96

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3:08 PM EST

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To: Robert Douglas who wrote (5215)	1/13/1999 10:08:00 AM
From: Toko	Read Replies (1) of 9256

Robert, FIB technology provides a way for head makers to control track widths, by trimming to more exact dimensions (at the slider level)than possible by semiconductor type processes which currently define track widths at the wafer level. The problem is that per piece the FIB process is more expensive. So far, the head makers keep figuring out how to extend the wafer level processes, but as track widths and tolerances keep shrinking every year the fear is that sooner or later FIB may be a neccessity. So everyone keeps buying a machine or two for development, experimenting, and getting quotes on bunches of FIB equipment. Read Rite bought a bunch of FIB's a while back to use for undershoot reduction, as part of their campaign to extend the life of inductive type heads. Since then, as far as I know, FEI & Micrion have been sitting at the alter waiting for the groom to show up. I don't know enough to guess if or when. -TOKO

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