Multi-layer load beam flexure for magnetic storage device

A method of manufacturing a hard disk drive, the method comprising:

• providing a base plate and a load beam;
• forming a first layer directly to the load beam;
• forming a flexure by:
• forming a second layer onto the first layer;
• applying a mask onto the second layer, wherein a translucency of a first portion of the mask differs from a translucency of a second portion of the mask;
• irradiating light through the first portion and the second portion of the mask;
• removing the mask from the second layer;
• and
• etching the second layer so that a first portion of the second layer, onto which the first portion of the mask was applied, has a first thickness, and a second portion of the second layer, onto which the second portion of the mask was applied, has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness;
• installing the base plate, the load beam, and the flexure into a housing;
• and
• sealing the housing.

A method for manufacturing a flexure of a suspension assembly of a magnetic storage device, the method comprising:

• a step for forming a second layer onto a first layer;
• a step for applying a mask onto the second layer, wherein a translucency of a first portion of the mask differs from a translucency of a second portion of the mask;
• a step for irradiating light through the first portion and the second portion of the mask;
• a step for removing the mask from the second layer;
• and
• a step for etching the second layer so that a first portion of the second layer, onto which the first portion of the mask was applied, has a first thickness, and a second portion of the second layer, onto which the second portion of the mask was applied, has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness.