Lapping process for minimizing shorts and element recession at magnetic head air bearing surface

In a process for fabrication of magnetic transducers wherein said magnetic transducers have a plurality of transducer elements exposed at a contoured air bearing surface thereof, a method for lapping said contoured air bearing surface to provide a desired dimension for said transducer elements, comprising the steps of:

• supporting at least one said magnetic transducer such that said contoured air bearing surface is in contact with a lapping surface of a lapping tape;
• providing relative motion between said magnetic transducer and said lapping tape, said contoured air bearing surface moving in a linear, oscillatory path across said lapping surface with respect to said lapping surface, said oscillatory path being parallel to a longitudinal axis of said transducer elements exposed at said contoured air bearing surface;
• moving said lapping tape transversely to said linear, oscillatory path for providing even wear on said lapping surface;
• and
• periodically removing said magnetic transducer from said lapping tape thereby intermittently breaking said contact between said contoured air bearing surface and said lapping surface, said movement of said lapping tape transverse to said linear oscillatory path occurring only during the intermittent periods of non-contact between said contoured air bearing surface and said lapping surface.