Electrode design for electrochemical machining of grooves
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorsDonald J. MacLeod, Klaus D. Kloeppel, Wesley R. Clark, Roger A. Addy
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Abstract
Apparatus for defining patterns electrochemically on conductive materials by forming the patterns as conductive features of a tool, providing insulative properties about the conductive features so the patterns are defined; then providing an immersive medium including an etchant or plating material for defining the pattern on a workpiece, providing an electric direct current so that the immersive medium is concentrated at desired locations defined by the conductive features on the conductive materials; and etching the conductive materials by applying the electric current in a quantity and for an elapsed time to etch or plate patterns in or on the conductive materials.
Claims12
Apparatus for defining patterns electrochemically on conductive materials, comprising:
- a tool comprising conductive patterns on a surface thereof;
- insulation about said conductive features whereby said patterns are defined, the insulation not rising about the surface of the conductive pattern;
- an immersive medium including an etchant for etching said pattern on a workpiece;
- a source of an electric direct current, whereby said immersive medium is concentrated at desired locations defined by said conductive features on said conductive materials;
- and
- a control for applying said electric current in a quantity and for an elapsed time whereby said patterns are defined in said conductive materials by said etchant.
Method for defining patterns electrochemically on conductive materials, comprising:
- providing said patterns a conductive features of a tool;
- providing insulative material about said conductive features whereby said patterns are defined, the insulative material rising only to the surface of the conductive pattern;
- providing an immersive medium including an etchant for etching said pattern;
- providing an electric direct current, whereby said immersive medium is concentrated at desired locations on said conductive materials;
- and
- etching said conductive materials by applying said electric current in a quantity and for an elapsed time whereby said patterns are defined in said conductive materials.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.