Counter plate electrode with self adjusting z-axis
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorMark G. Steele
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for properly and consistently spacing an electrode from a workpiece while electrochemically etching (ECM) grooves to a precise depth in a surface of the workpiece to form a fluid dynamic bearing. The electrode is especially designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a central rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface. The central rod precisely sets the gap between the electrode and the flat surface. The electrode is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply so that the electrode serves as the cathode, and the flat work piece serves as the anode in an ECM system.
Claims20
A device for accurately forming grooves of a precise pre-selected depth on a flat surface comprising an electrode for use in an ECM (electro chemical machining system), the electrode being designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a center rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface, the center rod is the only spacer used for precisely setting a gap between the electrode and the flat surface.
A device for accurately forming grooves of a precise pre-selected depth on a flat surface comprising an electrode for use in an ECM (electro chemical machining system), the electrode being designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a center rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface, the center rod precisely setting a gap between the electrode and the flat surface wherein the center rod is grooved threaded into the electrode so that the height of the central rod above the electrode surface can be adjusted.
A device for accurately forming grooves of a precise pre-selected depth on a flat surface comprising an electrode for use in an ECM (electro chemical maching system), the electrode being designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a center rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface, the center rod precisely setting a gap between the electrode and the flat surface, wherein the center rod is movable axially within an outer section of the electrode.
A system for defining a groove pattern of a precise depth on a flat surface of a workpiece utilitizing electrochemical machining (ECM) comprising a first device for supporting the flat surface of the workpiece facing an electrode, and an electrode designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising an outer section ending in a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and an electrically inert center rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface, the center rod is the only spacer used for precisely setting a first gap between the electrode and the flat surface.
A system for defining a groove pattern of a precise depth on a flat surface of a workpiece utilitizing electrochemical machining (ECM) comprising a first device for supporting the flat surface of the workpiece facing an electrode, and an electrode designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising an outer section ending in a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and an electrically inert center rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface, the center rod precisely setting a first gap between the electrode and the flat surface, wherein the center rod is movable axially within the outer section of the electrode.
A system defining a groove pattern of a precise depth on a flat surface of a workpiece utilizing electrochemical machining (ECM) comprising a first device for supporting the flat surface of the workpiece facing an electrode, electrode facing the flat surface for imparting a grooved pattern to the flat surface, and an electrically inert center rod extending a short distance above a surface of the electrode, the center rod being grooved threaded into the electrode so that the height of the center rod above the electrode surface can be adjusted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.