Efficient manufacturing of disk drive spindle motors

Abstract

This paper deals with critical elements of design and manufacture of disk drive spindle motors. An attempt has been made to highlight the major elements of problems in the manufacture and testing of motors for hard disk drives. Critical aspects of design that influence efficient manufacture of motors are also discussed. Appropriate manufacturing process technologies with rigid controls on components are essential elements of good manufacturing practice; these aspects have been discussed in the paper. Line testing of motors in the process of manufacturing controls the final yield; cost of manufacture also heavily depends on these testing. Some of the more important tests have been discussed in details. Some of the units quoted in this paper in inches are standard practice in disk drive industry.