Disk head tester facility with non-repeatable runout reduction

摘要

In a spinstand (100) for testing disk drive components, non-repeatable runout is reduced by minimizing the mass of air spinning between disks (122) and closely adjacent to the upper and lower surfaces of top (122a) and bottom (122f) disks of a disk pack (120), by placing a removable baffle plate between each of the disks and, optionally, above the topmost disk (122a) and/or below the bottommost disk (122f) of the disk pack. Turbulence causing the non-repeatable runout is reduced as well. The spinstand (100) creates a controlled environment for the disk pack (120) and head stack assembly (126) under test by forming a chamber which entirely encloses these components when in fully engaged position. The top cover (162) of the chamber is removable for access to the disk pack. Removable disk edge baffles (160) are provided which have an inner surface concentric with and closely spaced outside the outer edge of the rotating disks, for at least a portion of arc of the disks.