Metal Core Recession and Head Stain Studies of MIG Heads Sliding against Cobalt-Doped Gamma Iron Oxide and Metal Particle Tapes

Metal-in-gap (MIG) heads are commonly used for high-density magnetic recording. Metal core recession and head stains increase the gap between the tape and the head, resulting in signal loss. In this study, accelerated sliding wear tests of Co-γFe₂O₃, and metal particle (MP) tapes against MIC heads made of three different amorphous and, nanocrystalline metals were conducted under various operating conditions. Metal core recess and propensity for head staining were measured. The degree of tape contact with a recessed core was also measured by pressing the tape against a glass slide with Cr grids and using an optical interference technique. The authors found that the core recess was about the same for all three core metals. Core recess by MP tape was larger than that, by oxide tape. The tape speed appeared to have little effect on the recess value. The authors also found that significant recess may occur during initial contouring of the head surface; however, after sliding for about 250 km, core recess reaches a steady-stale value which may be either higher or lower than the initial values. The mechanism of core recession was studied. The authors believe that core recession occurs as a consequence of the debris trapped, between the tape and the core, in addition to that caused by some tape contact. Formation of head stains was observed in all combinations. The stains fanned on the metal cores were heaviest for CoNbZr metal, followed by CoTaZr and FeTaC. Co-γFe₂O₃ tape produced a more severe stain than the MP tape. The apparent roughening of head rubbing surface observed for CoNbZr heads sliding against Co-γFe₂O₃, tape was due to the formation of stains.