An evaluation of wear resistant coatings for recording heads

This study describes a method for increasing the life of a particular recording head through a material development approach. Cylindrical specimens that approximate the actual head contour are used to evaluate several non-magnetic coating materials for wear resistance. The fabrication requirements associated with these materials, and the many facets of system performance are discussed. The best overall results for the simulated head are achieved with the aluminum-oxide and titanium-dioxide coating.