Method and apparatus for improved static attitude of head suspension assemblies with electrical interconnects

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for improving the static attitude of a head suspension assembly by improving the manufacture of electrical interconnects by providing a laterally directed tension on the electrical interconnect during manufacture, thereby substantially inhibiting deformation of the gimbal region of the interconnect and the creation of non-planar slider standoffs.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of making an electrical interconnect for a head suspension assembly, the interconnect comprising a substrate, at least one electrical trace, and a gimbal portion, the method comprising: 
 providing a web of interconnect material comprising at least a support layer and a layer of conductive material;    selectively removing at least a portion of the conductive material to form at least one electrical trace,    selectively removing at least a portion of the support layer to form an interconnect blank comprising the at least one electrical trace and at least a portion of the support layer, the interconnect blank attached to the web by a pair of tension tabs formed from at least a portion of the support layer and extending from the interconnect blank; and    severing the interconnect blank from the web.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of tension tabs extend from the interconnect blank at an angle between 100° and 180° relative to each other.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pair of tension tabs extend from the interconnect blank at 180° relative to each other.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the web of interconnect material further comprises a metal layer attached to the support layer.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the metal layer comprises at least a portion of a flexure.