Disk Drive/Data Storage

Hard disk drive applications include computers, digital video recorders, digital audio players, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and video game consoles. Manufacturing of hard disk drives involves a complex series of process steps including plating, texturing, sputtering, cleaning, burnishing and packaging.

The key technical driver for this highly competitive industry is increased aerial density which requires smaller, more compacted patterns, which in turn require precision and control. Cost and yield are critical and protection from ESD damage of the tightly spaced patterns helps hard disk drive manufacturing companies meet their yield and efficiency goals.

MKS Instruments, Inc. has a broad portfolio of products to support the disk drive manufacturing market. These include power, pressure and flow control, tool and chamber controllers, as well as electrostatic discharge monitoring and control.