Optimized baseplate geometry for ball swaging process by using finite element analysis

Abstract

A ball swaging process is commonly used in the hard disk drive manufacturing process to attach a suspension arm to an actuator arm via a part known as the baseplate. The geometry of the baseplate affects the contact pressure profile between the baseplate and the arm, torque retention of the swaged connection, and deformation of the assembly parts. In the current study, the effects of altering the baseplate geometric parameters on its characteristics are studied. A large-deformation dynamic finite element analysis of a ball swaging process is performed by using a commercial program ABAQUS. Theproducts of combining several geometric parameters are also investigated so as to obtain the baseplate geometry with improved torque retention and reduced tilt angle. It is concluded that a proper design of the baseplate is in such way that the baseplate boss and the arm possess the largest contact area and that the stress concentration at the baseplate neck is minimal.

Keywords

• ball swaging
• baseplate
• hard disk drive
• torque retention
• tilt angle
• finite element analysis