Patent ID: 6267869
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B23H,F16C

Abstract:
A method for defining patterns of grooves electrochemically on conductive materials, to serve as shaft, thrust plate or sleeve in a hydrodynamic bearing comprising:providing a tool having patterns as conductive features;the tool having insulative properties about said conductive features wherein said patterns are defined;providing an immersive medium including an etchant for etching said pattern on a workpiece;further providing an electric direct current, wherein said immersive medium is concentrated at desired locations defined by said conductive features on said conductive materials; andetching said conductive materials by applying said electric current in a quantity and for an elapsed time, said tool being a sleeve having a pattern on an inside surface, cylindrical conductive materials are inserted within said sleeve for transferring said pattern onto said conductive materials, wherein said patterns are defined on the shaft to be used to form the hydrodynamic bearing.