Hard Disk Platter

A hard disk platter is a component within a mass storage device, which stores the binary data within ferromagnetic grains. The data is stored within the layers using a principle called perpendicular / vertical recording. The platter material typically consists of ceramic glass and aluminium substrate material, including platinum and various non-magnetic metals, which are closely guarded manufacturing secrets. The coating usually consists of several layers of ferromagnetic and non-magnetic materials forming the under layers. The layers which stores the binary information, is usually sandwiched between the outer layers because the recording method used is perpendicular / vertical recording; hence the information is stored perpendicularly to the disk surface inside the sandwiched layers. The purpose of the non-magnetic layers is to orient the ferromagnetic grains, and there is also a further fine coating of polymer based lubricant coating on the outside. Although the surface appears mirror smooth, under a microscope, the ferromagnetic particles have a random composition.

Platter Exchanger

In a multi-platter drive, binary data is striped to all the platters simultaneously thus increasing throughput and reducing access times. All the platters therefore have to remain in alignment at all times. If only one platter loses alignment, then none of the data is readable.

A platter exchange tool, sometimes called extractor, or removal tool, maintains the alignment and synchronisation of all the platters during their removal. This is a vital tool, which allows the removal of all the platters simultaneously whilst maintaining their alignment. The tool allows transplantation of platters from a failed drive to a working one, thus facilitating data recovery.

Often sold on eBay and Amazon as removal kits or replacement kits these are vital for the successful recovery of data.

Data Recovery

The motor is typically riveted to the metal chassis of the hard drive. If you have a hard drive where the motor has failed and is not spinning, then you have no choice but to remove the platters and transplant them to another functioning drive. This type of data recovery technique is vital for micro hard drive repair. Factories usually have a platter reader that creates a hard disk platter image by reading both sides of the platters and then reconstructing the data. This is specialist equipment and software, which you will not find elsewhere.

Even with a surface scratch damage, professional data recovery services are able to recover data, because modern hard drives store data perpendicularly to the surface of the disk. Therefore, it is always worth getting a quote from the top listed firms.

Clamp Ring

This is the clamp ring, which locks the platter alignment. Once you remove this, the top and bottom platters, lose synchronous alignment and you lose your data for good! This drive has two platters and therefore four surfaces where data is stored. These platters remain in alignment by friction created by the clamp ring, which compresses the platters thereby locking them in place. Sometimes people incorrectly assume that the top bolts might be passing through both platters keeping alignment however, as you can see, it is not the case.

Platter Spacer Ring

This aluminium ring maintains the space between the two platters. As you can see, the two platters are separated by this metal spacer ring. The clamp ring pushes down on this ring and the two platters remain in alignment by friction.

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