Transducer-level microactuator for a disc drive system and improved method of fabrication therefor

A slider includes a transducer-level microactuator for selectively positioning a transducer portion of the slider radially with respect to circumferential data tracks of a rotatable disc. The slider includes a slider body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a transducer body and a flexure body. The transducer body is spaced from the trailing edge of the sliding body and includes at least one transducer element. The flexure body extends from the trailing edge of the slider body and includes a first anchor point connected to the slider body and a second anchor point connected to the transducer body. The basecoat layer is deposited on the trailing edge of the slider body and substantially surrounds the flexure body wherein a gap separates the flexure body from the basecoat. A first actuation means is formed on the basecoat and a second actuation means is formed on the transducer body adjacent the slider body.