Method for forming a disc stack assembly

The claimed invention relates generally to the field of disc drive data storage devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved disc clamp assembly used to secure a number of discs to a spindle motor hub assembly in a disc drive disc stack assembly. A method for forming a disc stack assembly suitable for use in a disc drive. A number of discs are loaded onto a spindle motor hub and a disc clamp assembly is installed to secure the discs to the hub. The disc clamp assembly includes an annular retaining ring and a substantially planar, disc shaped clamp plate. The annular retaining ring is secured within an annular ring recess of the spindle motor hub and deforms the clamp plate so that the clamp plate applies an axially directed clamping force to the discs. The disc clamp includes an annular hat flange. The disc stack assembly is preferably balanced by selectively removing material from the hat flange or by attaching a balance weight to the hat flange.