A magnetic transducing system where a liquid-state lubricating film forms a surface layer of the record medium and the thickness of the film ... Show moreA magnetic transducing system where a liquid-state lubricating film forms a surface layer of the record medium and the thickness of the film (which is susceptible to shear forces due to pressure contact with the transducer head) is selected to be within a critical thickness range correlated with system parameters so as to essentially minimize both wear on the transducer head and transfer of liquid to the record contact face of the head. The process of forming the liquid-state lubricating film is selected to avoid any disturbance of the molecular structure of the magnetizable layer of the record medium; and in particular the binder (preferably a cross linked polymer formulation without any constituents added for lubricating purposes) has the liquid-state lubricating film applied thereto without the assistance of swelling agents or other process steps which might be injurious to the integrity of the magnetizable layer. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less