Toshiba's 40TB storage breakthrough with 12-Disk HDDs

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH proudly announced a groundbreaking achievement in the storage industry. Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has become the first to verify 12-disk stacking technology tailored for high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs). By seamlessly integrating this with Microwave-Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR) technology, the company aims to unveil 40TB-class 3.5-inch HDDs by 2027.

The advanced 12-disk stacking technology employs cutting-edge design and analytical innovations birthed from Toshiba's commitment to crafting thin, compact products. By adding two disks to the conventional 10-disk, 3.5-inch framework used in nearline HDDs, Toshiba pushes the boundaries of capacity and efficiency.

Significant advancements include crafting new bespoke parts for the disk stack and replacing the traditional aluminium substrate medium with a more durable glass substrate. This switch boosts mechanical stability and spatial accuracy, increases density, and enhances reliability.

In the face of ever-increasing demands for data generation and storage, propelled by expanding cloud services, popular streaming platforms, and the rise of generative artificial intelligence, Toshiba recognises the imperative to innovate. Their investigation extends to exploring the synergy between 12-disk stacking technology and next-generation Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) to develop capacious, cost-effective HDD solutions for data centres. These innovations aim to meet burgeoning storage demands while optimising the total cost of ownership for customers.