Industry Information

New Magnet Alloys Enable Ultra-high Temperature Applications

2023-06-20

Scientists from the National Institute of Materials recently announced the development of new rare earth-transition metal alloys that can operate stably at temperatures above 500°C while maintaining strong magnetic properties. These new alloys solve a long-standing challenge for applications like magnetic refrigeration, magnetic cooling systems, and magnetically assisted fossil fuel ignition at high temperatures.

Conventional magnets based on NdFeB and SmCo alloys exhibit reduced magnetic properties above 300°C due to the decreased anisotropy and accelerated diffusion of rare earth elements. To tackle this issue, the scientists alloyed rare earth elements with abundant transition metals like iron and cobalt, and optimized the composition and microstructure control of alloys. They found that increasing the number of metalloids like Si and Al and reducing grain size could effectively improve high-temperature stability.

The newly developed alloys demonstrated strong magnetism even after long-term thermal aging at 600°C. Their maximum energy product at 500°C remained higher than 10MGOe, comparable to commercial NdFeB magnets at room temperature. The cost of these alloys is also lower due to reduced usage of rare earth elements. They show promising prospects for commercialization in high-end magnetic devices and components operating in extreme environments.

However, mass production of these new alloys in a scalable and cost-effective manner remains challenging. The scientists suggested that rapid solidification and mechanical alloying techniques could bridge the gap between lab-scale success and industrial application. Collaborations across countries and disciplines to accelerate technology transfer are needed.

This breakthrough paves the way for the next generation of high-temperature magnets that do not require expensive dysprosium and terbium additions. Wider adoption of these new alloys could reduce the dependence on critical materials and improve the supply chain stability of strategic magnetic products. Overall, this discovery has significant implications for advanced sustainable energy and propulsion technologies.

2023-06-03

Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets are among the most advanced permanent magnet materials available today. They are made of neodymium, iron, boron and other rare earth elements, and offer the highest magnetic strength among all permanent magnets. NdFeB magnets have enabled the development of highly compact and high-powered motors and generators, leading to their wide adoption in various industries.

In the automotive industry, NdFeB magnets are commonly used in motors for electric vehicle powertrains, windshield wiper systems, anti-lock braking systems, and other automotive electronics. They help enhance the power density and efficiency of automotive systems while reducing overall size and weight. NdFeB magnets also power many components in hybrid and electric vehicles such as traction motors, generators, batteries and battery management systems.

In the robotics industry, NdFeB magnets provide the magnetic force necessary to enable precision movements of robotic arms, hands, and actuators. They are vital for building highly compact yet powerful servomotors and actuators used in industrial robots, medical robots, drone motors, and other motion control systems that require fast response, high torque, and accurate positioning.

NdFeB magnets play an essential role in power generation systems. They are used in high-speed generators to convert mechanical energy from wind, hydroelectric and tidal power into electrical energy for power grids. Their high magnetic strength enables the production of efficient and lightweight generators suitable for renewable energy generation. NdFeB magnets are also used in electromagnetic railguns and fusion reactors currently under development.

Other applications of NdFeB magnets include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic containment in nuclear fusion, electronic devices such as hard disk drives, headphones, and magnetic fasteners. They enable miniaturization and improved performance of these technologies with their powerful magnetic properties.

In summary, NdFeB permanent magnets have become vital components for advanced technologies and high-performance devices across major industries. Their unique magnetic strength, durability and resistance to demagnetization make them suitable for a wide range of applications that demand high power density, precision control, compact size and increased efficiency. Continuous research and development of neodymium magnet technology will continue expanding their industrial applications in the coming years.

A High-Tech Material That’s Transforming the World

2023-05-11

Neodymium magnets are the strongest type of rare-earth magnets made from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron. They are the most widely used type of rare-earth magnets and provide the strongest magnetic force of any magnet available.

Neodymium belongs to the lanthanide group of elements and has an atomic number of 60. In its metallic form, neodymium has a silvery metallic luster and quickly tarnishes in air. Neodymium has a high magnetic ordering temperature and contributes to the superior magnetic properties of neodymium magnets.

The tetragonal Nd2Fe14B crystal structure provides the high uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy that gives neodymium magnets their exceptionally high coercivity and energy density. The neodymium and iron components account for the high saturation magnetization, while the boron acts to focus and direct the magnetic field into a uniform alignment.

Neodymium magnets produce magnetic fields many times stronger than equivalent ferrite or alnico magnets. They can lift up to 1000 times their own weight and retain their magnetism for long periods. However, their maximum working temperature is usually limited to 200°C in oxygen-free environments and 80-120°C in air.

Neodymium magnets are graded according to their maximum energy density, with higher grades indicating increased purity and magnetic strength. Common grades include N35, N38, N42, N48, N50 and N52. The theoretical maximum energy density for neodymium magnets is 64 Mega Gauss Oersteds (MGOe).

Neodymium magnets have enabled major advances in a wide range of applications and technologies, from loudspeakers and computer hard drives to magnetic resonance imaging, automation, and renewable energy. They will likely continue to drive further innovation across every industry.

In summary, neodymium magnets possess the strongest and most durable magnetic properties of any commercially available magnets. They have superior magnetic energy density and performance in a high coercivity, allowing for exceptional strength in small sizes. Neodymium enables technologies that transform the world in profoundly important ways. These powerful magnets will undoubtedly enable more life-changing innovations and discoveries over time.

Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) Magnets – The Driving Force Behind Modern Technology

2023-05-08

NdFeB magnets are the most powerful permanent magnets known to man. They are the driving force behind many modern technologies and are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to aerospace and defense. These powerful magnets are also known as rare earth magnets due to the rare earth elements, such as neodymium and dysprosium, used in their composition.

The high energy density and coercivity of NdFeB magnets make them ideal for a wide range of applications. They are used in motors and generators to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, in consumer electronics to produce sound and vibration, and in medical equipment such as MRI machines and implantable medical devices. They are also used in aerospace and defense applications, such as missile guidance systems and aircraft control surfaces.

The production of NdFeB magnets is a complex process involving the mixing of neodymium, iron, and boron powders in a specific ratio. The mixture is then compressed into the desired shape and sintered at high temperatures to produce a dense, solid magnet. The resulting magnet is then cut or ground to the desired shape and size.

Despite their many advantages, NdFeB magnets also present some challenges. They are highly reactive and can easily corrode, which can lead to the loss of magnetic properties. They are also brittle and can crack or break under stress.

As technology continues to advance, the demand for NdFeB magnets is expected to increase, driving further research and development in this field. Researchers are working to develop new, more efficient methods of producing NdFeB magnets that are less reliant on rare earth elements, as well as exploring ways to enhance their magnetic properties and durability.

In conclusion, NdFeB magnets are a key component in many modern technologies and their importance is only set to increase. As research continues in this field, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for these powerful magnets in the future.

2023-02-22

The Characteristics of NdFeB Magnets include requiring a protective coating/surface finish to minimize the effects of corrosion. Iron within the structure can ‘rust’ which causes a permanent structural change in NdFeB, resulting in a permanent weakening of the magnetic performance – the worst-case scenario is a total loss of magnetism.

A NdFeB magnet kept in dry conditions will not corrode and will retain its performance theoretically forever (if not subjected to excessive heat, radiation, or strong external magnetic fields). If the conditions are wet, it is recommended that alternative magnets be considered for use so that the magnet design tries to protect the magnet from moisture (e.g. encasing, modified coatings such as zinc plus rubber, etc). The plating/surface finish should be hermetic for best corrosion protection – scratched or damaged surfaces may render the affected region more prone to corrosion.

Marine environments (salt sprays, seawater) are particularly corrosive and far from ideal for NdFeB. In critical applications with unacceptable corrosion and magnet failure, magnets such as ferrite or SmCo may be more suitable. Please note that any claims that a NdFeB magnet will not corrode are misleading. It is claimed that higher Hci magnets resist corrosion better although the empirical results are not so conclusive (a trend suggesting an improvement in corrosion resistance exists but it is not guaranteed). The application and overall design determine how well the magnet will perform in damp environments.

2023-02-14

An overview of the Neodymium magnet raw material latest prices.

2023-02-08

The neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet industry has been growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for strong and compact permanent magnets in various applications such as motors, generators, and wind turbines.

However, the industry also faces several challenges, such as the limited supply of rare earth minerals, which are crucial components of NdFeB magnets, and environmental and social concerns related to the mining and refining of these minerals. The dominance of China in the rare earth mineral market has also led to concerns over dependence on a single source and geopolitical risks.

To address these challenges, several initiatives have been launched to develop alternative materials and methods for producing NdFeB magnets that are more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. There is also ongoing research to improve the magnetic properties and performance of NdFeB magnets, making them even more useful and versatile in a variety of applications.

Overall, the NdFeB magnet industry continues to grow and evolve, driven by the increasing demand for strong and durable permanent magnets and the development of new technologies and materials.