Magnequench, Daido Steel Develop World's Highest Energy Product

    ANDERSON, Ind.--March 25, 2002--Magnequench Inc. and Daido Steel Co., Ltd. developed new high energy, anisotropic Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets.
    The bonded magnets have the world's highest energy product with 22 MGOe as well as high heat resistance with the capability of operating at temperatures of more than 100 degrees C. In addition, the price of the newly developed anisotropic bonded magnets offer more flux per dollar when compared with isotropic bonded magnets.
    The two new types of Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets are superior to magnetic materials produced by alternative HDDR process. The high-energy product type (BH) max is greater than HDDR magnets by 10 percent while maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees C which is higher than that of HDDR magnets by 20 degrees C. High temperature usage type energy product (BH) max is 17 MGOe with a maximum operating temperature of 120 degrees C which is higher than that of similar strength HDDR magnets which can only operate up to 100 degrees C.
    "Our strategic partnership with Daido to develop these new magnets will enable the innovation of magnetic energy applications throughout a wide variety of industries," said senior vice president of Magnequench, Jeff Day. Many attempts have been made to develop new processes since the 1980's, but the developed materials had neither high enough energy product nor good heat resistance. Using Magnequench's new powders, Daido Steel has developed, into actual use, the first anisotropic Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets.
    The anisotropic powders are produced using Magnequench's patented compositions and rapid solidification technology combined with Daido's special plastic deformation process. In the newly developed process, isotropic powders are loaded into an iron vessel which is hermetically sealed. Following hot plastic deformation using a press, the powders are transformed to anisotropic.
    Bonded magnets which can be formed into various shapes easily are widely used as actuators in home appliances, power tools and automobiles. Such applications were limited because both high-energy products greater than 17 MGOe and heat resistance higher than 100 degrees C could not be achieved at the same time. Daido will apply the developed materials to high power and high temperature usage applications such as power tools and various home appliances. Eventually the bonded magnets will be used in applications for hybrid and electrical vehicles where magnets must be formed into various shapes and have both high-energy product and good heat resistance.
    Magnequench International, Inc. is a world-class supplier of high-energy, permanent magnets and is the leading producer of Neodymium magnet materials, which provide superior magnetic energy for products in global markets including automotive, computer and office automation, consumer electronics, household appliances, hand tools and factory automation/industrial applications. Magnequench is an ISO 9002 Certified provider of global end-to-end rare earth magnet solutions. For more information on Magnequench, their products or services, log onto www.magnequench.com.