High Performance NdFeB Sintered Magnets and Their Applications

Abstract

As NdFeB sintered magnets have been improved not only in magnetic properties but also in cost-performance, they have been remarkably expanding in the global markets. Especially, motor applications by using NdFeB sintered magnets are rapidly increasing because improvements in motor efficiency are urgent to reduce CO2 exhaust gas. Market demands for these magnets are focused on (1) higher energy products, (2) higher thermal stability and reliability, (3) sales price reduction. Therefore, it is very important to investigate how to realize an excellent alignment of 2-14-1 grains in sintered magnet and how to increase coercive force with a minimum content of Dy through the powder metallurgical process. In this paper, the market trend of NdFeB sintered magnets is introduced and the latest investigation on high performance NdFeB sintered magnets are described.