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Plastics I

Introducing the Samarium Iron Nitride Bonded Magnet, a Neodymium Sintered Magnet Substitute

Despite having a relatively weak magnetic force, the superior insulation and rust-free properties of samarium iron nitride bonded magnets are attracting attention as a substitute for neodymium sintered magnets, which are widely used in hybrid car motors and PCs.

The difficulty in procuring rare earth magnets (neodymium sintered magnets) has reached crisis proportions

Multilayer molding of more than one samarium magnet using a single injection technique.

Shortage of materials due to China’s recent major export restrictions
→The true source of the problem is an overconcentration of demand for neodymium sintered magnets.

The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) triggered an explosion in the neodymium sintered magnet market.
Production in the global auto market: 70 million units/year
Assuming the number of EVs increased to 10% of those 70 million automobiles, and 5 kg of neodymium sintered magnets are used per EV:
→ An additional 35,000 tons of neodymium sintered magnets would become necessary.　(Current consumption: 40,000 tons worldwide)

For other industries (HDDs, AV equipment, electronic devices, etc.), only a small quantity of neodymium sintered magnets are available!!

Amid uncertainty about Chinese imports, balancing the consumption of rare earth elements will assume greater importance.
→Sources and applications of rare earths should be more diverse.

The consumption of neodymium sintered magnet is expected to peak 2-3 years from now.
Produced together with neodymium, samarium is expected to be created in excess.

We encourage utilizing samarium iron nitride (SmFeN) effectively as a neodymium sintered magnet substitute.

■What is a samarium iron nitride bonded magnet?

	Samarium iron nitride bonded magnets （SmFeN）	Neodymium sintered magnets
Magnetic properties	15MGOe	50MGOe World’s strongest
Price	¥10/g	¥10/g Superior magnetic properties versus costs
Heat resistance	120℃ Plastics melt	200℃ Heat-resistant grade (Dy added)
Annual production	300t	40,000t
Recognition	Low No applications where only SmFeN can be used	High Key material for EVs
Orientation	Restriction-free Surface magnetic flux can be enhanced with designable orientation	Some restrictions apply Axial orientation only
Weight	4.8g/cm3 Helps to reduce components weight	7.8g/cm3
Availability	Surplus Currently no applications for Sm	Very tight Shortage of Dy causing social issues
Maturity	Not matured The processing technique is particularly promising	Fully matured No new materials or processing techniques expected
Insulation	◎(No eddy current)	×

■Advantages of samarium magnets

・Surface magnetic flux density (generates torque; represented by B) can be enhanced by orientation design, although the energy product (BH) is one quarter of that of neodymium magnets.
・Only 60% of the weight of neodymium magnets
・Weight ratio (B/weight) equivalent to or higher than that of neodymium magnets
・Resistant to rust
・Pins may be press-fitted. Accommodates injection molding, complex shapes, and hybrid magnetization

The Inabata Group offers a comprehensive range of services, from materials and
molding to components. Please feel free to contact us at any time!!

Inquiries via telephone

Inabata & Co., Ltd. Business Development Department , Plastics Division I
Tel: +81-52-562-2958 (Contact: Moriguchi)
http://www.inabata.co.jp/divisions/plastics/1/products/development.html

I&P Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-493-35-1846 (Contacts: Matsumoto, Yamaguchi)
http://www.iandp.co.jp/index.htm