The development of Dy free MAGFINE and its applications to Motors

The NdFeB magnet can be classified into the sintered magnet and bonded magnet. The former has superior magnet characteristics but the degree of freedom in shape is highly restricted, whereas the latter has a high degree of freedom, but its magnet characteristics are inferior to the former. When a NdFeB magnet is used at the elevated temperature, part of Nd must be replaced with a high priced Dy to increase its coercive force. For these reasons, a Dy free and high performance NdFeB bonded magnet is desired strongly. The author successfully developed a Dy free NdFeB anisotropic bonded magnet based on discovery of new phenomena called as d-HDDR reaction and its mass production process such as a thermally balanced hydrogen reaction furnace, micro capsuled powder, compression molding / injection molding under magnetic field, magnetic die and so on. Applied to DC brush seat motor for automotive use, the motor has become 50% small in size and weight. The commercialization of a half sized motor for automotive use has been realized up to the market share of 30%. At present, its commercialization is extending to various types of motors such as power tool, ABS motor, wiper motor, window motor, electric bike power motor, and compressor motor. It is expected that the applications will be increasingly enlarged to EV motor, wind generator, EPS motor, washing machine, and glass cutting machine. This innovative technology has realized Dy free high performance magnet and mudt make big contribution to not only rare element strategies but also energy conservation.