Highlights
- A website created by permanent magnet industry experts aims to bridge the knowledge gap by collecting and sharing magnet property data from manufacturers.
- Several leading magnet manufacturers have published their technical specifications.
- Major companies remain reluctant to disclose material properties.
- The initiative seeks to foster innovation and collaboration by promoting open access to magnet performance data for engineers, designers, and researchers.
Permanent magnet industry consultants created A website of interest to improve transparency in published magnet property data. Many companies, especially new entrants, are reluctant to disclose material properties, limiting access to critical performance data for designers and manufacturers. The initiative encourages companies to share even preliminary data, which can aid product development and application engineering.
Several manufacturers, including Vacuumschmelze (opens in a new tab), Electron Energy Corporation (opens in a new tab), Bunting Dubois (opens in a new tab), HyProMag (opens in a new tab), MS Schramberg (opens in a new tab), Magnetfabrik Bonn (opens in a new tab), Arnold Magnetic Technology (opens in a new tab), Neo Performance Materials (opens in a new tab), and Sintex, have published magnet property data.
However, major companies such as Noveon, Niron, MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and Reemag have not provided publicly available specifications. Some, like Tengam, have ceased publishing grade listings, while Matnex previously announced rare-earth-free magnets but no longer mentions them on its website.
The platform established by consultants does not endorse or evaluate the published data but serves as a centralized resource to collect and share available information. Companies without published data are invited to submit their links for inclusion.
This initiative, led by Dr. James Bell, Dr. Gareth Hatch, and Dr. John Ormerod, aims to bridge the knowledge gap, enabling more informed decisions across the industry.
Clarifying the Landscape of Permanent Magnet Property Data
The world of permanent magnets is a critical component of modern technology, supporting industries ranging from renewable energy to electronics and defense. However, a notable gap exists in the transparency of material property data, particularly among new entrants to the market. This website was established by industry consultants to address this issue, encouraging manufacturers to publish performance data that can benefit engineers, designers, and assembly manufacturers. Despite the reluctance of some companies to share their magnet specifications, even preliminary data—clearly labeled as such—can provide valuable insights for industrial applications.
Current State of Published Data in the Industry
Several leading magnet manufacturers have made property data publicly available, while others have yet to disclose meaningful technical specifications. Companies like Vacuumschmelze (VAC), Electron Energy Corporation (EEC), Bunting Dubois, HyProMag, MS Schramberg, Magnetfabrik Bonn, Arnold Magnetic Technology, Neo Performance Materials (Magnequench), and Sintex provide access to their magnet characteristics, supporting greater design accuracy and material selection for engineers. However, major players such as Noveon, Niron, MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, and Reemag have not published property data, limiting accessibility for potential users and industry stakeholders.
Some companies have recently stopped publishing their grade listings, such as Tengam, which discontinued public data in 2023. Meanwhile, firms like Matnex (Materials Nexus) previously announced rare-earth-free magnet developments but now appear to have removed any mention of magnets from their website entirely. For companies with missing data, the site encourages them to submit links so that more comprehensive information can be made available to the industry.
Challenges and the Need for Transparency
Some manufacturers’ reluctance to share magnet property data raises concerns about market transparency and accessibility for businesses that rely on these materials. Without reliable, openly available specifications, designers, researchers, and manufacturers face obstacles in selecting the right materials for critical applications. The absence of published data also creates uncertainty about the actual performance of some magnets, especially from emerging companies.
The push for greater data transparency is essential to fostering innovation, efficiency, and industry-wide collaboration. As permanent magnets play an increasingly pivotal role in electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer electronics, and national security applications, clear and accessible property data will be crucial to advancing material science, manufacturing, and global supply chain reliability.
A Call to Action for the Industry
This platform serves as a centralized resource for available magnet property data, aiming to bridge the gap between manufacturers and end-users.
Companies that have not published their data are encouraged to submit their information to ensure that designers and manufacturers have the tools to make informed material choices. As the demand for permanent magnets grows, so does the need for collaboration and openness—ensuring that the industry can meet future technological demands with clarity, efficiency, and scientific rigor.
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