Hightlights
- Niron Magnetics develops non-rare earth magnets, reducing reliance on China.
- The technology is environmentally sustainable and manufactured in the US.
- Niron’s facility in Minnesota marks a fundamental shift in magnet production.
The first-of-its-kind facility manufacturing center produces a sustainable alternative to rare earth permanent magnets, the key inputs to a range of technologies and industries from electric vehicles, wind energy to consumer electronics, reports Niron Magnetics (opens in a new tab). According to a company press release the Minneapolis-based commercial pilot plant is the world’s only producer of rare-earth-free permanent magnets.
Why is the permanent magnet market so important?
Because about 90% of all powerful permanent magnets are made today in China, and as Rare Earth Exchanges has discussed, this highly skewed concentration of production clout means material national security risks for the United States, plus ensuing environmental challenges for the world.
What are today’s standard rare earth magnets made of?
Rare earth magnets today contain neodymium and other rare earth elements.
What’s different about Niron Magnetics’ products?
The company’s “Clean Earth Magnet” technology the company positions represents the first and only powerful permanent magnet that does not require any rare earth elements.
What’s the company’s background?
Founded in 2014, Niron Magnetics’ genesis stems from the research of Distinguished McKnight University Professor and the Robert F. Hartmann Chair Jian-Ping Wang. He and his team developed the world’s first iron nitride as reported (opens in a new tab) by the University of Minnesota.
The products are made with iron and nitrogen. And of course, these materials are abundant, plus they can be sustainably sourced in America less any new mining ventures. This represents the potential for technology breakthrough shaking up the rare earth market and associated high-tech markets.
Just last year the company secured a $33 million funding from lGM Ventures and Stellantis Ventures (opens in a new tab), as well as previous local investors Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (opens in a new tab) and the University of Minnesota. The company is also partnered with the Department of Defense (opens in a new tab)and the US Naval Research Laboratory.
The Minneapolis facility
The 70,000-square-foot Minneapolis facility represents a pivotal milestone on the company’s trajectory for scaled production and the ability to bridge the acute supply and demand gap for permanent magnets that is projected before the end of the decade.
“Niron is advancing the magnet industry with an inherently sustainable technology developed right here in the US,” Niron Magnetics CEO Jonathan Rowntree said in a news release.
Also, a new acquisition of a site in Sartell, Minnesota, northwest of Minneapolis, will serve as the foundation for Niron’s growth as the company scales its operations to meet the increasing demand for these magnets.
This new manufacturing plant is initially slated to bring 175 jobs to the area, with phase one beginning with the construction of a 150,000-square-foot facility and future phases planned. After evaluating over 75 potential sites, Sartell was selected as the ideal choice for the company’s first full-scale manufacturing plant, in part due to the community’s focus on creating an attractive environment for businesses and residents.
Why are magnets important?
Magnets made from rare earth elements, particularly neodymium (Nd) and samarium (Sm), are crucial for several high-tech industries due to their unique properties, which make them significantly stronger than traditional magnets. These rare earth magnets play an essential role in modern technology, and their importance is driven by their magnetic strength, durability, and ability to perform under extreme conditions.
Key Reasons Why Rare Earth Magnets Are Important:
The high magnetic strength remains key.
Neodymium magnets (NdFeB) are the strongest type of permanent magnets available today. They have a high magnetic field strength, which allows them to be miniaturized without losing their power. This property is essential for applications that require powerful magnets in small, lightweight forms, such as electronics, medical devices, and motors.
Samarium-cobalt magnets (SmCo), another type of rare earth magnet, offer high strength as well, and they are especially useful in environments with high temperatures.
The products are used in Green Technology for example rare earth magnets are critical in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind turbines. Modern wind turbines use neodymium magnets in their generators to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy efficiently. These magnets help make turbines smaller and more efficient, improving energy output.
These magnets were also used in electric vehicle (EV) motors. The efficiency of electric motors is enhanced by rare earth magnets, which offer the power density needed for EVs to have long driving ranges without increasing the motor’s size or weight.
The following sectors also depend on these magnets.
- Consumer Electronics
- Medical Devices
- Military and Aerospace Applications
- High Heat Resistance and Durability
Summary
Rare earth magnets are essential for advancing technology, particularly in industries like renewable energy, consumer electronics, healthcare, and defense. Their unique combination of strength, miniaturization capability, and resistance to extreme conditions allows them to enable innovations that would otherwise be impossible with traditional magnets. This new form of magnet could be game-changing.
Daniel
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