Bonded neodymium magnets are rare earth magnets made from NdFeB magnetic powder and a binder. The powder is prepared by grinding the NdFeB alloy into a powder and combining it with a polymer. Bonded magnets are not only extremely useful as finished magnets, they are also used as components in many other products. Bonded magnets may be made by injection molding, extrusion, calendering, or compression bonding.
Injection molding
With injection molding, a melted thermoplastic compound is injected into a mold. There, it cools and solidifies into the right shape. For neodymium magnets, NdFeB is used as the magnetic powder in this mixture. Magnets can be shaped and formed by this process, which works well with assembles and over molding manufacturing techniques.
Extrusion process
The extrusion process pushes the mixture through a heated barrel with a large screw. The mixture is pressed through a heated die, and that material is cut to the right length.
Calendering process
Calendering is a way to make continuous magnet sheets. This is often used for flexible magnets. A powdered compound of iron powder and elastomer is pushed through a set of hot rollers. These rollers stretch and smooth the strip, creating a uniform sheet.
Pressure welding process
In compression bonding, NdFeB is processed through a powder refinement process, blended with a plastic material and compression molded. Compression bonded neodymium magnets can be magnetized in any direction and with multiple poles. They are typically used in small motors, mobile phones, electronics, automobiles, etc. Other applications include brushless motors, speakers, buzzers and toys etc.