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2002 News Release
June 18 
June 18, 2002
Hitachi Metals Develops and Achieves Mass Production of New Neodymium Lead Boron Sintered Magnetic Material with Maximum Energy Product of 55 MGOe.
Tokyo, Japan, June 18, 2002-Hitachi Metals, Ltd., announced today that it has succeeded in developing and mass producing a new neodymium lead boron sintered magnetic material using the HILOP™ process. The new material, HS-55AH, features magnetic properties with a maximum energy product of 55 MGOe (Mega Gauss Oersteds), the first such mass-produced material in the industry.
1. The Development Process
Rare earth magnet production in Japan during fiscal 2001 was approximately ¥4.3 billion per month.Particularly in high-performance neodymium magnets, recent years have seen increasing demands for high-efficiency stemming from the needs for compactness, light weight, and energy conservation in all fields.
In response to these higher performance demands, in 1995 Hitachi Metals developed its HILOP™ method, the world's first wet manufacturing method for neodymium magnets.
Now, by enhancing the orientation of the crystal granules-the primary phase of which is the ferromagnetic phase R2Fe14B-Hitachi Metals has succeeded in dramatically improving remanent flux density Br and maximum energy product (BH) max, and is commencing mass production.
2. Special Features and Applications of the New HS-55AH HILOP™ Material
- High remanent flux density Br and maximum energy product (BH) max, thus enabling compact and light weight application (see appendices)
- Because of its compatibility with compact and light weight applications, demand is expected to increase from such fields as motors for electric and hybrid vehicles, generators, alternators, and other automotive electrical applications; air conditioners, refrigerators, and other domestic appliances; as well as linear motors, elevators, and other factory automation applications.
3. Patents
Two patents are pending in Japan.4. Sales Launch
Sample distribution to commence in July 2002.5. Sales Projections
Fiscal 2003: ¥1.2 billionFiscal 2004: ¥2.4 billion
6. Manufacture and Sales
To be handled by Hitachi Metals' Magnetic Materials Company7.(Reference) About HILOP™ (Hitachi-Low-Oxygen-Process)
In 1995, Hitachi Metals led the world in developing the first wet forming mass production process for neodymium magnets. The process has the following unique features.- Neodymium lead boron sintered magnets are composed of rare earth elements that extremely susceptible to oxidation, and residual oxygen weakens their magnetic properties. Although the prevention of this oxidation was not possible with traditional dry manufacturing methods, HILOP™ has reduced residual oxygen to less than 2,000 ppm.
- The process incorporates forming within a wet magnetic field, thus providing sufficient directional action of the grain particles and achieving anisotropy.
- The process is capable of extremely fine granulization regardless of increases in oxygen volume and produces crystals of uniform and minute diameter.
Inquiries:
| Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Magnetic Materials Company Officer in charge: Sato Tel:+81-3-5765-4430 |
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| Public Relations Office Officer in charge: Kobayashi Tel: +81-3-5765-4079 |
