What are Neodymium Magnets?
Neodymium magnets are the strongest, most widely used type of permanent rare earth magnets in the world. These magnets were developed simultaneously, though independently, in 1984 by General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals. At the time, the high cost of the commonly used samarium-cobalt magnet drove each company to find a more economical alternative.
Neodymium is combined with boron and iron to make these super-strong Neodymium magnets. The exact composition can vary depending on the strength needed and for what that magnet is being used. They provide unrivaled levels of magnetism and endurance against diamagnetism when compared to other permanent magnets.
The sheer strength of a Neodymium magnet is simply amazing. A 2-gram magnet measuring 8mm x 5mm can generate a force of over 3.75 pounds! That’s over 10x stronger than a ceramic magnet. And despite being so strong, they’re also lightweight, which is why they have become so popular.
What are Neodymium Magnets Used For?
Since the invention of the first Neodymium magnet, they have cemented their position as the most popular magnet for a variety of industrial and commercial uses. If you’re reading this on your computer, you’re using a neodymium magnet right now!
From electric motor manufacturing and medical equipment to renewable energy technology and defense systems, many applications rely on the strength of neodymium magnets; without which, many of the advancements over the past few decades would not have been possible!
One of the top uses for neodymium magnets are open Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI machines. Neodymium magnets are also a major ingredient for electric motors and are widely seen as the most efficient way to power hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). These magnets have recently increased in demand for wind turbines, global installations of which jumped 53% in 2020, according to analysts at the Global Wind Energy Council.
Why Should Neodymium Magnets Be Recycled?
The rare earth metals in neodymium magnets are actually abundant, but can be dirty and difficult to produce. China has ultimately grown to dominate production because of the natural supply of much of the world’s rare earth metals. With demand for the neodymium magnets on the rise, analysts say a genuine shortage may lie ahead.
There are concerns not only about securing domestic supply, but also huge price swings as well as environmental damage from mining these rare earth metals.
Recycling neodymium magnets not only significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to mining, but it is also essential to reduce dependence and secure domestic supply of neodymium for many products manufactured today.
With our low waste recycling process, REEcycle aims to provide an alternative option to electronic waste as well as reduce supply uncertainty for companies reliant on neodymium magnets and other rare earth elements. By recycling your neodymium magnets, you can expect:
✔ New revenue stream from electronic waste
✔ Dependable, renewable, secure source of rare earth elements
✔ Source rare earth elements domestically
✔ Reduce landfill waste and support sustainable end-of-life process
✔ Patented, low waste process
✔ Truly circular and sustainable product
✔ Very low carbon footprint process
Recycling Neodymium Magnets
Located in Texas, REEcycle purchases end-of-life neodymium magnets.
We don’t procure, process, and supply just any metals. We have a very specific niche business recycling neodymium magnets. Our singular focus and efficient, patented process uniquely positions us as the #1 neodymium magnet recycler in the U.S.
With a 99.8% recovery efficiency, neodymium magnets created with our recycled rare earth elements can be successfully re-used in the most advanced technical equipment around the world. We also use a proprietary solvent that can safely and efficiently extract rare earth elements from scrap - leaving no waste behind.
How do we recycle neodymium magnets? Learn about our process here and contact us today for more information about neodymium magnet recycling.
