The REEgain consortium was established in Denmark in October 2012 with partners from Danish research establishments and industry and with sponsorship from the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation.The consortium has as one of its main objectives the development of a high performance rare earth permanent magnet based on Nd, Pr and Dy mixtures as found in the rich Tanbreez mineral deposit in Greenland. A further objective is to develop the recycling of permanent magnets in order to prevent the loss of rare earth

The consortium has as one of its main objectives the development of a high performance rare earth permanent magnet based on Nd, Pr and Dy mixtures as found in the rich Tanbreez mineral deposit in Greenland. A further objective is to develop the recycling of permanent magnets in order to prevent the loss of rare earth ements in the future product cycles of Danish industry. This, it is stated, will be achieved by developing and demonstrating a high field alignment of fine rare earth-Fe-B powder using advanced sintering and magnetisation processes.

Martin Sorensen, from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) in Taastrup, presented an update on the work of the REEgain consortium on the use of Metal Injection Moulding for the production of NdFeB magnets at a “Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) – Technology and Applications Seminar” held in Taastrup, November 17, 2016.

Sorensen focused on the special challenges of MIM NdFeB magnets compared to the production of ferrous MIM parts and discussed how these challenges are being addressed in REEgain. This includes the supply of the necessary rare earth elements from Greenland, the improved reliability and lifetime of permanent magnets and advanced process technologies, enabling complex geometries for strong permanent magnets.

Other presentations at the Taastrup MIM Seminar covered Catamold MIM feedstock (BASF), injection moulding machines and tooling (Arburg), debinding and sintering (Eisenmann Thermal Solutions), MIM case studies (Sintex A/S) and the state-of-the-art and future of MIM (Technical University of Denmark).

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