NdFeB
Neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets in sintered or bonded form; chemical composition and magnet grade vary by batch.
Permanent-magnet materials
Distinguishing NdFeB, SmCo, ferrite, AlNiCo and composite magnets
For ES Metall to assess material for purchase, describe the permanent-magnet material, protective layer and backing components separately. Metal, oxide and other rare-earth compounds are not magnet shapes.
Six material levels
Keep the magnet core, protective layer and composite assembly distinct
SmCo
Samarium-cobalt magnets are a separate family of temperature-stable permanent magnets; do not mix them with NdFeB.
Ferrite
Oxide-ceramic permanent-magnet materials with a different density, composition and recycling route.
AlNiCo
Aluminium-nickel-cobalt permanent-magnet materials; a metallic appearance is not evidence of NdFeB.
Coatings
Nickel, copper, zinc, epoxy and other protective layers form part of the material condition, not the net NdFeB mass.
Composite material & assembly
Record adhesive, steel backing, shaft, housing, plastic and electronics separately from the magnet core.
Bonded magnets are not automatically worthless
For bonded NdFeB and plastic-bonded magnets, assessability and potential recycling depend on the binder, proportion of magnet powder, degree of segregation, quantity and condition.
Mass basis
Gross weight is rarely the recoverable magnet mass
Magnet core
The actual permanent-magnet material, excluding backing components, housing and packaging.
Coating
Thin protective layers affect the surface and analytical results.
Steel backing
Ferromagnetic backing or pole piece, but not NdFeB.
Adhesive & plastic
Describe dismantling residues and contamination separately.
Process medium
State any oil, water or grinding medium present in swarf and sludges.
Packaging
Never include containers or load-securing materials in the material weight.