Permanent magnet
NdFeB is a hard magnetic material and is used as a permanent magnet after magnetisation.
Practical magnet guide · Materials knowledge
NdFeB magnets: fundamentals for sellers
NdFeB denotes a permanent-magnet material containing neodymium, iron and boron. Commercial magnets, however, are not a pure ideal phase, but multiphase alloys with variable formulations and possible coatings.
Materials knowledge
NdFeB fundamentals: classifying the material and its origin
For sellers, a concise overview of the material is sufficient. Atomic models, theoretical limits and marketing comparisons are neither necessary nor adequately substantiated for a purchase assessment.
Alloy
Nd, Fe and B form the basis reflected in the name; Pr, Dy, Tb and other elements may be added, depending on the formulation.
Material variants
Sintered, bonded and hot-deformed magnets differ in their structure and potential processing route.
Relevance to purchase assessment
Material form, batch, condition, coating, attached materials and documents are more important than a simplified comparison of magnetic strength.
Important limitation
Phrases such as ‘the pinnacle of magnet technology’ or fixed multiples of ferrite performance are promotional and are not used as factual claims.
For material assessment
Information required to classify NdFeB material
- 01Manufacturer designation
- 02full grade code, if known
- 03Manufacturing route or datasheet
- 04Component and condition context
Enquiry in four steps
Confirm the required photographs, quantity and origin, and agree the handover arrangements
- 01
Enquiry
Record the material, form, condition, quantity and unit, country where the material is located and supporting documents.
- 02
Initial assessment
Cross-check the stated material identity, batch, origin, parties, status and general processing route.
- 03
Assessment plan
If required, agree the sample, method, costs, packaging and handover arrangements.
- 04
Commercial terms
Only once a reliable basis has been established should the commercial terms, responsibilities and payment basis be documented.
Frequently asked questions
NdFeB fundamentals: brief answers
Is every rare-earth magnet an NdFeB magnet?
No. Samarium-cobalt is also a rare-earth magnet family and must be considered separately.
Does Nd₂Fe₁₄B represent the complete composition?
No. It is the principal hard magnetic phase; commercial magnets contain other phases, additions and, where applicable, coatings.
Why does the manufacturing route matter?
It affects density, binder content, microstructure, composition and which assessment or recovery route may be suitable.
Technical and legal sources
Six further references
Time-sensitive legal, transport and market information should be checked directly against the linked primary sources before it is used in a specific case.
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