"Showa Denko K.K.
Nov 26, 2013
Showa Denko (SDK) (TOKYO:4004) has developed a new grade of neodymium-based magnetic alloy for factory automation (FA) applications, which alloy does not contain dysprosium (element symbol: Dy) but gives the same performance as conventional products in which Dy is added to increase heat resistance. SDK has started commercial production of the new product.
While SDK has already commercialized Dy-free magnetic alloys for HDD voice coil motor and wind-power generation motor applications, the company this time has developed a new Dy-free magnetic alloy for FA applications, in which higher levels of Dy is usually added. The new technology will enable SDK to further reduce the levels of added Dy for more demanding applications such as electrically-assisted power steering and electric vehicles. Thus, the new technology will contribute toward solving the future problem of resource limitations."
"SDK has therefore been promoting R&D on Dy-free magnetic alloys, succeeding this time in developing a Dy-free magnetic alloy that gives the same performance as conventional products in which 4% by weight of Dy is added. (SDK is already mass-producing a Dy-free alloy comparable to conventional products in which 2% by weight of Dy is added.)"
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
1
Conventionalproducts
SDK’s products
Main applications of magnets
2
1%
0%
Motors and speakers of communication equipment
3
2%
0%
Voice coil motors for HDDs; wind-power generation motors
4
4%
0%Realized this time
Factory automation
5
6%
2%
Electrically-assisted power steering for vehicles
6
8%
4%
Motors and power generators for hybrid cars and electric vehicles
"Based on the new technology, SDK is working to further reduce the levels of added Dy. Next year, SDK will develop another new grade of Dy-free magnetic alloy that gives the same performance as conventional products in which 6% by weight of Dy is added. Thus, SDK will continue contributing toward further energy conservation."
R.I.P. Dy/HRE Chart demonstrates greater than 50% reduction in Dy, nearly 2 yrs ago.
BTW, they've just Ann'd the closure of one of their Chinese alloy plants because "sales to customers in Japan have been significantly reduced". Wonder where that's relocating?
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