[T16] Hard Magnetic Materials

[14E-T16-05] Anisotropic Magnets Fabricated by Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing

*F. Bernier¹, J.-M. Lamarre¹, Y. Hirayama², K. Takagi² (1.NRC Canada, Canada, 2.AIST, Japan)

Keywords:Cold spray, Permanent magnet , Additive manufacturing

The interest for the fabrication of permanent magnets using additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly growing. AM of complex shape magnetic components could revolutionize the design and performance of electrical machines and motors. Unfortunately, magnetic performance of permanent magnets produced by AM is very often limited due to the use of isotropic powders. In this study, Al-NdFeB composite permanent magnets were fabricated by cold spray AM using anisotropic NdFeB powders in an attempt to improve magnets’ remanence and energy product. In order to optimize the magnet performance, various process parameters were tested. Magnetic characterization (remanence, coercivity and BHmax) was carried out along three orthogonal directions to quantify the level of anisotropy. Advanced microstructural characterization of the sprayed samples was performed and the results were linked to the process parameters and correlated to the measured anisotropy. It is shown, here, that anisotropic powders align themself naturally during the cold spray process.