Niron Magnetics: Green High-Performance Magnets Get More Green From Samsung

Back in 2020, Barry Vogel, the director of the Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI) Association called me excitedly about Niron Magnetics and about a new magnet material developed from research at the University of Minnesota. Iron Nitride (FeN) was perhaps the biggest news in magnets in 40 years. Composed of common elements — Iron and Nitrogen - the potential of permanent magnets from Niron could be a breakthrough and a game-changer for the audio industry.

Most of us assume that neodymium must only come from China. Yet, rare earth ore is available in California, and reshoring neo-magnet production, including recycling neodymium, is now accelerating in the US. Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific), tipped off by Salvador Magdaleno (Salvador Consultant), writes about the first manufacturing operation that is ready to deliver neodymium permanent magnets in the United States. This article was written originally for The Audio Voice newsletter.

Warwick Acoustics is working with a number of notable car manufacturers to support the elimination of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from their vehicles by promoting the use of its ‘zero-REE’ Electroacoustic panels. As high-profile car manufacturers and OEMs are aiming to eliminate REEs in their vehicles, the UK-based audio company says that elements commonly used in audio systems, such as neodymium and dysprosium, typically make up to 30% of REE content still remaining in new-generation electric vehicles.

When a speaker development project is initiated, one of the first decisions is usually the magnet type — ferrite or neodymium — each one with its associated benefits, and problems. This article introduces the most promising alternative based on Iron Nitride (FeN), soon be available from Niron Magnetics, and offering the best characteristics of neo, without the supply chain drama, at a price point that rests somewhere between ferrite and neodymium. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, January 2022.

In this article, Mike Klasco provides a unique overview of the neodymium supply chain, rare earth minerals trade, and its implications for the loudspeaker industry. Part 1 of the article explored the Chinese influence on the supply chain for rare earth ores and how that might have strategic implications if the trade wars between countries. This article was originally published in The Audio Voice newsletter of August 23 and 30, 2018. An extended version, also divided in two parts, was later published in Voice Coil magazine in November and December 2018.

In this article, Mike Klasco provides a unique overview of the neodymium supply chain, rare earth minerals trade, and its implications for the loudspeaker industry. Neodymium magnets are a sensitive issue for the future, given the trend for escalating trade skirmishes with China. This article was originally published in The Audio Voice newsletter of August 23 and 30, 2018. An extended version, also divided in two parts, was later published in Voice Coil magazine in November and December 2018.