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.

This issue of Voice Coil is packed full of great knowledge for speaker professionals. The September 2023 issue features three Test Bench characterizations: the Fountek NeoCD2.0 Ribbon Tweeter, the SB Acoustics WO24TX-4 Satori midbass, and the SEAS L22ROY2 8" subwoofer. This issue also features our annual overview of Magnetic Materials for the Loudspeaker Industry. Peter Larsen (Loudsoft) concludes his FINE Circle tutorial with a passive crossover for his design. This issue of Voice Coil is now available in print, online, and in digital formats.