Engineers at the Amess Laboratory’s Critical Materials Institute have crafted a technique of using laser 3D metal printing to create a more affordable alternative to expensive rare-earth neodymium iron boron magnets. The researchers were able to create a range of samples all printed using a 3D laser metal printer. The process cut production time down from weeks to a couple of hours! Could this be the future of our magnet manufacturing? Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have found a way to use 3D printing and polymer binders to reduce the amount of rare earth waste from each block of magnetic material. As we continue to make strides forward in our processes, will they stick or will they fall by the wayside in favor of the tried and true method? Is the traditional manufacturing process better? How Are Magnets Made? The word “magnet” comes from the Greek word for the region of modern-day Turkey that was once called Magnesia, where magnets could be found in nature. While it would be nice to be able to continually find magnets in nature, unfortunately, we’re forced to manufacture them on our own. Once the ingredients are acquired, they are then melted down with electric currents. This is then ground down into a powder and mixed. The composition of the mixture determines how strong the magnet will be. Then, that mixture will be pressed into a solid form. Once a magnetic field is applied, the magnet gains its magnetization direction. The magnetic block is then sintered which involves further heating the block and locks in the magnetic particles. Will 3D printing take over as the primary method of production for magnets? While 3D laser printing may be easier, it may not work well for mass production of magnets. If bulk production can be perfected, this method may become more prominent. As 3D magnet printing progresses, we’ll be sure to follow along and keep you updated as we did with this piece on 3D printed material being controlled by magnets. Keep an eye on our blog to stay up to date on all magnet-related news and discoveries.