Imagine the magnets in your electric car or wind turbine, which usually rely on expensive materials controlled by a single country. This project creates a new recipe for magnets using common metals and 3D printing to shape them precisely. It's like switching from a rare, imported spice to a local blend that tastes just as good and is easier to get.
Europe relies on China for 98% of rare-earth magnets, creating a critical supply chain vulnerability for electric vehicles and wind energy. Current alternatives often lack the necessary magnetic performance or rely on expensive cobalt.
A high-throughput synthesis and 3D printing process for AlNiCo-based magnets, supported by machine learning and multiscale modelling tools.
If you are a wind turbine manufacturer dealing with supply chain risks for rare-earth magnets — this project developed REE-free magnets with (BH)max above 60 kJ/m³ that can be used in low-speed generators to ensure industrial autonomy.
If you are a supplier dealing with high costs of magnet materials for safety systems — this project developed 3D-printed magnets for ABS sensors and headlight systems that reduce cobalt content to below 24 wt%.
If you are a shipbuilder dealing with the vulnerability of the permanent magnet supply chain — this project developed high-performance AlNiCo magnets for propulsion shafts to reduce import dependence.
Based on available project data, the project aims for cost-effectiveness of REE-free products and targets a market opportunity estimated at €6.5 billion by 2030.
The project includes 9 industrial partners and aims to move from proof of concept (TRL 3-4) to technology validation at TRL 6, including techno-economic analyses for upscaling.
Based on available project data, the project utilizes open-source modelling tools for alloy design, but specific licensing terms for the resulting magnets are not detailed.
The project runs from May 2024 to April 2028, with a target market opportunity window identified by 2030.
The project uses additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create complex shapes and engineered microstructures, which are then validated in end-user demonstrators like rotors and sensors.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 17 partners, where 53% (9 partners) are from the industrial sector, including 7 SMEs. This strong industrial presence, combined with 8 research and university partners across 10 European countries, suggests a high focus on commercial viability and a direct path from lab-scale synthesis to industrial application.
Contact SINTEF AS in Norway for technical specifications on AlNiCo additive manufacturing.
Contact us to connect with the MagNEO consortium for early adoption of REE-free magnet prototypes.
