Increase efficiencies and power densities

In the course of the energy transition, magnets are emerging as a crucial component for the operation of high-speed and high-performance applications. This is due to the trend toward providing applications with a high power density. At the same time, however, this development poses a major challenge for manufacturers: eddy current losses! The generation of eddy currents in the magnetic mass is – as is common in all high-speed designs – a source of significant heat generation and heat dissipation.

Snakeline magnets are notable for their efficient production: Unlike a traditional monolithic magnet, they only require two automated steps – cutting and filling. With this technology, the magnet is not physically broken down into individual magnet segments; instead, paths are cut in a serpentine form by wire erosion.

Another advantage of Snakeline magnets is the ability to create flexible magnet designs and significantly reduce assembly time. In the assembly of rotor packages with magnets, the steps can be drastically reduced compared to segmented magnets. Since the cut in the Snakeline is applied to a finished magnet, the process is easily applicable across designs, and there is no need for a complete redesign of the process to efficiently produce the parts. Bomatec relies on close research and development partnerships to investigate eddy current losses in permanent magnets with complex geometries and special measures to reduce losses. Specially developed analysis tools are used for this purpose, enabling comprehensive 3D simulations to be carried out and the optimum number and shape of segmentation to be determined depending on customer applications.

As Bomatec continues to expand its leadership in magnetic technology, it is also pursuing a strategy of diversification to strengthen its presence in Asia, particularly Malaysia. Malaysia has become an emerging center for technology and innovation in recent years. With a growing talent pool of engineers and technicians, as well as a favorable business environment, the country has become an attractive destination for companies looking to expand their presence in the region. In addition to this diversification strategy in Malaysia, Bomatec AG boasts extensive expertise in magnet assembly, particularly specializing in plastic-injected magnets. With years of experience and specialized knowledge in magnet technology, the company is capable of offering high-quality and customized solutions for magnet assembly. From conceptualization to implementation, the company collaborates closely with customers to meet their specific requirements and develop innovative solutions. This expertise in magnet assembly complements the company’s diversification strategy in Malaysia and reinforces its position as a leading provider of magnet technology solutions globally. In summary, Bomatec is not only aiming for a revolution in various industries with its innovative patent in magnet technology, but also providing a great opportunity for strategic expansion into Malaysia to offer customized solutions for assemblies. With this combination of breakthrough technology and dynamic business strategy into new markets, Bomatec AG is striving to shape the future of the magnet industry.

The Snakeline innovation not only promises a cost-optimized manufacturing process and a reduction in eddy current losses. Bomatec AG's research work also extends to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products. Against the backdrop of the Critical Raw Material Act, which was passed by the EU Commission, the Snakeline technology can make an important contribution to a green circular economy. The law provides, among other things, that a larger proportion of raw materials classified as critical, particularly the rare earth metals neodymium and dysprosium, will come from EU recycling in the future. In this context, a consortium of industrial partners and research institutions is focusing on establishing a circular economy for rare earth magnets. The members are using patented hydrogen processing, known as HPMS (Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap). Current analyses by Pforzheim University show that segmentation does not guarantee sufficient quality of the recycled material, as organic residues of the segmentation adhesive have a strong negative influence on the magnetic properties of the recycled magnet. Unfilled Snakeline magnets could meet these challenges by Bomatec designing magnets that are both customer-specific and suitable for recycling as early as the design phase.