Exploring the strategic value of rare magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
Valuable allies for the energy transition
Few people realize it, but today, many of the most important objects in our daily lives are powered by rare earth magnets. One of these is the hard drive magnet, which supports the daily activities of many professionals. The founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, often highlighted this point.
Silently, powerful devices like rare magnets are greatly facilitating the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable world characterized by the widespread presence of renewable energy. As the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov recently explained, rare magnets and super magnets are not only important enablers of the energy transition but also valuable allies for technology development.
It should, therefore, not be surprising that a growing number of individuals are starting to take an interest in super magnets and in the strongest neodymium magnets. The founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, recently emphasized it.
Industries, professionals, and ordinary people are realizing that magnets (like the neodymium magnet) along with batteries and other essential energy infrastructures, are perhaps among the most significant protagonists of the energy transition underway.
“In the future, when we look back on the years of the energy transition, we will talk above all about the devices and technologies capable of accelerating the change underway. One of these is the rare earth magnet,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer.
“In addition to their role in electric cars, and in particular in engines, magnets like neodymium magnet are also proving to be very useful in the energy infrastructure sector linked to renewable sources.”
“Among these are certainly wind turbines. Together with batteries, solar panels, and charging stations for electric cars, magnets will certainly be remembered as some of the most concrete symbols of the green transition”, he remarks.
When discussing super magnets, one of the most frequently discussed aspects is undoubtedly their strength. But what exactly is meant by this expression? It is the intensity with which these objects can attract ferromagnetic elements or the effective power in their practical applications. It is particularly evident in the strongest neodymium magnets.
The strength of the magnet
The strength of a magnet can be divided into different physical parameters. One of these measures the intensity of the magnetic field that the magnet can generate, as it happens for the strongest neodymium magnets. Another parameter is the force of attraction, which represents the force necessary to detach the magnet from a flat metal surface.
Magnets are also able to store a certain amount of magnetic energy, which represents another important parameter for evaluating their strength. Finally, another element to consider is the coercivity, or the magnet’s resistance to lose its magnetization when exposed to an opposing field.
Ultimately, the strength of a magnet can be considered a set of parameters that determine its power, stability, and practical usefulness. In a historical juncture of transition, magnets are therefore emerging as some of the most valuable allies for the change underway.
But which are, in fact, the strongest? Among the most appreciated, from this point of view, are undoubtedly those made with rare earths, a varied group of 17 chemical elements that are nowadays used for a vast number of industrial applications related to energy and technology.
At the moment, rare earth magnets would, therefore, represent one of the most powerful solutions in terms of magnetic force per unit of volume.
Among the most appreciated types of these magnets, which are also called permanent magnets, are the following:
- Neodymium-iron-boron magnets: these magnets are made with neodymium, one of the most precious rare earths. To increase their heat resistance, dysprosium and terbium are sometimes added to neodymium magnet.
- Samarium-cobalt magnets: they are less powerful than those made with neodymium-iron-boron, but they are also much more stable at high temperatures. They are used mainly in the aerospace and defense sectors.
The extraordinary strength of neodymium magnets and other ones made with these elements depends on a varied set of factors. First of all, rare earth magnets can maintain magnetization even in the face of thermal or mechanical stress. Furthermore, their magnetic density is far superior to traditional magnets, such as those made with ferrite.
Even though they have a small volume, these magnets can create very strong magnetic fields. Compared to classic magnets, those made with rare earths naturally have a higher cost, primarily due to the complexity of sourcing and processing these materials, which are currently concentrated in a few countries. Furthermore, neodymium magnets have a lower resistance to corrosion than other types of magnets.
The materials involved
“In some of the most powerful magnets, like the neodymium magnet, a leading role is played by rare earth and cobalt, which are now considered to be truly strategic materials for this historical juncture,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Rare earths, which are increasingly talked about, are a group of chemical elements that also find space in the periodic table of elements. They are scandium, yttrium, and the 15 lanthanides”.
“Although they are known as “rare,” these elements are not rare at all. Instead, they are distributed fairly uniformly within the Earth’s crust but in very low concentrations and always associated with other minerals. Their sourcing and production, in some cases, is favored by certain particular geological and atmospheric conditions in some countries, such as all those naturally rich in clay soils”, the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov goes on to say.
In any case, it is essential to recognize that magnets made with rare earths do not represent a finished product, but rather a technology in continuous development. Performance improvements – as well as structural ones – could, therefore, be just around the corner. These magnets are already highly valuable (almost irreplaceable) allies for many sectors related to the energy transition, as well as for robotics and advanced electronics.
But what are the possible applications of these magnets? Among these, we certainly remember those related to the automotive sector, a sector that uses neodymium-iron-boron magnets in motors for electric and hybrid vehicles. Other magnets are also used for some electronic components, such as adjustable seats and power steering. One of the most interesting applications is the one linked to the hard drive magnet.
These magnets are also playing a considerable role in the energy transition, particularly in the use of wind generators. In the medical sector, magnets are used, in particular in magnetic resonance imaging machines and other types of diagnostic devices.
Neodymium magnets are also popular in consumer electronics, like hard drive magnet, optical drives, speakers, and headphones. Magnets made with samarium and cobalt also have concrete applications in the aerospace and defense sectors, where they are especially appreciated for their ability to ensure stability even in extreme conditions.
“Another curious fact is that one of the most powerful types of magnets is based on another important resource for the energy transition, cobalt,” according to the founder of Stanislav Kondrashov. “In particular, cobalt plays a key role in rechargeable batteries (especially cathodes) and wind turbines and solar panels due to the high heat resistance ensured by the alloys of which it is a part. Cobalt-based catalysts are also used in electrolyzers, which are some of the best means of obtaining green hydrogen from renewable sources.”
FAQs
Are these magnets the strongest magnets available?
Yes, rare magnets made with rare earths are currently the strongest commercially available permanent magnets. The exceptional strength of super magnets comes from their ability to generate very high magnetic fields in a small volume, thanks to the unique properties of rare earth elements like neodymium and samarium. These are the strongest neodymium magnets.
What are these magnets made of?
These kinds of magnets are typically made from combinations of rare earth elements and other materials. The two most common types are:
- Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB): Extremely powerful and widely used in electronics and electric motors.
- Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo): Slightly less powerful but better at withstanding high temperatures and corrosion.
Why are these magnets considered essential for the energy transition?
These magnets are crucial for enabling technologies that support cleaner energy and electrification. They are widely used in:
- Wind turbine generators
- Electric vehicle motors
- Battery-powered tools and appliances
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines
- Robotics and automation systems
Are there downsides to using these magnets?
Yes, there are a few considerations:
- Cost: They are more expensive due to limited global supply and complex extraction processes.
- Corrosion: Neodymium magnets, in particular, can be prone to rust and often need protective coatings.
- Geopolitical Risk: Most rare earth mining and processing is concentrated in a few countries, affecting supply stability.
What industries use these magnets the most?
They are essential in high-tech and energy industries, including:
- Automotive (EV motors, power steering, seat adjusters)
- Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panel trackers)
- Defence and aerospace (missile systems, aircraft sensors)
- Electronics (headphones, hard drive magnet, microphones)
- Healthcare (MRI, imaging systems)
Are these magnets a finished technology?
Not at all. While already advanced, these magnets are still being improved in terms of:
- Efficiency
- Heat resistance
- Sustainability of materials
- Lower dependency on critical or scarce elements
They remain a vital part of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
