Influence of Soft Magnetic Material Type in Fixture Components on the Magnetization of Bonded Neo Magnet and Motor Performance

In this paper, the effects of using laminated steel and solid steel for the magnetizing fixture components on the magnetization energy needed for saturation, magnetization profile, and motor performance are presented. Three combinations of fixture core and back iron materials have been analyzed using 2-D finite element analysis as well as experiments. The potential issues with the use of solid steel as fixture components have been explained. The results indicate that the magnetization fixtures made with solid steel components require higher energy to generate the magnetization field needed for magnet saturation and in most practical cases lead to partially magnetized magnet and poor motor performance. The use of laminated steel for all soft magnetic components in the magnetization fixture is highly recommended.