Setopia Strengthens Rare Earth Business Capabilities with Neodymium Metal Manufacturing Patent Application

Setopia announced on the 26th that it has filed a patent related to a manufacturing process method and apparatus that internalizes technologies such as high efficiency, high quality, and productivity improvement in the manufacturing process of neodymium metal, a core material of rare earth neodymium permanent magnets.

Setopia filed a patent that improves productivity compared to the existing method of producing neodymium metal. By developing a 'fluorine compound mixed recipe' that reduces the carbon content in neodymium metal, it internalized a manufacturing process that produces high-efficiency, high-quality neodymium metal.

The patent filed by Setopia differs from the existing method in that a mixed recipe of fluorine compounds and neodymium oxide is created and injected into the electrolyte bath before the electrolyte bath reaches a certain level. Then, the graphite conductor is removed earlier than in the existing process to minimize the carbon impact within the metal. Subsequently, the temperature of the molten bath is maintained while continuously injecting the mixed recipe of fluorine compounds and oxides until the electrolyte bath reaches a certain level, thereby manufacturing high-quality neodymium metal.

Using this method, the purity of neodymium metal improves, and the production speed increases, resulting in enhanced productivity. The new manufacturing process simplifies and systematizes the production process, and it is expected that through an optimized manufacturing process, it can be connected to a smart factory in the future.

According to the person in charge of the related research, "The manufacturing process patented this time allows for a revolutionary reduction in carbon content and an increase in metal production speed by adding neodymium oxide and fluorine compounds before a certain level, enabling the production of high-quality neodymium metal."

Neodymium metal is valued as high-grade neodymium metal when the content of trace elements and carbon is low. Previously, a mass production product test conducted by Setopia's subsidiary GCM recorded 124 ppm, a significant improvement over the carbon content standard of 500 ppm for good products, recognizing its high-quality commercial value.

A Setopia official stated, "This patent proves that high-quality metal production is possible without relying on the time required or the skill level of manufacturing technicians when making existing neodymium metal," adding, "We will continue to develop processes that efficiently manufacture neodymium metal through steady research and development to produce good products."

He added, "We will proceed smoothly with preparations for purchase contracts through discussions with companies wishing to purchase neodymium metal as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, in January, neodymium metal produced by Setopia's subsidiary GCM was evaluated as 99.8% high-purity good product by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and the Institute of Advanced Technology.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.