Proterial, a Japanese advanced metal manufacturer and formerly known as Hitachi Metals, recently achieved an interesting milestone. The other great news from the company is that the first samples have begun shipping from said mass production facility! This advance specifically applies to two recently invented forms of neodymium magnets. These magnets are essential to high-precision machinery and electric vehicles (EVs) thanks to their exceptional performance qualities.
So what’s the wholly innovative part about Proterial’s neodymium magnets? It’s the formulation—specifically, how they did away with the dependence on heavy rare earth metals. This news comes at an important turning point. It aims to address the increasingly bipartisan concern over supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly after the recent Chinese export restrictions on rare earth materials. Proterial manufactures advanced magnets, moving away from the heavy metals typically required. This advancement greatly increases the environmental durability of their products and enhances the supply chain resilience for producers who rely on these critical materials.
Production for the first samples has already begun shipping. This is a particularly significant move for Proterial as it seeks to enter the EV space. The company’s new bonded neodymium magnets are expected to double the performance and efficiency of electric motors. This major progress comes just in time to enable the transition to cleaner, safer transportation alternatives.
Proterial is also getting ready to introduce a second type of magnet, going beyond neodymium and built with greater resistance to heat. Sample shipments for this new prototype magnet are projected to start as soon as April 2026. This further innovation is indicative of Proterial’s overall commitment to being at the forefront of magnet technology and responding to the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry.
Creating alternatives neodymium magnets that don’t use any heavy rare earth metals is a no-brainer. It backs up the international trend towards more sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. Yet manufacturers are intensely looking for alternatives to mitigate environmental impact and ensure a reliable supply. Proterial’s innovations in magnet technology have established the company as a leader in this rapidly changing field.