Densification of NdFeB magnets by electro-discharge sintering - Microstructure, mechanical and magnetic properties

In this work, the densification process of nanocrystalline NdFeB powder by electro-discharge sintering (EDS) was investigated. The EDS technique is used as a fast and energy-saving compaction process for metal powders. In contrast to the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process, EDS has not received much attention during recent years. SPS is a low voltage, direct current, pulsed current-activated, and pressure-assisted sintering process. Whereas EDS is also pressure-assisted, but uses electrical energy discharged from capacitors to densify conductive powders. During EDS a large current is discharged within 5 ms from capacitors into a pre-compacted loose powder, thus resulting in complete compaction. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract