(RE4REE) Magtec Repurposed Magnets from Reuse, Reduce, and Reconditioning for REE Circular Economy.

Magtec manufactures high performance, high-value motors for electric vehicle (EV) heavy traction applications. A key step in motor production is magnetisation of permanent magnets. While many magnets are produced from non-renewable rare earth element (REE) metals, their environmental impact is offset by their ability to be infinitely recycled.

This project looks to investigate the feasibility of re-using Magtec's own, old permanent magnet motors, to break into and exploit the REE circular economy. Our technology gap lies in the demagnetisation of magnets, measuring and identifying magnets and motor condition, in order for us to disassemble, repurpose, and remagnetise our magnets for reuse.

The Hirst team are industrial experts in magnetic instrumentation and manufacturing bespoke magnetising and demagnetising fixtures for all current motor topologies, including Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM), Surface Permanent Magnet (SPM), and Axial flux designs.

Through a collaborative partnership between Magtec and Hirst, this project aims to study the feasibility of demagnetising Magtec's old motors for repurpose using technical know-how and capability developed from Hirst, and open opportunities in the circular economy of REE supply chain nucleating from downstream.