Precision Machining Technologies

Magnet Machining

Technical Comparison and the Advantages of Endless Diamond Wire Cutting

Why Magnet Machining Is Important?

Magnetic materials—such as NdFeB, SmCo, ferrite, and soft-magnetic alloys—are produced through powder metallurgy or casting, both of which generate parts with dimensional tolerances and surface conditions that cannot meet final application requirements. Precision machining is therefore a critical stage in the production of functional magnetic components.

And magnets are known for their intrinsic hardness, brittleness, and sensitivity to thermal and mechanical stress. These characteristics impose strict requirements on machining methods, particularly when dimensional accuracy, edge integrity, and magnetic performance stability are essential.

How to do Magnet Machining?

1. Overview of the Magnetic Material Processing Chain

Although different magnetic materials have different production routes, the generalized manufacturing flow includes:

1.1 Front-End Processes

  • Powder preparation & pressing (dry pressing, isostatic pressing)

  • Sintering or cast solidification

  • Aging or heat stabilization

  • Initial shaping (rough blanks)

At this stage, components typically carry significant dimensional allowance to permit subsequent precision machining.

1.2 Precision Machining 

This phase determines the final dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, micro-crack density, and material yield.
Mainstream processes include:

  • Blade slicing / dicing

  • EDM wire cutting

  • Reciprocating long-wire diamond cutting

  • Endless diamond wire cutting (closed-loop, high-speed, thin-kerf)

  • Grinding, lapping, and superfinishing

1.3 Post-Machining

  • Deburring / chamfer formation

  • Surface finishing (grinding, lapping)

  • Protective coatings (Ni, NiCuNi, epoxy, Parylene)

  • Magnetic stabilization or demagnetization

Comparison of Precision Machining Methods

Magnet machining solutions

Magnetic materials are difficult to machine due to high hardness, pronounced brittleness, and susceptibility to thermal demagnetization. The following is a comparative analysis of mainstream machining technologies.

Blade Cutting (Diamond Slicing Blade)

1,Characteristics

A, Common for ferrite and small NdFeB blocks
B, Tool rigidity is limited; blade thickness usually 0.3–0.5 mm
C, Generates lateral cutting force → risk of edge chipping
D, Heat accumulation increases risk of micro-cracks

2,Advantages

A, Equipment cost relatively low
B, Suitable for small-size or thin parts


3,Limitations

A, Kerf loss relatively large
B, Surface roughness requires additional grinding
C, Not suitable for large blocks or brittle SmCo

EDM Wire Cutting

1,Characteristics

A, Used for NdFeB, SmCo, soft magnetic steels
B, Cutting is thermal; heat-affected zones alter local magnetic behavior
C, Edge carbonization may require multiple post-operations
2, Advantages

A, High shape-complexity capability
B, Stable for thick and dense materials 3, Limitations
A, Heat input is unavoidable → risk of demagnetization
B, Cutting speed relatively slow
C, Kerf ≈ 0.25 mm, not optimal for material yield
D, Cannot be used for ferrite or other non-conductive magnetic ceramics

Traditional Reciprocating Diamond Wire Saw

1,Characteristics

A, Wire length >1000 m, reciprocating motion
B, Direction change introduces vibration and varying tension
C, Wire speed limited due to reversal characteristics
2,Advantages

A, Used for large blocks and long parts
B, Cutting cost per hour relatively low

3,Limitations

A, Wire marks visible on surface
B, Fixed slice size, lacking flexibility
C, The equipment has a complex structure and is difficult to operate.
D, High equipment costs

Endless Diamond Wire Saw

1,Characteristics

A, Short closed-loop wire, typically <10 m in length
B, Single-direction continuous motion without reversal
C, Stable wire tension (150–250 N) maintained throughout cutting
D, High allowable wire speed, commonly 70–84 m/s
2, Advantages

A, Low cutting force and minimal vibration, suitable for brittle magnetic materials
B, Smooth, low-damage surfaces with no reciprocating wire marks
C, Higher dimensional accuracy and consistency across batches
D, Cutting speed relatively slow
E, Reduced need for post-grinding due to improved surface integrity
3, Limitations

A, not suitable for very large block sizes

The difference of traditional Diamond Wire and Endless Diamond Wire

endless-wire-saw-structure, diamond wire cutting

Why Choose Endless Diamond Wire Cutting For Magnet Machining

A Closed-Loop, High-Stability Precision Cutting Technology

The endless diamond wire is a short, closed-loop wire (typical length <10 m) running continuously in a single direction at high linear speed (up to 80 m/s). The system maintains constant tension (150–250 N), eliminating the vibration and direction reversal inherent in conventional long-wire systems.

This leads to several technical advantages:

3.1 Ultra-Thin Kerf and High Yield
  • Wire diameter down to 0.30 mm

  • Kerf width typically 0.35–0.45 mm

For high-value NdFeB and SmCo blocks, this translates directly into cost reduction.

3.2 Low Cutting Stress, Minimal Chipping

Magnetic ceramics (ferrite) and sintered rare-earth magnets are highly brittle.
Endless wire provides:

  • Uniform unidirectional motion

  • Controlled wire tension

  • Reduced lateral load

As a result:

  • Edge chipping is significantly reduced

  • Subsurface damage depth is smaller

  • Post-grinding allowance is reduced

3.3 Superior Surface Quality

The continuous wire motion produces:

  • Smooth, scratch-free surfaces

  • Improved flatness and parallelism

  • Reduced requirement for lapping or grinding

This is essential for precision magnetic components used in motors, sensors, and micromachined assemblies.

3.4 High Cutting Efficiency

Because there is no wire reversal:

  • Wire can reach much higher stable linear speed

  • Cutting speed rate increases

Endless wire systems typically demonstrate 2–4× higher efficiency than reciprocating systems in hard, brittle magnetic materials.

3.5 Greater Process Consistency

With constant tension and one-direction motion:

  • Dimensional stability is higher

  • Cut-to-cut variation is minimized

  • Batch consistency improves

This is critical for multi-segment magnet arrays where tolerance stack-up cannot be tolerated.

Where Endless Wire Fits in Magent Machining Workflow?

Process StageTypical MethodPositioning of Endless Wire
Blank shapingPressing, sintering, castingNot involved
Primary cutting / block segmentationBlade, EDM, long-wireEndless wire is most advantageous
Precision slicingBlade dicing, EDM,long-wireEndless wire offers flexiblity
Grinding & finishingSurface grinding, lappingNot involved
Coating / magnetizingNi plating, epoxy, magnetic alignmentNot involved
magnet machining

Vimfun

Typical Application

Endless diamond wire saw can be use to machine different type of magnetic materials

Sintered NdFeB

 

  • High hardness + brittleness → blade cutting often causes chipping

  • EDM introduces thermal damage

  • Endless wire: optimal for slicing large blocks with minimum kerf

SmCo (Samarium–Cobalt)

 

  • Extremely brittle

  • Sensitive to thermal stress → EDM not suitable

  • Endless wire produces clean, low-stress cuts

Ferrite (MnZn / NiZn)

 

  • Ceramic-like structure, prone to edge fracture

  • Endless wire outperforms blade slicing with less vibration and chipping

Soft-Magnetic Alloy Cores

 

  • For laminated or precision machined cores

  • Endless wire enables high-precision segmentation without thermal alteration

Demonstration Videos of Magnet Machining

All Diamond Wire Saw Products

Endless diamond wire cutting machinery you can choose from

FAQ For Magnet Machining

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*Higher wire speed improves grinding efficiency and reduces surface scratches, while stable tension (150–250 N) minimizes vibration. Low tension causes waviness and chatter marks; excessive tension increases risk of wire breakage.

*The wire contacts the material along a narrow line, reducing frictional heat and limiting thermal expansion. Although some heat is generated, the temperature rise is minimal, preventing cracks or deformation in brittle materials such as sapphire or alumina.

*Initial one-to-one consultation, Health & Fitness Assasments Bespoke training program planing, Custom Nutrition plan & recipes. Weekly Progress Reviews

*For most brittle crystalline materials, the optimal wire speed is 50–80 m/s. Higher speeds improve material removal efficiency but require stable tension and precise alignment of guide wheels.

*Wire vibration is usually caused by incorrect tension, worn grooves, or improper wheel alignment. Maintaining stable tension, using intact guide grooves, and ensuring clean coolant flow significantly reduces vibration.

*It offers:

  • Minimal subsurface damage

  • Low kerf loss (cost saving)

  • Smooth cutting surfaces

  • Consistent thickness across the entire cut

  • Cold and low-stress processing

This combination makes it ideal for expensive materials where yield and quality are critical.

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