EEC strives to work with customers in a way that reflects that of an in-house resource, not just an outside supplier. For this reason, we have compiled a list of common questions with answers provided directly from the EEC team. We hope that these questions will aid you in your decision-making process.
Completely new to the world of permanent magnets? Download the EEC Terminology Guide, which defines common terms and concepts.
A: Permanent magnet material is any type of material that is ferro-magnetic, or has a high susceptibility to magnetization. Once magnetized, permanent magnets show definite resistance to external demagnetizing forces and require an extremely high demagnetizing force to remove the residual magnetism.
A: EEC supplies all PM materials, including SmCo, NdFeB, Alnico, and related assemblies. Typically EEC will supply both the magnet components and the sub-assembly consisting of magnets and metal components. Our existing in-house equipment and fixtures allow EEC to produce a variety of magnetic sub-assemblies in a cost effective and high quality environment.
A: The answer depends on what properties are important for the application. Different materials offer different combinations of performance across properties. Selecting the right permanent magnet material is all about trade-offs.
If having the highest energy material is critical to an application then selecting EEC N52 Neo is the best material, but the trade-off for the high energy is a low operating temperature of 70°C.
If an application requires a combination of the highest operating temperature and highest energy material available then EEC 2:17-33 Samarium Cobalt is the best material. Again, defining what properties are most important for an application will answer the question of what is the best performing magnet material for a given application.
A: Generally speaking defining the required Br (residual induction), Hc (Coercive Force), and the maximum operating temperature are fundamental magnetic properties that should be clearly specified on prints and related documentation. These three magnetic properties allow both the supplier and user to align on the base properties of the material.
A: The answer depends on the permanent magnet material being used. Samarium Cobalt and Alnico are corrosion resistant and therefore do not typically require coating to add corrosion protection. Neodymium Iron Boron (Neo) is susceptible to corrosion and therefore is always coated to provide protection from corrosion. Below are three common coatings used on Neo:
A: Yes, using various manufacturing techniques it is possible to create multi-pole magnets. For some application it may be possible to magnetize a single piece of material with multi-poles. If this is not possible then multiple magnet pieces with varying magnetization directions can be bonded together to form a single magnet with multi-poles.
A: Timing is everything. Getting new products to market quickly keeps you ahead of your competition. To help our customers meet their objectives, EEC now offers quick-turn prototypes. Our goal is to assist engineers and designers by shortening their horizon for feasibility studies and proof of concept activities. Our program is dedicated to providing our customers with finished prototype parts in as little as two weeks to expedite proof of concept and new product evaluation.
A: EEC is both an ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D certified manufacturer. Certification of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D (TECHNICALLY EQUIVALENT TO EN 9100:2016 AND JISQ 9100:2016) requires an accredited third party auditing organization to thoroughly review our internal quality management system processes, to ensure we are capable of consistently delivering a service that meets customers’ needs and expectations.
ISO 9001:2015 AND AS9100D are the basis for EEC’s internal quality management system for a number of years, as many of our customers are in highly regulated industries, which require their own compliance to the standards.
A: EEC was the first to pioneer the commercial development of PMs, therefore our company has arguably been producing and designing PM products and related systems longer than anyone in the industry. Because of that experience, we are able to offer best-in-class engineering and technical support that our competitors cannot.
In addition to the technical capabilities of the company, our products are designed to perform in the world’s most challenging environments thus our quality is second to none.
A: Yes, EEC is a fully compliant ITAR supplier and a registered company under the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for the US State Department.
A: EEC does provide DFAR compliant permanent magnet materials. As both a producer of magnet material and manufacturer of magnet solutions we are able to provide fully compliant products.
A: Yes, EEC is fully capable of providing magnet assemblies consisting of both magnet and metal components. One of the two EEC manufacturing facilities (~45,000 sq. ft.) is dedicated to the machining of magnet components and production of assemblies. This facility includes various types of machining equipment and dedicated in-house assembly lines for various sub-assemblies produced for customers. We are also able to provide a clean room environment for products with this requirement.
A: We can offer any grade of material that is within the capabilities of the material. Obviously we can supply the standard grades, but we can also develop custom materials based on the specific requirements for your application. This is actually a specialty of EEC—working with our customers to help them determine the best performing material at the best possible value point.
A: Two manufacturing sites in Lancaster, PA (Links Ave 40,000sq. ft. plant and Running Pump Rd: 40,000sq. ft. plant.
EEC’s magnet products are used in equipment and assemblies across a variety of industries. From high-speed surgical drills to satellites in Earth’s orbit, EEC has a solution for you.
Through a variety of services and capabilities, EEC works as an extension of the customer to provide first-rate magnet products. EEC can help with:
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