This specification covers technically important, commercially available, magnetically hard sintered and fully dense neodymium iron boron (Nd2Fe14B, NdFeB, or ‘Neo’ permanent magnets. These materials are available in a wide range of compositions with a commensurately large range of magnetic properties. Neodymium iron boron magnets have approximate magnetic properties of residual magnetic induction from 1.08 T (10 800 G) up to 1.5 T (15 000 G) and intrinsic coercive field strength of 875 kA/m (11 000 Oe) to above 2785 kA/m (35 000 Oe). Special grades and isotropic (un-aligned) magnets can have properties outside these ranges.

This specification provides guidance for the chemical composition of neodymium iron boron magnets as well as their physical and mechanical properties, magnetic properties (maximum energy product, residual induction, coercive field strength, intrinsic coercive field strength), workmanship, finish, and appearance. It also includes requirements for sampling, certification, and packaging and package marking.

1.1 This specification covers technically important, commercially available, magnetically hard sintered and fully dense neodymium iron boron (Nd₂Fe₁₄B, NdFeB, or “Neo”) permanent magnets. These materials are available in a wide range of compositions with a commensurately large range of magnetic properties. The numbers in the Nd₂Fe₁₄B name indicate the approximate atomic ratio of the key elements.

1.2 Neodymium iron boron magnets have approximate magnetic properties of residual magnetic induction, B_r, from 1.08 T (10 800 G) up to 1.5 T (15 000 G) and intrinsic coercive field strength, H_cJ, of 875 kA/m (11 000 Oe) to above 2785 kA/m (35 000 Oe). Special grades and isotropic (un-aligned) magnets can have properties outside these ranges (see Appendix X4). Specific magnetic hysteresis behavior (demagnetization curve) can be characterized using Test Method A977/A977M.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to customary (cgs-emu and inch-pound) units which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.