Sporting new alliances with Japanese motor and actuator company Aspina, also with audio companies YG Acoustics in the USA and UK along with Scan-Speak in Denmark, Niron Magnetics continues to build its roster of OEM partners who are applying its rare-earth-free iron nitride permanent magnets to their product development efforts.
Announced in July, an agreement to supply Aspina will focus on a variety of high-volume brushless DC motor, hybrid stepper motor and centrifugal fan blower applications across space, automotive, consumer electronics and automation industries. Based in Ueda City, Nagano and with multiple global manufacturing sites, Aspina manufactures precision motors, actuators and electromechanical systems.
“Niron’s collaboration with ASPINA, a globally respected leader in precision motor technologies, is an important step for both companies,” said Jonathan Rowntree, CEO, Niron Magnetics. “It expands how and where Iron Nitride technology can be applied in motor designs while addressing growing concerns around reliance on rare earth materials.”
“Aspina has deep experience delivering motor solutions across diverse global markets,” said Yukihiro Kaneko, CEO of the Aspina Group. “By working with Niron’s rare-earth-free magnet technology, we see opportunities to expand our design flexibility and support customers seeking resilient, high-performance solutions.” Programs are already underway as part of the supply agreement, establishing a path to high-volume production for rare-earth-free motor applications. This work reflects growing OEM focus on securing long-term magnet supply for high-volume production in critical markets.
In June at High End Vienna, a high end audio show in Europe, YG Acoustics, an innovator in high end loudspeaker engineering, and Scan-Speak, a Danish developer of hand-built, high-performance transducers, unveiled the world’s first loudspeakers powered by rare-earth-free iron nitride magnets from Niron. The product debut features Carmel 3 loudspeakers by YG Acoustics, equipped with proprietary drivers and utilizing magnets manufactured by Niron.
For decades, the high-end audio industry has relied on rare earth magnets, primarily sourced from China. This collaboration marks a turning point, said the companies. YG Acoustics, established in 2002, is recognized globally for its proprietary loudspeaker engineering and commitment to musical accuracy. It is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and operates an R&D hub in Cambridge, UK.
“The Carmel 3 represents our commitment to musical truth and technical innovation. Partnering with Scan-Speak and Niron Magnetics allows us to deliver a loudspeaker that is not only sonically exceptional but also points the way to a more secure and responsible future for high-end audio,” said Matthew Webster, CEO of YG Acoustics.
Scan-Speak, founded in Denmark in 1970, is known for designing and hand-building state-of-the-art transducers for high-end audio, automotive and professional applications. It operates as an independent company within acoustics manufacturer Eastech Group of Denmark.
“Scan-Speak has always set the benchmark for high-end transducer design. By integrating Niron’s Iron Nitride magnets, we are advancing sound quality and leading the way toward a more sustainable and resilient supply chain,” said Jann U. Evers, Director of Sales at Scan-Speak.
“This project shows what is possible when industry leaders work together toward a shared vision for innovation. Bringing iron nitride magnet technology into real-world audio products demonstrates both performance and the potential of materials science to solve longstanding challenges,” said Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron. “Our collaboration with Scan-Speak and YG Acoustics is just the beginning. These advancements will shape the future of magnetics across many fields.”
See www.nironmagnetics.com, www.aspina-group.com, www.yg-acoustics.com, www.eastech.com.
