Enhanced mechanical properties in die-upset Nd-Fe-B magnets via die-upsetting process

The mechanical properties of die-upset Nd-Fe-B magnets produced at different die-upset processes were investigated. The results showed that the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties of die-upset Nd-Fe-B magnets were obtained at the deformation temperature of 680 °C. The anisotropy of Vickers hardness was more obvious at the die-upset level of 55%, and the Vickers hardness measured parallel to the c-axis was significantly lower than that perpendicular to the c-axis. The fracture toughness measured parallel to the c-axis first increased, and then decreased with increase in die-upset level. The maximum fracture toughness of Nd-Fe-B magnets was obtained at the die-upset level of 60%. The microstructure showed that the width of defect layers and the average size of large grains increased, and the layered structure of die-upset Nd-Fe-B magnets was obviously different with increase in the die-upset level.