eNewsletter

April 2010

Texas Children's Cancer Center First in Texas to Magnetically Lengthen Nine-Year-Old's Leg as She Grows
Nine-year-old Morgan LaRue is the first cancer patient in Texas to benefit from a groundbreaking procedure that will magnetically lengthen her leg, sparing her the possibility of up to 10 future surgeries as her body grows. The implant and extension took place at Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

On March 29, 2010, Morgan lost a portion of the bone in her upper leg to osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and was facing the potential of numerous surgeries in order to keep her left leg even with her right as she grows into adulthood. In her initial surgery two weeks ago, Dr. Rex Marco, an oncologic orthopedic surgeon at Texas Children's Hospital and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, implanted a prosthetic device that saved Morgan from a lower limb amputation and allowed her cancerous bone to be replaced with a metal implant. The device, a Stanmore Implants Extendable Distal Femoral Replacement, can be extended as Morgan grows, saving her from ongoing invasive procedures.

This week at Texas Children's Cancer Center, Morgan underwent her first outpatient procedure to magnetically extend her leg. By placing her leg into a magnetized "donut" in the outpatient clinic, doctors were able to extend the implanted prosthesis without having to do any surgery. The magnet extender, manufactured by Stanmore Implants, is a reversible extender that is the first and only device of its kind to be used in Texas.

"The difference this device makes for Morgan is incredible," said Dr. Marco. "Her quality of life is so much higher than it would be if she were constantly undergoing surgery."
While the device has been approved and is regularly being used in Europe, it is still pending US Food and Drug Administration approval and has only been used for approximately 15 patients in this country. Dr. Wang, pediatric oncologist at Texas Children's Cancer Center and Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Dr. Marco, advocated for and received a "compassionate use" exception for the young girl, in order to implant the groundbreaking device.

"Morgan has already been through a lot of treatment for her cancer," said Dr. Wang, Morgan's oncologist, "and this will prevent her from future uncomfortable surgeries."

To learn more about Texas Children's Cancer Center or the device, please see http://bit.ly/MorganLaRue.

To view a video of the press conference and to learn more about the procedure, please see http://bit.ly/anGttz.

MEDER electronic, Inc. – Instrumentation Grade Reed Relays Offer Unparalleled Switching Technology
Four relay series make their mark in instrumentation applications and they do so like no other switching technology. The SIL HV, SIL RF, MSRF and CR series meet the miniature size and low profile requirements of today’s high tech designs, ranging in size from 8.6 mm [0.339] to 24.13 [0.950] in length and 3.4 mm [0.134] to 8.13 mm [0.320] in height. Designed to eliminate any magnetic coupling effect when stacked in matrices, they are equipped with an internal magnetic shield. Additionally, each series offers unique switching power and RF signal capabilities ranging up to 7 GHz.

The CR series is the smallest and most versatile instrumentation grade relay capable of switching signals up to 7 GHz and producing low offset voltages less than 1 microvolt.  Both the 1 GHz MSRF and 1.5 GHz SIL RF are miniature single-in-line relays capable of switching voltages up to 200 VDC and 1 amp while maintaining a consistent 100 milli-ohm on state resistance.  Both the SIL RF series and MSRF series can provide over 1,500 volts isolation, switch to coil.

The SIL HV series is an excellent high voltage / high current miniature single-in-line relay with a max power rating of 10 W, this series can switch up to 1,000 V and carry up to 5 amps for up to 50 milli-second at a consistent repetition rate. These relays can dielectrically hold off up to 4k VDC across the contacts as well as between contacts and coil.

Bunting Launches TurboGrate Magnet
Bunting Magnetics Co. has added a newly redesigned TurboGrate magnetic separator to its magnetic separation product line. This product, which is well suited for products with poor flow characteristics, features a powerful motorized rotating grate magnet, which processes material, such as cocoa, flour or starch that would bridge traditional grate assemblies.

“The Bunting TurboGrate will remove ferrous metals from powders and granular products with even the most difficult flow characteristics,” said Rick Bigham, the Bunting product manager for Magnetic Separation Products. “We have streamlined the design elements. Also, we based the construction standards on essentially the same design, and with the same superior magnetic separation capabilities, as the Bunting HF Drawer Filter.”

The TurboGrate is available in food grade and self cleaning options as well as the standard design. These options include the ability to order Ceramic, Alnico or Rare Earth magnets to get the holding force right for an application. Optional features include the ability to transition the product flow into the grate housing and removable tube assemblies for easy cleaning.

Infolytica Corp. Releases Update to MagNet version 7
Infolytica Corp. has released MagNet version 7. The update includes several new features and general improvements to the company’s electromagnetic field simulation software. These include additional support for multicore processors and modeling nonlinear surface impedances. The company has previously announced the updated MagNet v7 will include new capabilities for simulating the magnetization of a permanent magnet.

MagNet v7 introduced new parallel computing 3D solvers, which are optimized to take full advantage of multicore processors. For computational intensive design problems, the simulation time is reduced significantly due to better management of the cores. The new release expands on the software’s support for multicore processing:

• Parallel computing 2D solvers (static, AC, transient and transient fields with moving components)
• Automatic Meshing and Re-meshing in 2D
• Running concurrent sessions of MagNet solvers in 2D or 3D

With this new feature, users can control the number of cores dedicated to a particular 2D or 3D solve, increasing the number for more computational demanding problems, or distribute the multicore processing to run several concurrent sessions of MagNet. For larger core machines, several concurrent sessions of multicore solves can be taking place.

MagNet v7.1 allows users to simulate the magnetization process; specifically the magnetic field strength inside the permanent magnet component will be determined by the magnetization pattern and source current in the magnetizing coils. The result will be a permanent magnet for which each point inside will have a different recoil loop depending on the flux density that it has reached during the magnetization process.

To demonstrate the potential of this new feature, a detailed example on simulating a Halbach cylinder for use in a BLDC servo motor has been published on the company’s Web site and can be viewed at http://www.infolytica.com/en/applications/ex0176/.

MagNet v7.1 is now available for PC's running Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and 7. For information regarding pricing or to request an evaluation, please contact an Infolytica Corporation representative nearest you.

Maintained clients can visit support.infolytica.com to download this update.

Automate and Accelerate Magnet Testing and Sorting with the New Model 425 Gaussmeter
Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. has introduced the new Model 425 gaussmeter. Designed to meet the demanding needs of the permanent magnet industry, the Model 425 provides high-end functionality and performance in an affordable desktop instrument. When used in combination with the built in relay and audible alarm features, the Model 425 takes the guesswork out of pass/fail criteria.

Additional features including DC to 10 kHz AC frequency response, max hold and relative measurement make the Model 425 a well suited tool for manufacturing, quality control and R&D flux density measurement applications. For added functionality and value, the Model 425 also includes a standard Lake Shore Hall probe.

Throughput involves much more than just the update rate of an instrument. An intuitive menu navigation and keypad, along with overall ease of use are equally important. The Model 425 is designed with these qualities in mind. The operation is straightforward, with user display prompts to aid setup. In addition to being user friendly, the automated features of the Model 425 streamline magnet sorting and testing operations. Hot swapping of Hall probes allows you to switch probe types without powering the instrument off and back on.

Vacuumschmelze Releases New Range of Common-Mode Chokes
Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG (Hanau) has released the new range of UL1446-compliant common-mode chokes in addition to featuring its AC-DC differential current sensors.

Common-mode chokes from VAC are built around toroidal tape-wound cores of the nanocrystalline magnetic material VITROPERM - a VAC alloy that offers a wide range of permeability from 5,000 to over 150,000 in addition to high saturation flux density of 1.2 T. The material properties of VITROPERM typically allow the dimensions of chokes to be reduced by a factor of three in comparison to conventional ferrite chokes. Due to their high permeability cores, VAC chokes typically have a low number of turns and large copper cross-section thereby reducing copper losses and improving system efficiency. Nanocrystalline common mode chokes deliver improved broadband attenuation, determined in the low-frequency range by the high level of material permeability and at higher frequencies by the low winding capacitance. In many cases, this broadband attenuation enables EMI filtering to be simplified with a combination of a reduced number of filter stages, capacitance values, earth leakage current and overall filter volume.

BI Technologies Develops Robust High Power Molded Inductor
TT electronics BI Technologies, a manufacturer of magnetic components including inductors, transformers and common mode chokes, has developed a new surface mount power inductor. Designated the HM72B series, the highly efficient, compact inductor measures 6.8 mm by 7.23 mm, with a maximum board height of 3.0 mm and is designed for use in harsh environments.

“The HM72B surface mount power inductor features an extremely robust design, including a pressed powdered iron alloy core construction, allowing it to withstand environmental elements,” said Donna Schaefer, application engineering manager for TT electronics BI Technologies. “The robust design and small size make the inductor ideal for a variety of applications, including those in the telecom, industrial and automotive markets.”

Specific applications for the RoHS-compliant molded power inductor include servers, notebooks, work stations, DC/DC converters, point-of-load modules, telecom and datacom equipment, and LED lighting drivers.

Typical inductance values for the HM72B surface mount power inductor range from 0.10 µH to 33 mH. Heating current ranges from 1.8 Adc to 26.2 Adc, and saturation levels range from 3.5 Adc to 60 Adc.  Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 155°C, with a maximum temperature rise rating of 50°C.  Typical DC resistance ranges from 1.5 mΩ to 302 mΩ. The HM72B inductors are available in 2,000-piece tape and reel packages. Custom devices are also available.

Bruker Introduces New Ascend High Performance High-Field NMR Magnet Series
Bruker has launched its new Ascend series of compact, high field NMR magnets to make high-field NMR even more powerful, and at the same time more convenient and accessible for numerous NMR laboratories. This new magnet line combines the key advantages of Bruker’s UltraShield Plus magnets, with further innovations for improved performance and greater convenience. The Ascend magnet design features advanced superconductor technology, enabling the design of smaller magnet coils, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the size of the cryostat. The new Ascend magnets are therefore easier to site, even safer to run and they offer reduced operating costs. Ascend magnets are compatible with newly developed and most recent Bruker NMR probes, spectrometers, automation technology and software, for integrated high performance NMR systems used in structural biology and materials research applications.

“As the recipient of the first 850 MHz Ascend magnet installed outside of Bruker, we are extremely happy with the quality of the magnet and the ease of installation. This new high field core capability will greatly enhance our research opportunities in structural biology and biomedical sciences.”

The availability of cutting-edge superconducting wire technology plus proprietary magnet design capabilities enable Bruker to deliver robust, stable and compact high-field NMR magnets for proton frequencies up to 850 MHz, while matching or exceeding the performance of traditional magnets. Bruker’s unique and further improved External Disturbance Suppression (EDS) technology provides improved suppression of external magnetic field disturbances, making Ascend magnets well suited for challenging urban environments and space-restricted laboratories. Bruker’s proprietary superconducting joint technology for high fields guarantees the lowest drift rates.

Ascend magnets, available as standard bore (54 mm) magnets for 700, 800 and 850 MHz , are extremely convenient and easy to site, even in single story labs, due to their compact size and minimal stray field. Access for changing liquids NMR samples is now much easier using the optional new and unique NMR SampleMail. Moreover, initial magnet rigging costs at installation are reduced. The small Ascend cryostat size also reduces cryogen consumption, making the new magnets even more economical to maintain.

Market Report: Global Permanent Magnet Industry 2010-2020
The report will be a bound book designed to be a resource for every sector of the Global Permanent Magnet Industry including producers, users, fabricators & distributors and industry suppliers.  It is a must have for anyone seeking to understand today's dynamics and planning for success in the ever-expanding Global Permanent Magnet Industry of tomorrow.

The authors (Terry K. Clagett, WebMagnetics Inc., Dr. Stanley Trout, Spontaneous Materials, Walter Benecki, Walter T. Benecki LLC) have a combined involvement in the Global Permanent Magnet Industry totaling nearly 100 years.  Each author compliments the others, bringing a unique skill set and extensive experience in their individual area of expertise. This yields a first of its kind, comprehensive reference and resource.

Global Permanent Magnet Industry 2010-2020 will include more than 250 pages of useful data and information that will be essential for anyone involved in the Global Permanent Magnet Industry.  It will be a valuable resource for:

• Strategic planning
• Researching acquisitions, investments or divestments
• Improving your overall "Magnet IQ"
• Establishing or assuring a reliable magnet supply chain
• Supplying goods and services to the industry

For more information click here.

Federal Government Report Confirms Magnet Materials Industry’s Warning of Impending Rare Earths Crisis
The United States Magnet Materials Association (USMMA), a coalition of companies representing domestic high performance magnet producers and suppliers, has acknowledged a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that confirms its warning of the impending rare earths crisis, especially as it relates to homeland security and the national defense.

The report, a performance audit to Congress released on April 14th, confirms:

• That while rare earth deposits are geographically diverse, the United States relies on Chinese sources for finished rare earth materials;
• That while the United States once dominated all stages of the rare earth supply chain, most current processing is performed in China, giving it dominance in worldwide supply and pricing;
• The rebuilding of a competitive domestic supply chain could take up to 15 years and will require significant capital investment and new technology development;
• The Department of Defense is currently evaluating the dependence of multiple defense systems and components on rare earth materials provided by lower tier foreign suppliers;
• These defense systems and components will continue to rely on these foreign sources based on their life cycles and lack of effective substitutes; and
• In anticipation of these identified supply risks, some defense contractors and government agencies have begun taking initial steps to limit this dependence on unreliable foreign suppliers or to expand the existing supplier base.

USMMA continues to advocate that the US is today totally dependent on foreign sources for rare earth materials, elements essential to numerous renewable energy and defense systems including wind turbines, hybrid-electric batteries, computer hard drives and precision-guided munitions. China provides more than 97 percent of the world’s rare earth raw materials and dominates the world’s rare earth refining, alloying and manufacturing.

Currently, there is one United States rare earth mine and processing facility (which is not mining), a major United States Geological Survey-validated deposit of rare earths in Idaho, two small alloying facilities and one significant rare earth magnet producer, making the nation’s supply-chain for critical renewable energy and defense systems nearly non-existent and leaving the United States dangerously vulnerable to potentially unreliable foreign nations.

USMMA believes that urgent and collective action is needed by the federal government in order to head off the impending rare earth crisis. It is estimated that Chinese domestic consumption of rare earth materials will outpace Chinese domestic supply between 2012 to 2015. With a 3 to 5 year timeline to reestablish a domestic rare-earth supply-chain, the US is already in a “silent crisis.” It is unclear whether rare earth material will be available outside China in the coming years.

Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman recently introduced the Rare Earth Supply-Chain Technology and Resource Transformation (RESTART) Act of 2010, H.R. 4866, to reestablish competitive domestic rare earths mineral production, processing, refining, purification, and metals production industries to support the growth of green job technology and manufacturing as well as the nation’s defense industry.

The legislation, endorsed by USMMA, would create a “whole-of-government” approach involving the US Departments of Commerce, Energy, State, and Defense, Office of the US Trade Representative, and Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Coffman’s RESTART Act builds upon several elements of USMMA’s platform for resolving the Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply crisis, a serious threat to the United States’ economic and national security.

USMMA was founded in 2006 by magnet manufacturers Thomas & Skinner, Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana; Hoosier Magnetics of Ogdensburg, New York; and Electron Energy Corporation of Landisville, Pennsylvania, to advocate on behalf of the specialty metals clause found at 10 U.S.C. 2533b. US Rare Earths, Inc. joined in 2009 to expand the group’s focus to support the reintroduction of a competitive rare earth supply chain in the United States.

USMMA members successfully advocated for the recently released GAO report, a congressionally mandated study of the rare earth supply-chain included in the FY10 National Defense Authorization Act. More information on the USMMA can be found at http://www.usmagnetmaterials.com.

Rebuild vs. Replace

Is your magnetic separation, vibratory equipment or inspection system ready for an upgrade or replacement? Follow these guidelines from Eriez’ 5-Star Service Group.

Read full article here.

The Technology World in One Location!
Top design engineers, system engineers and technical managers from multiple markets and industries will be converging in Dallas this fall, October 18-20, to attend six leading technical events that are being co-located for the first time ever. Make plans today to attend!

Battery Power 2010 • Thermal Management & Technology Symposium • REMOTE Site & Equipment Management 2010
Energy Efficiency Expo 2010 • Antenna Systems 2010 • Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding Expo

Download a PDF Copy of the Spring 2010 Issue of Magnetics Business & Technology Magazine

Feature Articles:

Rebuild vs. Replace
A Plan for the North American Rare Earth Value Chain

Columns:

Think Again: In-House Magnetic Manufacturing May be Good for Your Business Health
Hardware vs. Software

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