Rare Earth Magnet Analysis: The Role of XRF in Production and Recycling
As the use of permanent magnet electric motors grows, so does the interest in analyzing rare earth element (REE) content in their magnets. Heavy REEs, added at concentrations of 1–8%, play a crucial role in boosting these magnets’ resistance to high temperatures.
Interest has grown following China’s Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 18 in April 2025, restricting exports of several medium and heavy rare earth elements—such as Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Lu, Sc, and Y—followed by Announcement No. 57 in October 2025, which brought Ho, Er, Tm, Eu, and Yb under similar controls.
Traditionally, REE analysis relies on sample digestion and ICP‑based techniques. In contrast, X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry offers faster workflows by eliminating digestion, reducing reagent consumption, and supporting high‑volume elemental analysis. And with a small and focused analysis spot, advanced XRF analyzers excel at examining small magnets—including those within partially assembled or partially disassembled electric motors—without the need for complex sample preparation.
As global magnet recycling rates remain low, demand for effective reprocessing is increasing. XRF technology helps meet this demand by enabling rapid and accurate material identification and elemental analysis.
Attendees will explore real‑life cases where small‑spot ED‑XRF enables the analysis of compact, mounted, or partially disassembled magnets, demonstrating how modern solutions streamline magnet quality control and recycling workflows.
Why attend:
- Gain practical insights on integrating ED‑XRF into rare earth element workflows for faster decision‑making
- Understand how ED‑XRF supports regulatory compliance and recycling initiatives
- Improve laboratory efficiency with methods that minimize sample preparation
Who Should Attend:
- Quality control and process optimization professionals
- Laboratory and production managers
- Anyone interested in advanced analytical technologies
The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 5, and will take around 30 minutes, after which we'll answer your questions live.
Join us live:
- 9:30 AM CET (Berlin); 4:30 PM SGT (Singapore) — Time Slot 1
- 11:00 AM EST (New York); 5:00 PM CET (Berlin) — Time Slot 2
Presenter: Dirk Wissmann
Dirk Wissmann is the Product Manager for XRF instruments at SPECTRO Analytical Instruments and is responsible for the strategic development of the complete product line including application development and product support. Dirk’s experience in spectroscopy began with his graduate work in physics at the university in Siegen, Germany. He moved to SPECTRO in 1990 with assignments in quality control, training, application development, and marketing.
