This project is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund; Driving the Electric Revolution.

The University of Birmingham invites tenders for supplying production-scale magnetic powder alignment presses (both axial and transverse modes) for research purposes in the field of permanent magnet processing. The proposed units will allow magnetic powders to be aligned and compacted in an nitrogen atmosphere before a sintering stage.

Note, due to space requirements of the system, the proposed alignment presses will be installed at Tyesley Energy Park in Birmingham.

The University of Birmingham invites tenders for the supply of powder pressing equipment capable of consolidating fine NdFeB powder under both transverse and axial magnetic aligning fields. It is important that the powder is not exposed to air, oxygen or

moisture during the loading, compaction and unloading steps. Electric presses are preferred but hydraulic ones will be considered. Automatic feeding control is preferred.

The equipment must comply with all the relevant UK law, regulations, and British Standards; see Appendix 6, Guidance Notes.

Specification

i. Transverse Alignment Press

An All-electric Transverse Magnetic Field Forming press capable of a maximum pressing force of 450 kN (~45 tons), with a filling depth of up to 120 mm and filling weight of up to 500 grams

of NdFeB per pressing event. This action should produce green compacts with densities of up to 4.3 g/cm³. A magnetising field of up to 1.8 T will operate during the pressing action.

The equipment should comprise of:

• An unloading glove box, containing nitrogen gas and