JP4415681B2 - Rare earth sintered magnet and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Rare earth sintered magnet and manufacturing method thereof Download PDF

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JP4415681B2
JP4415681B2 JP2004013682A JP2004013682A JP4415681B2 JP 4415681 B2 JP4415681 B2 JP 4415681B2 JP 2004013682 A JP2004013682 A JP 2004013682A JP 2004013682 A JP2004013682 A JP 2004013682A JP 4415681 B2 JP4415681 B2 JP 4415681B2
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亮 福野
哲人 米山
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本発明は、希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を主成分とする希土類焼結磁石及びその製造方法に関するものであり、特に、結晶粒成長等を抑制し磁気特性を改善するための技術に関する。   The present invention relates to a rare earth sintered magnet mainly composed of a rare earth element, a transition metal element and boron, and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to a technique for suppressing crystal grain growth and improving magnetic characteristics.

希土類焼結磁石、例えばNd−Fe−B系焼結磁石は、磁気特性に優れていること、主成分であるNdが資源的に豊富で比較的安価であること等の利点を有することから、近年、その需要は益々拡大する傾向にある。このような状況から、Nd−Fe−B系焼結磁石の磁気特性を向上するための研究開発(例えば、特許文献1等を参照。)や、品質の高い希土類焼結磁石を製造するための製造方法の改良(例えば、特許文献2や特許文献3等を参照。)等が各方面において進められている。   Rare earth sintered magnets, for example, Nd-Fe-B based sintered magnets have advantages such as excellent magnetic properties, Nd as a main component is abundant in resources, and is relatively inexpensive. In recent years, the demand has been increasing. Under such circumstances, research and development for improving the magnetic properties of Nd—Fe—B based sintered magnets (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and manufacturing high quality rare earth sintered magnets. Improvements in manufacturing methods (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3) are being promoted in various directions.

例えば、特許文献1記載の発明では、合金組成にBiを加えることで、保磁力や残留磁束密度等の磁気特性を向上させている。特許文献2記載の発明では、特定の有機溶剤で希釈した潤滑剤を合金粉末に混合することで、潤滑剤の添加による成形体強度の低下を解消するようにしている。特許文献3記載の発明では、潤滑剤を添加するタイミングを変更することで、潤滑剤添加による配向度の向上等の効果を享受しつつ、粉砕機器の損耗を低減するようにしている。
特開2003−203807号公報 特開平9−3504号公報 特開2003−68551号公報
For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, magnetic properties such as coercive force and residual magnetic flux density are improved by adding Bi to the alloy composition. In the invention described in Patent Document 2, a lubricant diluted with a specific organic solvent is mixed with the alloy powder to eliminate a decrease in strength of the compact due to the addition of the lubricant. In the invention described in Patent Document 3, by changing the timing at which the lubricant is added, the wear of the pulverizing equipment is reduced while enjoying the effect of improving the degree of orientation by adding the lubricant.
JP 2003-203807 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-3504 JP 2003-68551 A

希土類焼結磁石の製造方法としては、前述の各特許文献にも記載されるように、粉末冶金法が知られており、低コストでの製造が可能なことから、広く用いられている。粉末冶金法では、先ず、原料合金インゴットを粗粉砕及び微粉砕し、粒径が数μm程度の原料合金微粉を得る。このようにして得られた原料合金微粉を静磁場中で磁場配向させ、磁場を印加した状態でプレス成形を行う。磁場中成形後、成形体を真空中、または不活性ガス雰囲気中で脱バインダー処理した後、焼結を行う。   As a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet, as described in the aforementioned patent documents, a powder metallurgy method is known and widely used because it can be produced at a low cost. In the powder metallurgy method, a raw material alloy ingot is first roughly pulverized and finely pulverized to obtain a raw material alloy fine powder having a particle size of about several μm. The raw material alloy fine powder thus obtained is magnetically oriented in a static magnetic field, and press molding is performed in a state where a magnetic field is applied. After molding in a magnetic field, the compact is debindered in vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere, and then sintered.

希土類焼結磁石の焼結工程では、成形体を真空、若しくはAr等の不活性雰囲気中で加熱することによって焼結反応を進行させ、高密度な焼結体とすることが行われる。この時、加熱の熱源には抵抗加熱が広く採用されている。抵抗加熱では、Mo等の高融点金属若しくは炭素からなる棒状、あるいは板状の抵抗体に通電し、焼結炉内の温度を所定の温度にしている。   In the sintering process of the rare earth sintered magnet, the compact is heated in a vacuum or an inert atmosphere such as Ar to advance the sintering reaction to obtain a high-density sintered body. At this time, resistance heating is widely adopted as a heat source for heating. In resistance heating, a rod-shaped or plate-shaped resistor made of a refractory metal such as Mo or carbon is energized, and the temperature in the sintering furnace is set to a predetermined temperature.

ところで、前述の抵抗加熱の場合、加熱温度は通電する電力に依存し、主として輻射熱を利用して成形体に熱エネルギーを供給しているため、その昇温速度は工業的に要求されるほど速くはない。このため、所望の温度に到達するまでに、これよりも低い温度に長時間晒されることになる。また、真空雰囲気の場合には、不活性ガスが存在する場合に期待できる伝導熱による温度の均一化が全く期待できず、炉内の温度制御が非常に難しい。そのため、成形体の温度にばらつきが生ずる可能性が高い。   By the way, in the case of the resistance heating described above, the heating temperature depends on the energized electric power, and heat energy is supplied to the molded body mainly using radiant heat. There is no. For this reason, before reaching a desired temperature, it is exposed to a temperature lower than this for a long time. Further, in the case of a vacuum atmosphere, it is not possible to expect a uniform temperature due to conduction heat that can be expected when an inert gas is present, and temperature control in the furnace is very difficult. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the temperature of the molded body varies.

希土類焼結磁石の焼結では、焼結温度で液相となる低融点相(副相)が溶融し、主としてNd2Fe14B化合物からなる主相粒子の表面を濡らし、成形体内の空隙を外部に排除することによって高密度化(緻密化)が実現される。同時に、焼結温度では、固相同士(粒子同士)が反応することにより、主相結晶粒の粒成長が起こる。主相結晶粒の粒成長は、相対的に大きな主相粒子が、周囲の小さな粒子を吸収する形で進行する。さらに、焼結反応が進んでくると、小さな粒子を吸収した大きな主相粒子同士が反応して、より大きな粒子が生成する。 The sintering of the rare earth sintered magnet, a low-melting phase which is a liquid phase at the sintering temperature (subphase) is melted, wet the surface of the main phase particles mainly composed of Nd 2 Fe 14 B compound, the voids of the molded body Densification (densification) is realized by eliminating the outside. At the same time, at the sintering temperature, the solid phase (particles) react with each other to cause the growth of main phase crystal grains. Grain growth of main phase crystal grains proceeds in such a manner that relatively large main phase particles absorb surrounding small particles. Furthermore, as the sintering reaction proceeds, large main phase particles that have absorbed small particles react with each other to produce larger particles.

ここで、結晶粒の大きさは、希土類焼結磁石の特性、特に保磁力に対して大きな影響を及ぼし、結晶粒のサイズが大きいと保磁力低下の要因となることから、焼結に際しては主相結晶粒の粒成長をなるべく抑えることが要求される。すなわち、希土類焼結磁石の焼結では、成形体を構成する原料合金の微粉末のサイズをできる限り維持したまま高密度化が進むことが望ましい。   Here, the size of the crystal grains has a great influence on the characteristics of the rare earth sintered magnet, particularly the coercive force, and if the crystal grain size is large, the coercive force is reduced. It is required to suppress the growth of phase crystal grains as much as possible. That is, in the sintering of rare earth sintered magnets, it is desirable to increase the density while maintaining the size of the fine powder of the raw material alloy constituting the compact as much as possible.

高密度化と粒成長の抑制という双方の目的を達成するためには、焼結時の温度と時間のパターンの制御が非常に重要となる。例えば、短時間のうちに液相が主相粒子の表面を十分に濡らすようにすることができれば、液相移動による高密度化に要する時間を短縮し、主相の粒成長を抑制することができる。液相が自由に移動できる温度と、粒成長する温度とは重複するので、制御が必要な温度と時間は、単なる焼結炉内の温度ではなく、成形体の実際の温度であることは言うまでもない。   In order to achieve both the objectives of increasing the density and suppressing the grain growth, it is very important to control the temperature and time pattern during sintering. For example, if the liquid phase can sufficiently wet the surface of the main phase particles within a short period of time, the time required for densification by liquid phase transfer can be shortened and the grain growth of the main phase can be suppressed. it can. Since the temperature at which the liquid phase can move freely and the temperature at which the grains grow are overlapped, it goes without saying that the temperature and time that need to be controlled are not just the temperatures in the sintering furnace but the actual temperatures of the compact. Yes.

このような焼結反応から考えた場合、前述の抵抗加熱では粒成長を制御した焼結温度制御をすることは難しい。抵抗加熱では、輻射熱を利用しているために、温度の制御、特に急速な昇温、降温が困難であり、また、成形体の周囲と内部とで温度差が生じ易い。その結果、高密度化と粒成長の抑制を同時に達成することが困難であるという問題がある。また、抵抗加熱では、前記の通り、所望の温度に到達するまでに、これよりも低い温度に長時間晒されることになるため、異相が発生し易いという問題もある。主相粒子の粒成長や密度の低下、異相の発生は、いずれも得られる希土類焼結磁石の磁気特性の劣化の原因となり、その制御抑制が必要である。   Considering such a sintering reaction, it is difficult to control the sintering temperature by controlling the grain growth by the resistance heating described above. In resistance heating, since radiant heat is used, it is difficult to control temperature, in particular, rapid temperature increase and decrease, and a temperature difference is easily generated between the periphery and the inside of the molded body. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to achieve high density and suppression of grain growth at the same time. In addition, as described above, the resistance heating is exposed to a lower temperature for a long time before reaching a desired temperature, and thus there is a problem that a heterogeneous phase is likely to occur. The growth of main phase particles, the decrease in density, and the occurrence of heterogeneous phases all cause deterioration of the magnetic properties of the obtained rare earth sintered magnet, and it is necessary to suppress their control.

また、希土類焼結磁石の焼結に際しては、脱バインダー処理も重要な工程となる。原料合金微粉の成形体には、粉砕や成形を円滑に行うためにステアリン酸亜鉛等の潤滑剤が添加されているが、それらを焼結体中に炭化物や酸化物として残存させないように、真空中、若しくはArフロー中等で分解させ、系外に除去する必要がある。焼結の際に潤滑剤が残存すると、得られる希土類焼結磁石中の炭素量や酸素量が増え、特性劣化の要因となる。   In addition, when the rare earth sintered magnet is sintered, the binder removal process is also an important process. The compact of the raw material alloy powder is added with a lubricant such as zinc stearate for smooth pulverization and molding, but vacuum is applied so that they do not remain as carbides or oxides in the sintered body. It must be decomposed in the middle or in the Ar flow and removed outside the system. If the lubricant remains during the sintering, the amount of carbon and oxygen in the obtained rare earth sintered magnet increases, which causes deterioration of characteristics.

本発明は、このような従来の実情に鑑みて提案されたものであり、脱バインダー処理を確実に行うことができ、しかも、焼結時間を短縮し、高密度化と粒成長の抑制を同時に達成することができ、異相の形成も抑制することが可能な希土類焼結磁石の製造方法を提供し、それにより、保磁力等の磁気特性に優れた希土類焼結磁石を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been proposed in view of such a conventional situation, and can be reliably debindered. Further, the sintering time can be shortened, and densification and grain growth can be suppressed simultaneously. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet that can be achieved and capable of suppressing the formation of heterogeneous phases, thereby providing a rare earth sintered magnet having excellent magnetic properties such as coercive force. To do.

上述の目的を達成するために、本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を含む原料合金微粉を成形した成形体が、高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理された後、高周波誘導加熱により焼結されてなり、前記高周波誘導による間接加熱においては、前記成形体の周囲に配される導電体が高周波誘導加熱され、当該導電体からの輻射熱により成形体が加熱され、酸素含有量が2500ppm以下、炭素の含有量が1500ppm以下であることを特徴とする。また、本発明の希土類焼結磁石の製造方法は、希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を含む原料合金微粉を成形した成形体を焼結し、希土類焼結磁石を製造するに際し、成形体を高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理した後、高周波誘導加熱により焼結を行い、前記高周波誘導による間接加熱においては、前記成形体の周囲に配される導電体を高周波誘導加熱し、当該導電体からの輻射熱により成形体を加熱することを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention is obtained after a molded body obtained by molding a raw material alloy fine powder containing a rare earth element, a transition metal element and boron is debindered by indirect heating by high frequency induction. In the indirect heating by the high frequency induction, the conductor disposed around the molded body is subjected to high frequency induction heating, and the molded body is heated by radiant heat from the conductor, The oxygen content is 2500 ppm or less, and the carbon content is 1500 ppm or less. Also, the method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention sinters a molded body obtained by molding a raw material alloy fine powder containing a rare earth element, a transition metal element, and boron. After debinding treatment by indirect heating by induction, sintering is performed by high frequency induction heating, and in the indirect heating by high frequency induction, a conductor disposed around the molded body is subjected to high frequency induction heating, and from the conductor The molded body is heated by radiant heat.

希土類焼結磁石の製造に際しては、原料合金微粉を成形体とし、これを焼結して焼結体とするが、前記成形体には、粉砕の段階で加えられた潤滑剤が含まれている。そこで、本発明では、焼結に先立って、高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理を行う。高周波誘導加熱は、電磁誘導により導体に渦電流を発生させ、そのジュール熱で加熱を行う加熱方法であるが、高周波誘導による間接加熱では、脱バインダー処理においては例えば成形体周囲に配置した導電体に電磁誘導によるジュール熱を発生させ、この導電体からの輻射熱を利用して成形体を間接的に加熱する。脱バインダー処理に高周波誘導による間接加熱を採用することで、時間の短縮と温度の均一性が図られ、有機物を分解し得る温度に安定して維持することができ、潤滑剤が速やかに系外に除去される。その結果、炭素(炭化物)や酸素(酸化物)として残存することが抑制される。バインダーを成形体外に除去する前に温度が高くなると、活性なNdは、例えばNdC(炭化物)、Nd23(酸化物)等の化合物が生成してしまう。また、低温長時間を維持しておいても、バインダーは分解せず、系外に除去されない。 In the production of rare earth sintered magnets, raw material alloy fine powder is used as a compact, and this is sintered into a sintered compact, which contains the lubricant added at the stage of pulverization. . Therefore, in the present invention, prior to sintering, the binder removal treatment is performed by indirect heating by high frequency induction. High-frequency induction heating is a heating method in which eddy current is generated in a conductor by electromagnetic induction and heating is performed by the Joule heat. However, in indirect heating by high-frequency induction, for example, a conductor disposed around a molded body in a debinding process. Joule heat is generated by electromagnetic induction, and the molded body is indirectly heated using the radiant heat from the conductor. By adopting indirect heating by high frequency induction for binder removal processing, time can be shortened and temperature uniformity can be achieved, it can be stably maintained at a temperature that can decompose organic matter, and the lubricant can be quickly removed from the system. Removed. As a result, the remaining carbon (carbide) or oxygen (oxide) is suppressed. If the temperature is increased before the binder is removed from the molded body, active Nd is produced, for example, as a compound such as NdC (carbide) or Nd 2 O 3 (oxide). Even if the low temperature is maintained for a long time, the binder does not decompose and is not removed from the system.

一方、成形体の焼結は、高周波誘導加熱により成形体を直接加熱することにより行う。本発明では、高周波誘導により成形体を構成する原料合金微粉に電流を発生させることで、ジュール熱により成形体が直接加熱されることになる。したがって、輻射熱を利用する抵抗加熱に比べて遙かに急速な昇温、降温が可能である。また、昇温中における成形体内での温度分布についても、均一性の高い状態が実現される。   On the other hand, the compact is sintered by directly heating the compact by high frequency induction heating. In the present invention, a current is generated in the raw material alloy fine powder constituting the compact by high frequency induction, whereby the compact is directly heated by Joule heat. Therefore, the temperature can be raised and lowered much more rapidly than resistance heating using radiant heat. In addition, a highly uniform state is realized with respect to the temperature distribution in the molded body during the temperature rise.

本発明では、脱バインダー処理に高周波誘導による間接加熱を採用することにより、低温側、特に脱バインダー処理を行う低温での加熱パターンを任意に制御し、脱バインダーを完全に行い、炭素量及び酸素量の少ない焼結体を得ることができる。   In the present invention, by adopting indirect heating by high frequency induction for the binder removal treatment, the heating pattern at the low temperature side, particularly at the low temperature for carrying out the binder removal treatment, is arbitrarily controlled, the binder removal is completely performed, and the carbon amount and oxygen A sintered body with a small amount can be obtained.

また、焼結に高周波誘導による直接加熱を採用し、前記高周波誘導加熱の特徴を活かすことにより、成形体の温度制御を容易なものとなり、焼結パターンが任意に制御される。それにより、高密度化の促進と、粒成長の抑制、異相の抑制が同時に実現される。   Further, direct heating by high-frequency induction heating is employed for sintering, and the characteristics of the high-frequency induction heating are utilized to facilitate the temperature control of the molded body, and the sintering pattern is arbitrarily controlled. Thereby, acceleration of densification, suppression of grain growth, and suppression of different phases are realized at the same time.

なお、希土類焼結磁石の焼結に高周波誘導加熱による直接加熱を利用する場合、酸素量に留意することが好ましい。例えば、原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量が多いと、抵抗が大きくなり、電磁誘導により発生する電流値が低下する。電流値の低下は、発熱時間の長時間化等を招き、高周波誘導加熱の利点が損なわれる。焼結に高周波誘導加熱を利用する場合、例えば原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量を2500ppm以下とする。これにより、円滑に高周波誘導加熱が行われ、前記の利点が最大限に発現される。   When direct heating by high frequency induction heating is used for sintering of the rare earth sintered magnet, it is preferable to pay attention to the amount of oxygen. For example, when the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder is large, the resistance increases and the current value generated by electromagnetic induction decreases. The decrease in the current value leads to a long heat generation time, and the advantages of high frequency induction heating are impaired. When high frequency induction heating is used for sintering, for example, the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder is set to 2500 ppm or less. Thereby, high-frequency induction heating is performed smoothly, and the above-described advantages are maximized.

本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理した後、高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)により焼結されているので、炭素や酸素の残存が抑制されるとともに、高密度化と結晶粒成長の抑制、異相の発生の抑制が同時に実現される。したがって、本発明によれば、保磁力の高い磁気特性に優れた希土類焼結磁石を提供することが可能である。   Since the rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention is sintered by high-frequency induction heating (direct heating) after debinding by indirect heating by high-frequency induction, the remaining carbon and oxygen are suppressed and the density is increased. And the suppression of crystal grain growth and the occurrence of heterogeneous phases can be realized at the same time. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rare earth sintered magnet having a high coercive force and excellent magnetic characteristics.

また、本発明の製造方法によれば、脱バインダー処理に高周波誘導による間接加熱を採用するとともに、焼結に高周波誘導加熱の直接加熱を採用しているので、脱バインダーが効率的に行われるとともに、焼結の際には成形体の温度制御が容易なものとなり、焼結パターンを任意に制御することが可能である。したがって、焼結時間を短縮し、高密度化した焼結体を粒成長せずに得ることができ、炭素や酸素の残存も少ないので、得られる希土類焼結磁石の焼結状態を理想状態に近づけることができる。   In addition, according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, indirect heating by high frequency induction is adopted for the debinding treatment, and direct heating of high frequency induction heating is adopted for sintering, so that debinding is performed efficiently. During sintering, the temperature of the molded body can be easily controlled, and the sintering pattern can be arbitrarily controlled. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a sintered body with a reduced sintering time and a higher density without grain growth, and since there is little carbon and oxygen remaining, the sintered state of the obtained rare earth sintered magnet is brought to an ideal state. You can get closer.

以下、本発明を適用した希土類焼結磁石及びその製造方法について、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, a rare earth sintered magnet to which the present invention is applied and a manufacturing method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を主成分とするものである。磁石組成は、目的に応じて任意に選択すればよい。   The rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention is mainly composed of a rare earth element, a transition metal element and boron. What is necessary is just to select a magnet composition arbitrarily according to the objective.

例えば、R−T−B(R=Yを含む希土類元素の1種または2種以上、T=FeまたはFe及びCoを必須とする遷移金属元素の1種または2種以上、B=ホウ素)系希土類焼結磁石とする場合、磁気特性に優れた希土類焼結磁石を得るためには、焼結後の磁石組成において、希土類元素Rが27.0〜32.0重量%、ホウ素Bが0.5〜2.0重量%、残部が実質的に遷移金属元素T(例えばFe)となるような配合組成とすることが好ましい。希土類元素Rの量が27.0重量%未満であると、軟磁性であるα−Fe等が析出し、保磁力が低下する。逆に、希土類元素Rが32.0重量%を越えると、Rリッチ相の量が多くなって耐蝕性が劣化するとともに、主相であるR214B結晶粒の体積比率が低下し、残留磁束密度が低下する。また、ホウ素Bが0.5重量%未満の場合には、高い保磁力を得ることができない。逆に、ホウ素Bが2.0重量%を越えると、残留磁束密度が低下する傾向がある。 For example, R-T-B (one or more of rare earth elements including R = Y, T = one or more of transition metal elements essential to Fe or Fe and Co, B = boron) system When a rare earth sintered magnet is used, in order to obtain a rare earth sintered magnet having excellent magnetic properties, the sintered magnet composition has a rare earth element R of 27.0 to 32.0 wt% and boron B of 0. It is preferable that the blending composition is 5 to 2.0% by weight and the balance is substantially the transition metal element T (for example, Fe). When the amount of the rare earth element R is less than 27.0% by weight, α-Fe or the like that is soft magnetic precipitates, and the coercive force decreases. Conversely, when the rare earth element R exceeds 32.0% by weight, the amount of the R-rich phase increases and the corrosion resistance deteriorates, and the volume ratio of the R 2 T 14 B crystal grains as the main phase decreases. The residual magnetic flux density is reduced. Further, when boron B is less than 0.5% by weight, a high coercive force cannot be obtained. Conversely, if boron B exceeds 2.0% by weight, the residual magnetic flux density tends to decrease.

ここで、希土類元素Rは、Yを含む希土類元素、すなわちY、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Dy、Ho、Er、Yb及びLuから選ばれる1種、または2種以上である。中でも、NdやPrは、磁気特性のバランスが良いこと、資源的に豊富で比較的安価であることから、主成分をNdやPrとすることが好ましい。また、Dy2Fe14BやTb2Fe14B化合物は、異方性磁界が大きく、保磁力Hcjを向上させる上で有効である。 Here, the rare earth element R is a rare earth element including Y, that is, one selected from Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu, or 2 More than a seed. Among these, Nd and Pr are preferably Nd and Pr because the balance of magnetic properties is good and they are abundant and relatively inexpensive. Dy 2 Fe 14 B and Tb 2 Fe 14 B compounds have a large anisotropic magnetic field and are effective in improving the coercive force Hcj.

さらに、本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、添加元素Mを加えて、R−T−B−M系希土類焼結磁石とすることも可能である。この場合、添加元素Mとしては、Al、Cr、Mn、Mg、Si、Cu、C、Nb、Sn、W、V、Zr、Ti、Mo等を挙げることができ、これらの1種または2種以上を選択して添加することができる。例えば、高融点金属であるNb、Zr、W等の添加は、結晶粒成長を抑制する効果がある。勿論、これら組成に限らず、希土類焼結磁石の組成として従来公知の組成全般に適用可能であることは言うまでもない。   Furthermore, the rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention may be an R-TBM type rare earth sintered magnet by adding the additive element M. In this case, examples of the additive element M include Al, Cr, Mn, Mg, Si, Cu, C, Nb, Sn, W, V, Zr, Ti, and Mo. One or two of these may be used. The above can be selected and added. For example, the addition of Nb, Zr, W or the like, which is a refractory metal, has an effect of suppressing crystal grain growth. Of course, it is needless to say that the composition of the rare earth sintered magnet is not limited to these compositions and can be applied to all known compositions.

また、本発明の希土類焼結磁石では、酸素の含有量を2500ppm以下とすることが好ましい。これは、後述の高周波誘導加熱を行うこととも関連するが、酸素含有量が2500ppmを越えると、希土類元素が酸化物として存在する量が増加し、主相及び副相に存在すべき磁気的に有効な希土類元素が減少して保磁力が低下するという問題が生ずる。さらに、生成した酸化物は非磁性であり、焼結体の磁化の低下も招く。酸素量と酸化物の生成量の関係は、化合物の化学量論比に従って直線的関係を有するが、近年の磁石応用製品において高性能希土類磁石に要求される保磁力や磁化を満足させるためには、2500ppm以下であることが要求される。   In the rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention, the oxygen content is preferably 2500 ppm or less. This is related to the high-frequency induction heating described later. However, when the oxygen content exceeds 2500 ppm, the amount of rare earth elements present as oxides increases, and the magnetic phase that should be present in the main phase and subphase is increased. There arises a problem that effective rare earth elements decrease and the coercive force decreases. Furthermore, the generated oxide is non-magnetic and causes a decrease in magnetization of the sintered body. The relationship between the amount of oxygen and the amount of oxide produced has a linear relationship according to the stoichiometric ratio of the compounds, but in order to satisfy the coercive force and magnetization required for high performance rare earth magnets in recent magnet applications. It is required to be 2500 ppm or less.

さらに、本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、炭素(C)の含有量が1500ppm以下、窒素(N)の含有量が200〜1500ppmであることが好ましい。炭素の含有量が1500ppmを越えると、炭素は希土類元素の一部と炭化物を形成し、磁気的に有効な希土類元素が減少して保磁力が低下する。また、窒素量を前記範囲とすることによって、優れた耐蝕性と高い磁気特性を両立させることができる。   Furthermore, the rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention preferably has a carbon (C) content of 1500 ppm or less and a nitrogen (N) content of 200 to 1500 ppm. When the carbon content exceeds 1500 ppm, carbon forms a carbide with a part of the rare earth element, and the magnetically effective rare earth element is reduced and the coercive force is lowered. Further, by setting the nitrogen amount in the above range, both excellent corrosion resistance and high magnetic properties can be achieved.

本発明の希土類焼結磁石は、粉末冶金法により製造されるものであり、特に、高周波誘導加熱によって焼結されてなるものである。以下、希土類焼結磁石の粉末冶金法による製造方法について説明する。   The rare earth sintered magnet of the present invention is manufactured by a powder metallurgy method, and in particular, sintered by high frequency induction heating. Hereinafter, a method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet by powder metallurgy will be described.

図1は、粉末冶金法による希土類焼結磁石の製造プロセスの一例を示すものである。この製造プロセスは、基本的には、合金化工程1、粗粉砕工程2、微粉砕工程3、磁場中成形工程4、脱バインダー工程5、焼結工程6、時効工程7、加工工程8、及び表面処理工程9とにより構成される。なお、酸化防止のために、焼結後までの各工程は、ほとんどの工程を真空中、あるいは不活性ガス雰囲気中(窒素雰囲気中、Ar雰囲気中等)で行う。   FIG. 1 shows an example of a process for producing a rare earth sintered magnet by powder metallurgy. This manufacturing process basically includes an alloying step 1, a coarse pulverization step 2, a fine pulverization step 3, a magnetic field forming step 4, a binder removal step 5, a sintering step 6, an aging step 7, a processing step 8, and And a surface treatment step 9. In order to prevent oxidation, most of the steps after sintering are performed in a vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere (in a nitrogen atmosphere, an Ar atmosphere, etc.).

合金化工程1では、原料となる金属、あるいは合金を磁石組成に応じて配合し、不活性ガス、例えばAr雰囲気中で溶解し、鋳造することにより合金化する。鋳造法としては、溶融した高温の液体金属を回転ロール上に供給し、合金薄板を連続的に鋳造するストリップキャスト法(連続鋳造法)が生産性等の観点から好適である。原料金属(合金)としては、純希土類元素、希土類合金、純鉄、フェロボロン、さらにはこれらの合金等を使用することができる。インゴットとして鋳造した場合には、凝固偏析を解消すること等を目的に、必要に応じて溶体化処理を行ってもよい。溶体化処理の条件としては、例えば真空またはAr雰囲気下、700〜1200℃領域で1時間以上保持する。   In the alloying step 1, a metal or alloy as a raw material is blended according to the magnet composition, dissolved in an inert gas, for example, Ar atmosphere, and cast into an alloy. As a casting method, a strip casting method (continuous casting method) in which molten high-temperature liquid metal is supplied onto a rotating roll and an alloy thin plate is continuously cast is preferable from the viewpoint of productivity and the like. As the raw material metal (alloy), pure rare earth elements, rare earth alloys, pure iron, ferroboron, and alloys thereof can be used. When cast as an ingot, solution treatment may be performed as necessary for the purpose of eliminating solidification segregation. As a condition for the solution treatment, for example, it is kept in a 700 to 1200 ° C. region for 1 hour or more under vacuum or Ar atmosphere.

粗粉砕工程2では、先に鋳造した原料合金の薄板、あるいはインゴット等を、粒径数百μm程度になるまで粉砕する。粉砕手段としては、スタンプミル、ジョークラッシャー、ブラウンミル等を用いることができる。粗粉砕性を向上させるために、水素を吸蔵させて脆化させた後、粗粉砕を行うことが効果的である。   In the coarse pulverization step 2, the previously cast raw alloy thin plate, ingot or the like is pulverized until the particle size is about several hundreds of micrometers. As the pulverizing means, a stamp mill, a jaw crusher, a brown mill, or the like can be used. In order to improve the coarse pulverization property, it is effective to perform coarse pulverization after occlusion of hydrogen and embrittlement.

前述の粗粉砕工程2が終了した後、通常、粗粉砕した原料合金粉に粉砕助剤を添加する。粉砕助剤としては、例えば脂肪酸系化合物等を使用することができるが、特に、脂肪酸アミドを粉砕助剤として用いることで、良好な磁気特性、特に高配向度で高い磁化を有する希土類焼結磁石を得ることができる。粉砕助剤の添加量としては、0.03〜0.4重量%とすることが好ましい。粉砕助剤の添加量が0.03重量%未満であると、潤滑剤の磁気特性に与える効果が十分に得られず、0.4重量%以下の添加量であれば、焼結後の残留炭素の量を効果的に低減することができ、希土類焼結磁石の磁気特性を向上させる上で有効である。   After the aforementioned coarse pulverization step 2 is completed, a pulverization aid is usually added to the coarsely pulverized raw material alloy powder. As the grinding aid, for example, fatty acid compounds can be used, and in particular, by using fatty acid amide as the grinding aid, a rare earth sintered magnet having good magnetic properties, particularly high orientation and high magnetization. Can be obtained. The addition amount of the grinding aid is preferably 0.03 to 0.4% by weight. If the addition amount of the grinding aid is less than 0.03% by weight, the effect on the magnetic properties of the lubricant cannot be sufficiently obtained. If the addition amount is 0.4% by weight or less, the residual after sintering The amount of carbon can be effectively reduced, which is effective in improving the magnetic properties of the rare earth sintered magnet.

粗粉砕工程2の後、微粉砕工程3を行うが、この微粉砕工程3は、例えば気流式粉砕機等を使用して行われる。微粉砕の際の条件は、用いる気流式粉砕機に応じて適宜設定すればよく、原料合金粉を平均粒径が1〜10μm程度、例えば3〜6μmとなるまで微粉砕する。気流式粉砕機としては、ジェットミル等が好適である。ジェットミルは、高圧の不活性ガス(例えば窒素ガス)を狭いノズルより開放して高速のガス流を発生させ、この高速のガス流により粉体の粒子を加速し、粉体の粒子同士の衝突や、衝突板あるいは容器壁との衝突を発生させて粉砕する方法である。ジェットミルは、一般的に、流動層を利用するジェットミル、渦流を利用するジェットミル、衝突板を用いるジェットミル等に分類される。これらのジェットミルのうちでは、流動層を利用するジェットミル、及び渦流を利用するジェットミルが好ましく、特に流動層を利用するジェットミルが好ましい。例えば原料合金粉と粉砕助剤とは比重が大きく異なるが、流動層中及び渦流中では比重の違いに殆ど関係なく良好に粉砕及び混合が行なわれ、特に流動層中では比重の違いは殆ど問題とならないからである。   After the coarse pulverization step 2, a fine pulverization step 3 is performed. The fine pulverization step 3 is performed using, for example, an airflow pulverizer. The conditions for fine pulverization may be appropriately set according to the airflow pulverizer to be used, and the raw material alloy powder is finely pulverized until the average particle size becomes about 1 to 10 μm, for example, 3 to 6 μm. A jet mill or the like is suitable as the airflow pulverizer. A jet mill opens a high-pressure inert gas (for example, nitrogen gas) from a narrow nozzle to generate a high-speed gas flow, accelerates powder particles by this high-speed gas flow, and collides powder particles with each other. Or, it is a method of crushing by generating a collision with a collision plate or a container wall. Jet mills are generally classified into jet mills that use fluidized beds, jet mills that use vortex flow, jet mills that use impingement plates, and the like. Among these jet mills, a jet mill using a fluidized bed and a jet mill using a vortex are preferable, and a jet mill using a fluidized bed is particularly preferable. For example, although the specific gravity of the raw material alloy powder and the grinding aid differ greatly, in the fluidized bed and in the vortex, the grinding and mixing are performed well regardless of the difference in specific gravity, and the difference in specific gravity is particularly problematic in the fluidized bed. It is because it does not become.

微粉砕工程3の後、磁場中成形工程4において、原料合金微粉を磁場中にて成形する。具体的には、微粉砕工程3にて得られた原料合金微粉を電磁石を配置した金型内に充填し、磁場印加によって結晶軸を配向させた状態で磁場中成形する。磁場中成形は、成形圧力と磁界方向が平行な縦磁場成形、成形圧力と磁界方向が直交する横磁場成形のいずれであってもよい。さらに、磁界印加手段として、パルス電源と空芯コイルも採用することができる。この磁場中成形は、例えば700〜1300kA/mの磁場中で、100〜200MPa前後の圧力で行えばよい。   After the pulverizing step 3, in the forming step 4 in the magnetic field, the raw material alloy fine powder is formed in the magnetic field. Specifically, the raw material alloy fine powder obtained in the fine pulverization step 3 is filled in a mold in which an electromagnet is arranged, and is molded in a magnetic field with a crystal axis oriented by applying a magnetic field. The forming in the magnetic field may be either a vertical magnetic field forming in which the forming pressure and the magnetic field direction are parallel, or a horizontal magnetic field forming in which the forming pressure and the magnetic field direction are orthogonal to each other. Further, a pulse power source and an air-core coil can be employed as the magnetic field applying means. The forming in the magnetic field may be performed at a pressure of about 100 to 200 MPa in a magnetic field of 700 to 1300 kA / m, for example.

次に、前記磁場中成形工程により形成された成形体を焼結するが、焼結に先立って、脱バインダー工程5において脱バインダー処理を行う。この脱バインダー処理は、粉砕工程において添加され成形体に含まれる潤滑剤を系外に除去するための工程であり、脱バインダー処理を行うことで、焼結後に炭化物、酸化物等として残存する炭素や酸素の残存量を減らすことができる。また、焼結工程6において誘導加熱により焼結を行う場合、酸素による電気抵抗の増加が問題になるが、この脱バインダー処理により潤滑剤を除去しておけば、電気抵抗の増加を最小限に抑えることもできる。   Next, the molded body formed by the molding step in the magnetic field is sintered, and the binder removal process is performed in the binder removal step 5 prior to the sintering. This binder removal process is a process for removing the lubricant added in the pulverization process and contained in the molded body, and by removing the binder, carbon remaining as a carbide, oxide, etc. after sintering. And the remaining amount of oxygen can be reduced. Further, when sintering is performed by induction heating in the sintering step 6, an increase in electrical resistance due to oxygen becomes a problem, but if the lubricant is removed by this debinding process, the increase in electrical resistance is minimized. It can also be suppressed.

本発明では、この脱バインダー工程を高周波誘導による間接加熱により行う。図2は、高周波誘導による間接加熱の原理を示すものである。例えば、高周波電源11に接続されたコイル12の中に成形体13を置き、コイル12と成形体13との間に良導体である間接加熱用導電体14を配置する。コイル12に交流電流が流れると、間接加熱用導電体14には交流磁界が生じ、その磁界により電流(渦電流)Iが流れる。これを電磁誘導作用と呼んでいる。このとき流れる渦電流と間接加熱用導電体14の電気抵抗によりジュール熱が発生し、間接加熱用導電体14が加熱される。そして、間接加熱用導電体14からの輻射熱により、間接的に成形体13が加熱される。脱バインダー処理では、例えば200℃〜500℃程度の有機物を分解し得る温度に成形体を保持し、成形体に含まれる潤滑剤等の有機物を分解、除去するが、高周波誘導による間接加熱の採用は、時間短縮と温度の均一性をもたらし、脱バインダーの効率向上が図られる。   In the present invention, this debinding step is performed by indirect heating by high frequency induction. FIG. 2 shows the principle of indirect heating by high frequency induction. For example, the molded body 13 is placed in the coil 12 connected to the high-frequency power source 11, and the indirect heating conductor 14 that is a good conductor is disposed between the coil 12 and the molded body 13. When an alternating current flows through the coil 12, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the indirect heating conductor 14, and an electric current (eddy current) I flows through the magnetic field. This is called electromagnetic induction action. Joule heat is generated by the eddy current flowing at this time and the electrical resistance of the indirect heating conductor 14, and the indirect heating conductor 14 is heated. The molded body 13 is indirectly heated by the radiant heat from the indirect heating conductor 14. In the debinding process, for example, the molded body is held at a temperature capable of decomposing an organic substance of about 200 ° C. to 500 ° C., and organic substances such as a lubricant contained in the molded body are decomposed and removed. This shortens the time and makes the temperature uniform and improves the efficiency of debinding.

ここで、間接加熱用導電体14としては、例えばタングステン、モリブデン等の高融点金属やカーボン等を用いることができる。間接加熱用導電体14に高融点金属やカーボンを用いることで電気抵抗の大きい成形体に比べ温度調整がはるかに容易となり、また熱効率も良好となる。特に、カーボンは、原料、加工性の面等において安価であり、経済的観点からも好ましい。   Here, as the indirect heating conductor 14, for example, a refractory metal such as tungsten or molybdenum, carbon, or the like can be used. By using a refractory metal or carbon for the indirect heating conductor 14, temperature adjustment is much easier than in the case of a molded article having a large electric resistance, and thermal efficiency is also improved. In particular, carbon is inexpensive in terms of raw materials, processability, etc., and is preferable from an economic viewpoint.

間接加熱用導電体14の形状は特に制限されないが、例えば図3(a)に示すような円筒形状、あるいは図3(b)に示すような複数の棒状体14aが筒状に配置された形態とすることが、熱効率等の面で好ましい。間接加熱用導電体14をリング状の導電体を筒状に配列した形態とすることもできるが、熱効率が若干低い。   The shape of the indirect heating conductor 14 is not particularly limited. For example, a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3 (a) or a plurality of rod-like bodies 14a as shown in FIG. 3 (b) are arranged in a cylindrical shape. It is preferable in terms of thermal efficiency and the like. Although the indirect heating conductor 14 can be formed by arranging ring-shaped conductors in a cylindrical shape, the thermal efficiency is slightly low.

間接加熱用導電体は、高周波コイルや炉内構造物と絶縁されていることが必要である。このことは、装置構成を考えた場合に有利であり、例えば間接加熱用導電体は抵抗加熱用のヒータのように電源と接続される必要はないことから、炉内での移動が容易である。   The indirect heating conductor needs to be insulated from the high-frequency coil and the in-furnace structure. This is advantageous when considering the device configuration. For example, the indirect heating conductor does not need to be connected to a power source like a resistance heating heater, and thus can be easily moved in the furnace. .

ところで、脱バインダー処理を輻射熱により加熱する方法としては、抵抗ヒータによる抵抗加熱も考えられるが、後述するように焼結処理を高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)により行う場合には、以下のような不都合がある。抵抗ヒータによる脱バインダー処理後、高周波誘導加熱を行うためには、高周波誘導電流が発生しない位置へ抵抗ヒータを移動させる必要があるが、抵抗ヒータは電源と接続されているために炉内での移動が困難である。また、電源に接続された抵抗ヒータを移動させるために装置が複雑となり、コスト増加の原因となる。また、抵抗加熱と高周波誘導加熱とを併用するので、2系統の電源や制御回路が必要となり、装置が極めて高価となる。   By the way, as a method of heating the debinding process with radiant heat, resistance heating with a resistance heater can be considered. However, when the sintering process is performed with high-frequency induction heating (direct heating) as described later, the following inconveniences are caused. There is. In order to perform high-frequency induction heating after debinding with a resistance heater, it is necessary to move the resistance heater to a position where high-frequency induction current does not occur. However, since the resistance heater is connected to the power source, It is difficult to move. In addition, since the resistance heater connected to the power source is moved, the apparatus becomes complicated, which causes an increase in cost. Moreover, since resistance heating and high frequency induction heating are used in combination, two power sources and control circuits are required, and the apparatus becomes extremely expensive.

これに対して、脱バインダー処理を高周波誘導による間接加熱で行う場合には、高周波誘導加熱に用いるコイルと成形体との間に間接加熱用導電体を移動させるだけでよく、抵抗ヒータが不要であるため、電源や制御回路を増やすようなコスト要因は発生しない。また、間接加熱用導電体を可動式にするだけで装置を併用できる。さらに、抵抗ヒータに比べて炉内での間接加熱用導電体の移動は極めて容易である。したがって、焼結に高周波誘導加熱の直接加熱を採用する場合には、脱バインダー処理に高周波誘導による間接加熱を採用することで、装置を簡略化でき、コストを大幅に削減することができる。   On the other hand, when the binder removal treatment is performed by indirect heating by high frequency induction, it is only necessary to move the indirect heating conductor between the coil used for the high frequency induction heating and the molded body, and no resistance heater is required. Therefore, there is no cost factor that increases the power supply and control circuit. Further, the apparatus can be used in combination only by making the indirect heating conductor movable. Furthermore, movement of the indirect heating conductor in the furnace is very easy as compared to the resistance heater. Therefore, when direct heating by high-frequency induction heating is employed for sintering, indirect heating by high-frequency induction is employed for the debinding process, so that the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced.

さらに、後述の焼結工程6を高周波誘導による直接加熱により行うことを考慮すると、脱バインダー処理も高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)により行うことも考えられる。しかしながら、脱バインダー処理を高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)により行おうとすると、次のような不都合がある。すなわち、コイル高周波による導体への誘導電流は、コイル周辺で大きく、コイルから離れるほど大きくなる。この傾向は低温側で顕著であり、例えば炭素鋼の場合、周波数1000Hzとすると、20℃では浸透深さが約0.8cm、1200℃では約16.2cmとなる。前記脱バインダー処理においては、有機物の分解温度に保持する必要があり、前記の通り、200℃〜500℃に保持する必要がある。したがって、浸透深さはそれほど大きくなく、表皮部分の誘導電流が流れる部分で発生するジュール熱が内部に伝達されるのを待つ必要がある。そのため、誘導加熱における工程の短時間化の利点が失われてしまう。また、前記脱バインダー処理温度では、高周波誘導による直接加熱により安定に温度を維持するのは難しく、効率的な加熱は難しい。これらのことから、脱バインダーに高周波誘導による直接加熱を適用すると、炭素や酸素が残り易く、最終的に得られる希土類焼結磁石の特性劣化の原因となる。   Furthermore, considering that the sintering step 6 described later is performed by direct heating by high frequency induction, it is conceivable that the binder removal treatment is also performed by high frequency induction heating (direct heating). However, if the binder removal treatment is performed by high frequency induction heating (direct heating), there are the following disadvantages. That is, the induced current to the conductor due to the coil high frequency is large around the coil and increases as the distance from the coil increases. This tendency is conspicuous on the low temperature side. For example, in the case of carbon steel, when the frequency is 1000 Hz, the penetration depth is about 0.8 cm at 20 ° C. and about 16.2 cm at 1200 ° C. In the debinding process, it is necessary to maintain the decomposition temperature of the organic substance, and as described above, it is necessary to maintain at 200 ° C. to 500 ° C. Therefore, the penetration depth is not so large, and it is necessary to wait for Joule heat generated in the portion where the induced current flows in the skin portion to be transmitted to the inside. Therefore, the advantage of shortening the process in induction heating is lost. Further, at the debinding temperature, it is difficult to stably maintain the temperature by direct heating by high frequency induction, and efficient heating is difficult. From these facts, when direct heating by high frequency induction is applied to the binder removal, carbon and oxygen are likely to remain, causing the characteristic deterioration of the finally obtained rare earth sintered magnet.

次に、焼結工程6において、焼結を実施する。すなわち、原料合金微粉を磁場中成形後、成形体を真空または不活性ガス雰囲気中で焼結する。   Next, in the sintering step 6, sintering is performed. That is, after forming the raw material alloy fine powder in a magnetic field, the compact is sintered in a vacuum or an inert gas atmosphere.

本発明では、この焼結工程6において、成形体の焼結を高周波誘導による直接加熱により行う。図4は、高周波誘導による直接加熱の原理を示すものである。例えば、高周波電源21に接続されたコイル22の中に成形体(導電体)23が置かれた場合、コイル22に交流電流が流れると、成形体23には交流磁界が生じ、その磁界により電流(渦電流)Iが流れる。これを電磁誘導作用と呼んでいる。このとき流れる渦電流と成形体23の電気抵抗によりジュール熱が発生し、成形体23が加熱される。高周波誘導加熱の場合、輻射熱による加熱と異なり、成形体23を構成する原料合金微粉が直接加熱され、短時間での昇温、降温が実現される。   In the present invention, in the sintering step 6, the compact is sintered by direct heating by high frequency induction. FIG. 4 shows the principle of direct heating by high frequency induction. For example, when a molded body (conductor) 23 is placed in a coil 22 connected to the high frequency power source 21, when an alternating current flows through the coil 22, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the molded body 23, and the current is generated by the magnetic field. (Eddy current) I flows. This is called electromagnetic induction action. Joule heat is generated by the eddy current flowing at this time and the electrical resistance of the molded body 23, and the molded body 23 is heated. In the case of high-frequency induction heating, unlike the heating by radiant heat, the raw material alloy fine powder constituting the formed body 23 is directly heated, so that the temperature can be raised and lowered in a short time.

高周波誘導加熱自体は、例えば特開2000−328104号公報や、特開2001−279302号公報、特開平6−247772号公報等にも開示されるように周知の技術であるが、希土類焼結磁石の焼結に適用された例は無く、本発明が初めてである。本発明では、これまで適用されたことのない希土類焼結磁石の焼結工程に、前記高周波誘導加熱を適用することで、結晶粒の焼結時の成長の抑制と、焼結反応の促進による高密度化を達成している。   The high-frequency induction heating itself is a well-known technique as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-328104, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-279302, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-247772, and the like. There is no example applied to sintering, and the present invention is the first. In the present invention, by applying the high-frequency induction heating to the sintering process of the rare earth sintered magnet that has not been applied so far, it is possible to suppress growth during the sintering of the crystal grains and promote the sintering reaction. High density is achieved.

なお、焼結工程6は、高周波誘導加熱によって行えばよく、高周波誘導による直接加熱に限らず、例えば先の脱バインダー工程と同様、焼結工程を高周波誘導による間接加熱によって行うことも可能である。ただし、この場合には、高周波誘導加熱した導電体の輻射熱を利用して焼結を行うことになるので、熱効率が悪く、装置の大型化等を招くことになる。また、焼結反応温度までカーボンを昇温させると、カーボンの気化や粉末の発生による成形体への汚染の危険があるため、安価なカーボンを間接加熱用導体として使えず、熱エネルギー的にも不利である。したがって、焼結工程6は、高周波誘導による直接加熱によって行うことが好ましい。   The sintering step 6 may be performed by high-frequency induction heating, and is not limited to direct heating by high-frequency induction. For example, the sintering step may be performed by indirect heating by high-frequency induction as in the previous binder removal step. . However, in this case, since the sintering is performed using the radiant heat of the high frequency induction heated conductor, the thermal efficiency is poor and the apparatus becomes large. In addition, if the temperature of the carbon is raised to the sintering reaction temperature, there is a risk of contamination of the molded body due to vaporization of the carbon or generation of powder, so that inexpensive carbon cannot be used as a conductor for indirect heating, and in terms of thermal energy. It is disadvantageous. Therefore, the sintering step 6 is preferably performed by direct heating by high frequency induction.

前記焼結工程6において、原料合金微粉を成形した成形体を高周波誘導による直接加熱により焼結する場合、原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量に留意する必要がある。例えばNdFeB系合金は、極めて酸化され易く、酸素雰囲気を制御して粉砕を行っても、通常は酸素量が2500ppmを越えるレベルとなる。この酸素量は、先の潤滑剤に由来する酸素量よりも遙かに多い量である。   In the sintering step 6, when the compact formed from the raw material alloy fine powder is sintered by direct heating by high frequency induction, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder. For example, NdFeB-based alloys are very easily oxidized, and even when pulverization is performed while controlling the oxygen atmosphere, the amount of oxygen usually reaches a level exceeding 2500 ppm. This amount of oxygen is much larger than the amount of oxygen derived from the previous lubricant.

原料合金微粉の酸素量が多いと、圧粉体である成形体の粒子自体、あるいは粒子間の電気抵抗が高くなり、高周波誘導加熱の利点が失われてしまうことになる。例えば、原料合金微粉において発生する熱は、原料合金粉末に流れる渦電流をI、電気抵抗をRとしたときに、I2Rに比例し、流れる電流値が大きいことが有利である。原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量が多すぎると、原料合金微粉の電気抵抗が高くなり、渦電流の電流値が減少する。このような場合、誘導加熱が円滑に行われず、例えば昇温に長時間を要することになる。 When the amount of oxygen in the raw material alloy fine powder is large, the particles themselves of the compact, which is a green compact, or the electrical resistance between the particles becomes high, and the advantage of high-frequency induction heating is lost. For example, the heat generated in the raw material alloy fine powder is advantageous in that the current value flowing is large in proportion to I 2 R, where I is the eddy current flowing in the raw material alloy powder and R is the electric resistance. When the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder is too large, the electric resistance of the raw material alloy fine powder becomes high, and the current value of the eddy current decreases. In such a case, induction heating is not performed smoothly, and for example, it takes a long time to raise the temperature.

したがって、本発明においては、脱バインダー処理を高周波誘導による間接加熱で行うことにより潤滑剤の残存をできる限り抑えることに加えて、原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量を2500ppm以下に抑えることが好ましい。原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量を抑えるには、例えば、前記微粉砕工程3において、ジェットミルによる粉砕時の酸素量の増加を抑制する必要がある。そのためには、例えばジェットミルで粉砕する際に、不活性ガス雰囲気中で行い、その条件を厳しく管理することが必要である。また、微粉砕工程3に限らず、粗粉砕工程2等、焼結前の工程における雰囲気中の酸素量管理を厳しくし、前記酸素量とすることが要求される。   Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable to suppress the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder to 2500 ppm or less in addition to suppressing the remaining of the lubricant as much as possible by performing the debinding process by indirect heating by high frequency induction. In order to suppress the amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy fine powder, for example, in the fine pulverization step 3, it is necessary to suppress an increase in the amount of oxygen during pulverization by a jet mill. For that purpose, for example, when pulverizing with a jet mill, it is necessary to carry out in an inert gas atmosphere and to strictly control the conditions. Further, not only the fine pulverization step 3 but also the coarse pulverization step 2 or the like, it is required to strictly control the oxygen amount in the atmosphere before the sintering step so as to obtain the oxygen amount.

高周波誘導による直接加熱における焼結条件は、焼結する成形体の大きさ、原料合金微粉の大きさ等に応じて適宜設定すればよい。焼結条件を適正なものとすることにより、結晶粒の粒成長の抑制と、焼結反応の促進による高密度化を実現することができる。ここで、焼結条件の一つの指標として、焼結前の原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rの比率R/r(粒成長比率)を挙げることができる。具体的には、この比率R/rが1.7以下となるように焼結条件を設定すれば良い。前記比率R/rが1.7を越えるということは、粒成長が進んでいることを意味し、希土類焼結磁石の保磁力が低下するおそれがある。なお、焼結前の原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rは、同じ単位を持つものであり、例えば、本発明の実施例においては、r、Rともに単位はμmである。   The sintering conditions in the direct heating by high frequency induction may be appropriately set according to the size of the compact to be sintered, the size of the raw material alloy fine powder, and the like. By making the sintering conditions appropriate, it is possible to suppress grain growth of the crystal grains and increase the density by promoting the sintering reaction. Here, as one index of the sintering conditions, the ratio R / r (grain growth ratio) of the average particle diameter r of the raw material alloy fine powder before sintering and the crystal grain diameter R of the sintered body after sintering is mentioned. Can do. Specifically, the sintering conditions may be set so that the ratio R / r is 1.7 or less. If the ratio R / r exceeds 1.7, it means that grain growth is progressing and the coercive force of the rare earth sintered magnet may be reduced. The average particle diameter r of the raw material alloy fine powder before sintering and the crystal grain diameter R of the sintered body after sintering have the same unit. For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, r, R In both cases, the unit is μm.

焼結後、時効工程7において、得られた焼結体に時効処理を施すことが好ましい。この時効処理は、得られる希土類焼結磁石の保磁力Hcjを制御する上で重要な工程であり、例えば不活性ガス雰囲気中あるいは真空中で時効処理を施す。時効処理としては、2段時効処理が好ましく、1段目の時効処理工程では、800℃前後の温度で1〜3時間保持する。次いで、室温〜200℃の範囲内にまで急冷する第1急冷工程を設ける。2段目の時効処理工程では、550℃前後の温度で1〜3時間保持する。次いで、室温まで急冷する第2急冷工程を設ける。600℃近傍の熱処理で保磁力Hcjが大きく増加するため、時効処理を一段で行う場合には、600℃近傍の時効処理を施すとよい。   After sintering, in the aging step 7, it is preferable to subject the obtained sintered body to an aging treatment. This aging treatment is an important step in controlling the coercive force Hcj of the obtained rare earth sintered magnet. For example, the aging treatment is performed in an inert gas atmosphere or in a vacuum. As the aging treatment, a two-stage aging treatment is preferable, and in the first aging treatment step, the temperature is maintained at a temperature of about 800 ° C. for 1 to 3 hours. Next, a first quenching step is provided for quenching to room temperature to 200 ° C. In the second stage aging treatment step, the temperature is maintained at about 550 ° C. for 1 to 3 hours. Next, a second quenching step for quenching to room temperature is provided. Since the coercive force Hcj is greatly increased by heat treatment at around 600 ° C., when aging treatment is performed in a single stage, it is advisable to perform aging treatment at around 600 ° C.

前記時効工程7の後、加工工程8及び表面処理工程9を行う。加工工程8は、所望の形状に機械的に成形する工程である。表面処理工程9は、得られた希土類焼結磁石の酸化を抑えるために行う工程であり、例えばメッキ被膜や樹脂被膜を希土類焼結磁石の表面に形成する。   After the aging step 7, a processing step 8 and a surface treatment step 9 are performed. The processing step 8 is a step of mechanically forming into a desired shape. The surface treatment step 9 is a step performed to suppress oxidation of the obtained rare earth sintered magnet. For example, a plating film or a resin film is formed on the surface of the rare earth sintered magnet.

次に、本発明の具体的な実施例について、実験結果を基に説明する。   Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described based on experimental results.

希土類焼結磁石の作製
原料となる金属あるいは合金を所定の組成となるように配合し、アルミナ坩堝中で高周波溶解により溶製された合金を、ストリップキャスト法により1mm以下の厚さの薄板状合金とした。
A metal or alloy used as a raw material for producing a rare earth sintered magnet is blended so as to have a predetermined composition, and an alloy melted by high frequency melting in an alumina crucible is a thin plate alloy having a thickness of 1 mm or less by a strip casting method. It was.

薄板状合金は、十分に排気された炉内において、室温付近で水素を吸蔵させて脆化させ、そのまま昇温させ、Arフロー若しくは排気によって脱水素を行った。脆化した薄板合金を、窒素雰囲気中で機械的粉砕により数百μmまで粗粉砕し、さらに窒素気流中のジェットミルにより、平均粒径4μmまで微粉砕した。   The thin plate-like alloy was dehydrogenated by Ar flow or evacuation in a fully evacuated furnace by occlusion and embrittlement of hydrogen at around room temperature, followed by heating. The embrittled thin plate alloy was coarsely pulverized to several hundred μm by mechanical pulverization in a nitrogen atmosphere, and further finely pulverized to a mean particle size of 4 μm by a jet mill in a nitrogen stream.

粉砕した原料合金微粉を、酸素を遮断したまま成形工程に供した。成形工程では、磁場成形機を用い、磁界によって得られた原料合金微粉の粒子の結晶方向が配向された圧粉体(成形体)を得た。この成形工程においても、雰囲気中の酸素の量は厳しく制御し、500ppm以下とした。また、サンプル形状(成形体の形状)は、20mm(磁界方向)×15mm×13mm(圧縮方向)とした。   The pulverized raw material alloy fine powder was subjected to a forming process while oxygen was blocked. In the forming step, a green compact (formed product) in which the crystal directions of the particles of the raw material alloy fine powder obtained by the magnetic field were aligned was obtained using a magnetic field forming machine. Also in this molding process, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere was strictly controlled to 500 ppm or less. The sample shape (shape of the molded body) was 20 mm (magnetic field direction) × 15 mm × 13 mm (compression direction).

さらに、酸素を遮断したまま、成形体を焼結装置に移行し、脱バインダー処理の後、焼結を行った。焼結の後、時効処理を行った。時効処理は、2段時効処理とし、1段目は900℃、1時間、2段目は530℃、1時間とした。   Furthermore, the molded body was transferred to a sintering apparatus with oxygen blocked, and sintered after debinding. After sintering, an aging treatment was performed. The aging treatment was a two-stage aging treatment, and the first stage was 900 ° C. for 1 hour, and the second stage was 530 ° C. for 1 hour.

評価
作製した各希土類焼結磁石について、保磁力及び結晶粒径を測定した。保磁力の測定は、B−Hトレーサーを用いて行った。結晶粒径は、表面を研磨後、偏光顕微鏡で写真を撮影し、平均粒径を求めた。
The coercive force and crystal grain size were measured for each rare earth sintered magnet evaluated . The coercive force was measured using a BH tracer. The crystal grain size was determined by taking a photograph with a polarizing microscope after polishing the surface and determining the average grain size.

加熱方法についての比較検討
先ず、表1に示す組成及び条件で、高周波誘導加熱(間接加熱)により脱バインダー工程を行った後、焼結工程を高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)により行い、試料1を作製した。使用した誘導加熱装置の概略構成を図5に示す。誘導加熱装置は、真空チャンバ31内に載置台32を有し、この上に載置した成形体33を高周波誘導加熱する。成形体33の周囲には、断熱材34で覆われたコイル35が設置され、コイル35はRF発振器36に接続されている。また、真空チャンバ31内には、脱バインダー処理の間接加熱に利用される間接加熱用導電体37が併せて設置されている。間接加熱用導電体37は円筒状であり、これらコイル35や間接加熱用導体37は、それぞれ独立に上下動可能であり、必要に応じていずれか一方を成形体に近づけて加熱を行う。真空チャンバ31には、内部の真空度を制御するためのロータリーポンプ38、バルブ39、及び真空ゲージ40が設けられている。使用した誘導加熱装置は、2MHz、4kWの高周波発振機である。
Comparative examination about heating method First, after performing the binder removal process by high frequency induction heating (indirect heating) with the composition and conditions shown in Table 1, the sintering process is performed by high frequency induction heating (direct heating), and sample 1 is prepared. Produced. FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the used induction heating apparatus. The induction heating apparatus has a mounting table 32 in a vacuum chamber 31, and performs high frequency induction heating on a molded body 33 mounted thereon. A coil 35 covered with a heat insulating material 34 is installed around the molded body 33, and the coil 35 is connected to an RF oscillator 36. In the vacuum chamber 31, an indirect heating conductor 37 used for indirect heating in the debinding process is also installed. The indirect heating conductor 37 has a cylindrical shape, and the coil 35 and the indirect heating conductor 37 can move up and down independently of each other. If necessary, one of the coils and the indirect heating conductor 37 is heated close to the molded body. The vacuum chamber 31 is provided with a rotary pump 38, a valve 39, and a vacuum gauge 40 for controlling the degree of vacuum inside. The induction heating apparatus used is a 2 MHz, 4 kW high frequency oscillator.

試料1は、脱バインダー処理において高周波誘導による間接加熱、焼結において高周波誘導による直接加熱を用いて作製した。すなわち、試料の作製に際しては、先ず、先に作製された成形体を、真空雰囲気(10-4Pa以下)に調整された真空チャンバ31内に配置した。真空度を確認した後、間接加熱用導電体37を成形体33の周囲に配置し、誘導加熱用のコイル35を間接加熱用導電体37の周囲に電気的に絶縁するように配置した。誘導加熱用のコイル35への通電により間接加熱用導電体37を加熱し、その輻射熱により成形体33を昇温し、300℃で40分間、保持した。次いで、間接加熱用導電体37を成形体33の周囲から移動させ、誘導加熱用のコイル35を成形体33の周囲に配置して成形体33自体を誘導加熱し、1050℃で45分間、保持した。その後、誘導加熱を停止し、Arガスを導入して冷却した。 Sample 1 was prepared using indirect heating by high frequency induction in the debinding process and direct heating by high frequency induction in sintering. That is, when preparing the sample, first, the formed body was placed in the vacuum chamber 31 adjusted to a vacuum atmosphere (10 −4 Pa or less). After confirming the degree of vacuum, the indirect heating conductor 37 was arranged around the molded body 33, and the induction heating coil 35 was arranged so as to be electrically insulated around the indirect heating conductor 37. The indirect heating conductor 37 was heated by energizing the coil 35 for induction heating, and the molded body 33 was heated by the radiant heat and held at 300 ° C. for 40 minutes. Next, the indirect heating conductor 37 is moved from the periphery of the molded body 33, the induction heating coil 35 is arranged around the molded body 33, the molded body 33 itself is induction-heated, and held at 1050 ° C. for 45 minutes. did. Then, induction heating was stopped and Ar gas was introduced and cooled.

同様の方法により、脱バインダー処理時間を30分に変え、試料2を作製した。また、比較のため、脱バインダー処理と焼結の両者を高周波誘導による直接加熱により行い、試料3を作製した。さらに、脱バインダー処理と焼結の両者を高周波誘導による間接加熱により行い、試料4を作製した。さらにまた、脱バインダー処理と焼結の両者を抵抗加熱により行い、試料5,6を作製した。各試料における加熱方法(脱バインダー+焼結)、組成、原料合金微粉の酸素量(成形用粉体の酸素量)、原料合金微粉の平均粒径(微粉砕粒径)、脱バインダー条件、焼結条件を表1に示す。なお、焼結条件における温度の測定は、成形体の表面を基準としている。   By the same method, the binder removal treatment time was changed to 30 minutes, and Sample 2 was produced. For comparison, Sample 3 was prepared by performing both binder removal and sintering by direct heating using high frequency induction. Furthermore, both the debinding treatment and sintering were performed by indirect heating by high frequency induction, and Sample 4 was produced. Furthermore, both the binder removal treatment and the sintering were performed by resistance heating, and Samples 5 and 6 were produced. Heating method (debinder + sintering) in each sample, composition, oxygen content of raw material alloy fine powder (oxygen amount of forming powder), average particle size (fine pulverized particle size) of raw material alloy fine powder, debinding condition, firing The results are shown in Table 1. In addition, the measurement of the temperature in sintering conditions is based on the surface of the molded body.

Figure 0004415681
Figure 0004415681

また、作製した試料1〜6の焼結体結晶粒径、原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rの比率R/r(粒成長比率)、焼結体酸素量、焼結体炭素量、保磁力、焼結体密度を表2に示す。   Moreover, the ratio R / r (grain growth ratio) of the sintered body crystal grain diameter of the produced samples 1 to 6, the average grain diameter r of the raw material alloy fine powder and the crystal grain diameter R of the sintered body after sintering, sintering Table 2 shows the amount of body oxygen, the amount of carbon in the sintered body, the coercive force, and the density of the sintered body.

Figure 0004415681
Figure 0004415681

これら表から明らかなように、粒成長が抑えられて高い保磁力を有するとともに、高い密度を有する希土類焼結磁石を得るには、焼結を高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)で行うことが有利であることがわかる。ただし、脱バインダー処理まで高周波誘導による直接加熱で行った試料3では、脱バインダーが不十分であるため、焼結体炭素量が若干多く、保磁力の低下も見られる。また、脱バインダー処理だけでなく焼結も高周波誘導による間接加熱で行った試料4では、焼結時間が長いため、密度は高くなっているが、粒成長が進んで保磁力が低くなっている。   As is clear from these tables, in order to obtain a rare earth sintered magnet having high coercive force with suppressed grain growth, it is advantageous to perform sintering by high frequency induction heating (direct heating). I know that there is. However, in the sample 3 which was directly heated by high frequency induction until the binder removal treatment, since the binder removal is insufficient, the amount of sintered carbon is slightly larger and the coercive force is also reduced. Further, in the sample 4 in which not only the binder removal process but also the sintering is performed by indirect heating by high frequency induction, the sintering time is long, so the density is high, but the grain growth is advanced and the coercive force is low. .

一方、抵抗加熱による試料5では、焼結時間が長いため、密度は高くなっているが、粒成長が進んで保磁力が低くなっている。抵抗加熱による試料6では、焼結時間を短くしたため、粒成長による保磁力の低下はある程度抑えられているが、焼結反応が不十分で、密度が著しく低下している。   On the other hand, in the sample 5 by resistance heating, since the sintering time is long, the density is high, but the grain growth proceeds and the coercive force is low. In the sample 6 by resistance heating, since the sintering time was shortened, the decrease in coercive force due to grain growth was suppressed to some extent, but the sintering reaction was insufficient and the density was significantly reduced.

酸素量に関する検討
使用する原料合金微粉の酸素量を変えて、高周波誘導加熱(間接加熱)による脱バインダー処理、及び高周波誘導加熱(直接加熱)による焼結を試みた。各試料における加熱方法(脱バインダー+焼結)、組成、原料合金微粉の酸素量(成形用粉体の酸素量)、原料合金微粉の平均粒径(微粉砕粒径)、脱バインダー条件、焼結条件を表3に示す。
Study on oxygen amount The amount of oxygen in the raw material alloy fine powder to be used was changed, and a binder removal treatment by high frequency induction heating (indirect heating) and sintering by high frequency induction heating (direct heating) were tried. Heating method (debinder + sintering) in each sample, composition, oxygen content of raw material alloy fine powder (oxygen amount of forming powder), average particle size (fine pulverized particle size) of raw material alloy fine powder, debinding condition, firing Table 3 shows the results.

Figure 0004415681
Figure 0004415681

また、作製した試料7〜10の焼結体結晶粒径、原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rの比率R/r(粒成長比率)、焼結体酸素量、焼結体炭素量、保磁力、焼結体密度を表4に示す。   Moreover, the ratio R / r (grain growth ratio) of the sintered body crystal grain diameter of the produced samples 7 to 10, the average grain diameter r of the raw material alloy fine powder and the crystal grain diameter R of the sintered body after sintering, sintering Table 4 shows the amount of body oxygen, the amount of carbon in the sintered body, the coercive force, and the density of the sintered body.

Figure 0004415681
Figure 0004415681

酸素量5300ppmの試料7では、安定な昇温ができなかった。得られた試料の保磁力を考慮すると、酸素量は、原料合金微粉及び焼結体において2500ppmであることが好ましいことがわかる。この範囲であれば、粒成長比率が1.7を下回っており、良好な焼結が行われていると言える。   Sample 7 having an oxygen content of 5300 ppm could not be stably heated. Considering the coercive force of the obtained sample, it can be seen that the oxygen content is preferably 2500 ppm in the raw material alloy fine powder and the sintered body. If it is this range, it can be said that the grain growth ratio is less than 1.7 and good sintering is performed.

希土類焼結磁石の製造プロセスの一例を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows an example of the manufacturing process of a rare earth sintered magnet. 高周波誘導による間接加熱の原理を説明する模式図である。It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle of indirect heating by a high frequency induction. 間接加熱用導電体の形態例を示すものであり、(a)は円筒形状の間接加熱用導電体の斜視図、(b)は複数の棒状体が筒状に配置された形態の間接加熱用導電体の斜視図である。The example of the form of the conductor for indirect heating is shown, (a) is a perspective view of the conductor for indirect heating of a cylindrical shape, (b) is for indirect heating of the form by which the several rod-shaped body was arrange | positioned cylindrically. It is a perspective view of a conductor. 高周波誘導による直接加熱の原理を説明する模式図である。It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle of the direct heating by a high frequency induction. 実験に使用した誘導加熱装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the induction heating apparatus used for experiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 合金化工程、2 粗粉砕工程、3 微粉砕工程、4 磁場中成形工程、5 脱バインダー工程、6 焼結工程、7 時効工程、8 加工工程、9 表面処理工程、11 高周波電源、12 コイル、13 成形体、14 間接加熱用導電体、21 高周波電源、22 コイル、23 成形体、31 真空チャンバ、32 載置台、33 成形体、34 断熱材、35 コイル、36 RF発振器、37 間接加熱用導電体、38 ロータリーポンプ、39 バルブ、40 真空ゲージ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Alloying process, 2 Coarse grinding process, 3 Fine grinding process, 4 Magnetic field forming process, 5 Debinding process, 6 Sintering process, 7 Aging process, 8 Processing process, 9 Surface treatment process, 11 High frequency power supply, 12 Coil , 13 Molded body, 14 Indirect heating conductor, 21 High frequency power source, 22 Coil, 23 Molded body, 31 Vacuum chamber, 32 Mounting table, 33 Molded body, 34 Heat insulating material, 35 Coil, 36 RF oscillator, 37 For indirect heating Conductor, 38 Rotary pump, 39 Valve, 40 Vacuum gauge

Claims (8)

希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を含む原料合金微粉を成形した成形体が、高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理された後、高周波誘導加熱により焼結されてなり、
前記高周波誘導による間接加熱においては、前記成形体の周囲に配される導電体が高周波誘導加熱され、当該導電体からの輻射熱により成形体が加熱され、
酸素含有量が2500ppm以下、炭素の含有量が1500ppm以下であることを特徴とする希土類焼結磁石。
A molded body obtained by molding a raw material alloy fine powder containing a rare earth element, a transition metal element and boron is debindered by indirect heating by high frequency induction, and then sintered by high frequency induction heating .
In the indirect heating by high frequency induction, the conductor disposed around the molded body is high frequency induction heated, the molded body is heated by radiant heat from the conductor,
A rare earth sintered magnet having an oxygen content of 2500 ppm or less and a carbon content of 1500 ppm or less .
前記高周波誘導加熱による焼結は、成形体を直接高周波誘導加熱することにより行われることを特徴とする請求項1記載の希土類焼結磁石。 2. The rare earth sintered magnet according to claim 1, wherein the sintering by high frequency induction heating is performed by direct high frequency induction heating of the compact. 焼結前の原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rの比率R/rが1.7以下であることを特徴とする請求項1または2記載の希土類焼結磁石。 The rare earth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio R / r of the average grain size r of the raw material alloy fine powder before sintering and the crystal grain size R of the sintered body after sintering is 1.7 or less. Sintered magnet. 希土類元素27.0〜32.0重量%、ホウ素0.5〜2.0重量%、窒素200〜1500ppmであり、残部が実質的にFeからなる組成を有することを特徴とする請求項1乃至3のいずれか1項記載の希土類焼結磁石。 Rare earth elements 27.0 to 32.0 wt%, boron 0.5-2.0% by weight, a nitrogen 200~1500Ppm, to claim 1 and having the balance consisting of substantially Fe 4. The rare earth sintered magnet according to any one of 3 above . 希土類元素、遷移金属元素及びホウ素を含む原料合金微粉を成形した成形体を焼結し、希土類焼結磁石を製造するに際し、
成形体を高周波誘導による間接加熱により脱バインダー処理した後、高周波誘導加熱により焼結を行い、
前記高周波誘導による間接加熱においては、前記成形体の周囲に配される導電体を高周波誘導加熱し、当該導電体からの輻射熱により成形体を加熱することを特徴とする希土類焼結磁石の製造方法。
Sintering a compact formed from a raw material alloy fine powder containing a rare earth element, a transition metal element and boron, when producing a rare earth sintered magnet,
After removing the binder by indirect heating by high frequency induction , the sintered body is sintered by high frequency induction heating .
In the indirect heating by high frequency induction, a method of manufacturing a rare earth sintered magnet, comprising heating a molded body by high frequency induction heating of a conductor disposed around the molded body and radiant heat from the conductor. .
前記高周波誘導加熱による焼結は、成形体を直接高周波誘導加熱することにより行うことを特徴とする請求項5記載の希土類焼結磁石の製造方法。 6. The method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet according to claim 5, wherein the sintering by high-frequency induction heating is performed by directly high-frequency induction heating the formed body. 前記原料合金微粉に含まれる酸素量を2500ppm以下とすることを特徴とする請求項5または6記載の希土類焼結磁石の製造方法。 Method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet according to claim 5 or 6 further characterized in that at most 2500ppm amount of oxygen contained in the raw material alloy powder. 焼結前の原料合金微粉の平均粒径rと焼結後の焼結体の結晶粒径Rの比率R/rが1.7以下となるように前記高周波誘導加熱による焼結を行うことを特徴とする請求項5乃至7のいずれか1項記載の希土類焼結磁石の製造方法。 Sintering by high frequency induction heating is performed so that the ratio R / r of the average particle diameter r of the raw material alloy fine powder before sintering and the crystal grain diameter R of the sintered body after sintering is 1.7 or less. The method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet according to claim 5, wherein the rare earth sintered magnet is produced.
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