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  Neodymium rose to 792,500 CNY/T on January 13, 2026, up 0.63% from the previous day. Over the past month, Neodymium's price has risen 9.69%, and is up 56.62% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity.

[Issuing Authority] Bureau of Safety and Control   [Document Number] Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 1 of 2026   [Date of Issuance] January 6, 2026   In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and other laws and regulations, in order to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, it has been decided to strengthen export controls on dual-use items to Japan. The relevant matters are hereby announced as follows:   The export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for military purposes, and for any other end-user purposes that contribute to enhancing Japan's military strength is prohibited.   Any organization or individual from any country or region that violates the above provisions by transferring or providing relevant dual-use items originating from the People's Republic of China to organizations or individuals in Japan will be held legally liable.   This announcement shall take effect from the date of its promulgation.   Ministry of Commerce   January 6, 2026

The leaders of China and the United States just met in Busan, South Korea, and discussed in depth issues including China-US economic and trade relations, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in economic and trade fields. China is willing to work with the US to jointly safeguard and implement the important consensus reached at the meeting between the two heads of state.   The main achievements and consensus reached by the China-US economic and trade teams through consultations in Kuala Lumpur include the following aspects, including those related to rare earth export controls:   China will suspend the relevant export control measures announced on October 9 for one year and will study and refine the specific plan.   Rare earth Holmium will be removed from restriction list.

[Issuing Unit] Security and Control Bureau [Issuing Document Number] Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 57 of 2025 [Issuing Date] October 9, 2025   In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China, the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, and the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items, to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, with the approval of the State Council, it has been decided to impose export controls on the following items:   I. 1C909 Holmium-Related Items   (I) 1C909.a. Holmium Metal, Holmium-Containing Alloys, and Related Products:   1. Holmium Metal (Reference Tariff Code: 28053019).   2. Holmium-Containing Alloys:   a. Holmium-Copper Alloy;   b. Magnesium-Holmium Alloy;   c. Holmium-Iron Alloy   3. Holmium-containing targets:   a. Holmium targets;   b. Holmium-copper alloy targets.   4. Holmium-containing permanent magnet materials.   5. Holmium-containing crystalline materials.   6. Holmium-containing magnetic refrigeration materials.   7. Holmium-containing magnetostrictive materials.   (II) 1C909.b. Holmium oxide and its mixtures.   (III) 1C909.c. Holmium-containing compounds and their mixtures.   II. 1C910 Erbium-related items   (I) 1C910.a. Erbium metal, erbium-containing alloys, and related products:   1. Erbium metal (reference tariff number: 28053019).   2. Erbium-containing alloys:   a. Erbium-aluminum alloys;   b. [Reserved].   3. Erbium-containing targets:   a. Erbium targets;   b. [Reserved].   4. Erbium-containing crystal materials.   5. Erbium-containing optical fiber materials.   6. Erbium-containing hydrogen storage materials.   7. Erbium-containing ceramic materials.   (II) 1C910.b. Erbium oxide and its mixtures.   (III) 1C910.c. Erbium-containing compounds and their mixtures.   III. 1C911 Thulium-related items   (I) 1C911.a. Thulium metal, thulium-containing alloys, and related products:   1. Thulium metal (reference tariff number: 28053019).   2. Thulium-containing targets:   a. Thulium targets;   b. [Reserved].   3. Thulium-containing crystal materials.   4. Thulium-containing luminescent materials.   (II) 1C911.b. Thulium oxide and its mixtures.   (III) 1C911.c. Thulium-containing compounds and their mixtures.   IV. 1C912 Europium-related items   (I) 1C912.a. Europium metal, europium-containing alloys, and related products:   1. Europium metal (reference tariff number: 28053019).   2. Europium-containing alloys:   a. Magnesium-europium alloys;   b. [Reserved].   3. Europium-containing targets:   a. Europium targets;   b. [Reserved].   4. Europium-containing luminescent materials:   a. Phosphors;   b. [Reserved].   5. Europium-containing crystalline materials.   6. Europium-containing hydrogen-absorbing materials.   (II) 1C912.b. Europium oxide and its mixtures.   (III) 1C912.c. Europium-containing compounds and their mixtures.   V. 1C913 Ytterbium-related items   (I) 1C913.a. Ytterbium metal, ytterbium-containing alloys, and related products:   1. Ytterbium metal (reference tariff number: 28053019).   2. Ytterbium-containing targets:   a. Ytterbium targets;   b. [Reserved].   3. Ytterbium-containing crystalline materials.   4. Ytterbium-containing optical fiber materials.   5. Ytterbium-containing thermal shielding coating materials.   (II) 1C913.b. Ytterbium oxide and its mixtures.   (III) 1C913.c. Ytterbium-containing compounds and their mixtures.   Notes:   1. Alloys regulated under 1C909.a.2, 1C910.a.2, and 1C912.a.2 include ingots, blocks, bars, wires, sheets, rods, plates, tubes, granules, and powders.   2. Target materials regulated under 1C909.a.3, 1C910.a.3, 1C911.a.2, 1C912.a.3, and 1C913.a.2 include in sheets, tubes, and other forms.   3. Permanent magnetic materials regulated under 1C909.a.4 include magnets or magnetic powders.   4. Oxides, compounds, and mixtures controlled under items 1C909, 1C910, 1C911, 1C912, and 1C913 include, but are not limited to, powders and other forms.   Exporters exporting the aforementioned items must apply for a license from the State Council's commerce department in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items.   Exporters must ensure the authenticity of goods declared for customs clearance and strengthen identification of export items. For controlled items, they must indicate "dual-use item" in the remarks column of the customs declaration and specify the dual-use item export control code. For non-controlled items with similar parameters, indicators, and performance, they must indicate "not controlled item" in the remarks column of the customs declaration and provide the specific parameters and indicators. If there are doubts about the completeness, accuracy, and authenticity of the information provided, customs will challenge it in accordance with the law. Export goods will not be released during the challenge period.   This announcement will take effect on November 8, 2025. The "Export Control List of Dual-Use Items of the People's Republic of China" will be updated simultaneously.   Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs   October 9, 2025

I. Motor Rotor and Stator Assemblies   Assemblies where magnets are embedded, built-in, or surface-mounted onto iron cores/steel plates for fixed installation, or assemblies that integrate components such as shafts, bearings, outer sleeves, fans, gears, dynamic balance plates, encoders, etc., to varying degrees, fall under the category of further processed products. These are generally not subject to the control scope of Announcement No. 18.   II. Sensors and Related Parts and Assemblies   Sensors or sensor parts and assemblies that integrate components such as chips, circuit boards, brackets, pins, magnets, etc., to varying degrees, and have been formed through processes like injection molding, fall under the category of further processed products. These are generally not subject to the control scope of Announcement No. 18.   III. Other Downstream Products Related to Rare Earths   Downstream catalytic functional materials of rare earths, such as catalyst powders, which have undergone calcination treatment, are generally not subject to the control scope of Announcement No. 18.   "Gallium oxide-containing phosphors" are not considered controlled items related to gallium oxide (it has been previously clarified that downstream luminescent materials of rare earths, such as phosphors, are generally not subject to the control scope of Announcement No. 18).   Downstream products equipped with magnetic suction components (containing samarium-cobalt permanent magnet materials, terbium-containing neodymium iron boron permanent magnet materials, or dysprosium-containing neodymium iron boron permanent magnet materials), such as magnetic building block toys, magnetic phone backplates, magnetic phone cases, magnetic chargers, magnetic phone shells, phone protective cases, magnetic quick-release back stickers, tablet stands, anti-theft tag detachers, electromagnetic clamps, machine fixtures, etc., are generally not subject to the control scope of Announcement No. 18.

In response to a reporter's question about European companies' concerns about China's rare earth export controls, Wang Yi said that the necessary control of dual-use items is the exercise of sovereignty by all countries and is also an international obligation.   China's policies are in line with international practice and are also conducive to maintaining world peace and stability. Rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe. As long as the export control regulations are followed and the necessary procedures are carried out, the normal needs of European companies will be guaranteed.   The Chinese authorities have also set up a "fast track" for European companies. Some people deliberately hype this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives.

On April 4, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements (REEs) and magnets used in the defense, energy, and automotive sectors in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products. The new restrictions apply to 7 of 17 REEs—samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—and requires companies to secure special export licenses to export the minerals and magnets.   In light of recent regulatory changes in rare earth exports, we're writing to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted supply of high-performance NdFeB magnets. We're pleased to confirm we can now offer optimized solutions that avoid controlled mid-heavy rare earth elements.   Key Advantages of Our Dy/Tb/Gd-Free Magnets: l  Zero export license requirements for these products l  Stable pricing without rare earth volatility l  Full technical compliance with international standards l  Maintained performance through advanced grain boundary diffusion   Product Availability Table: Grade Max (BH) (MGOe) Hcj (kOe) Contains Dy/Tb/Gd? N grade 35-52 ≥12 ❌ M grade 35-52 ≥14 ❌ H grade 35-52 ≥17 ❌ >SH grade 30-45 ≥20 ✔   All non-Dy/Tb/Gd products utilize our proprietary HVT+ technology for enhanced temperature stability   Our engineering team stands ready to help transition appropriate applications to non-controlled element solutions without compromising performance.

China has temporarily paused export restrictions targeting 28 American companies on the heels of the trade truce Beijing reached with the Trump administration over the weekend in Switzerland. But China is continuing to block exports from that country of seven rare earth metals to the United States, whose defense, energy and automotive industries rely on those metals. According to the Geneva trade statement, China has agreed to “adopt all necessary administrative measures to suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2, 2025.” One of those countermeasures is the rare earths export curbs. When asked about the rare earths controls during a regular press conference Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said it did not have any information to provide.

After Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2, China retaliated on April 4 with its own duties as well as export controls on several rare earth minerals and magnets made from them. Best regards In the meantime, shipments of rare earths have been halted at many ports, with customs officials blocking exports to any country, including to the U.S. as well as Japan and Germany, sources told the Times. China’s Ministry of Commerce issued export restrictions alongside the General Administration of Customs, prohibiting Chinese businesses from any engagement with U.S. firms, especially defense contractors.

Definition and Significance of Rare Earth Elements (REE)   Rare earth elements refer to a group of seventeen chemically similar elements, including scandium, yttrium, and fifteen lanthanides. Despite the name, rare earth elements are not rare in terms of abundance in the Earth's crust. However, they are usually dispersed and are not often found in concentrated deposits. The importance of rare earth elements lies in their unique properties, which make them indispensable in a variety of high-tech and green technologies. These properties include magnetic, luminescent, and catalytic properties, making rare earth elements essential for the production of electronics, renewable energy systems, and automotive technology. Overview of the Growing Importance of Rare Earth Elements in Modern Technology The increasing reliance on technology in everyday life has led to a surge in demand for rare earth elements. These elements are an integral part of the production of smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices. For example, neodymium and dysprosium are important components of magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. In addition, due to their luminescent properties, rare earth elements play a vital role in the manufacturing of energy-efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In addition, rare earth elements are essential for the development of catalysts for various industrial processes, including petroleum refining and pollution control. As demand for rare earth elements continues to increase, understanding their geology and mining is essential to ensuring sustainable development. Conventional methods of rare earth mining can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water contamination, and soil pollution. In addition, many rare earth deposits are located in environmentally sensitive areas, further exacerbating the need for responsible mining practices. Efforts are underway to develop more sustainable rare earth element mining technologies, such as in situ leaching and recovery methods. In addition, exploring alternative sources of rare earth elements, such as deep-sea sediments and urban mining (recovery from electronic waste), can help reduce pressure on terrestrial resources. Understanding the geological processes that control the formation and distribution of rare earth deposits is essential for identifying new mining opportunities and optimizing existing mining operations. In summary, rare earth elements are an essential component of modern technology, and their importance is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. However, the sustainable development of rare earth elements relies on a comprehensive understanding of their geology and mining, as well as innovative extraction and recovery methods. By adopting responsible practices, stakeholders can ensure the long-term availability of rare earth elements while minimizing environmental impacts.

Analysis of factors affecting basic iron loss We first need to know some basic theories, which will help us understand. First of all, we need to know two concepts. One is alternating magnetization, which is simply what happens in the iron core of the transformer and the stator or rotor teeth of the motor; the other is the nature of rotating magnetization, which is produced by the stator or rotor yoke of the motor. There are many articles that start from two points and calculate the iron loss of the motor according to different characteristics in the above-mentioned solution method. Experiments show that the following phenomena exist in silicon steel sheets under two types of magnetization:   When the magnetic flux density is below 1.7 Tesla, the hysteresis loss caused by rotating magnetization is greater than that caused by alternating magnetization; when it is higher than 1.7 Tesla, the opposite is true. The magnetic flux density of the motor yoke is generally 1.0 to 1.5 Tesla, and the corresponding rotating magnetization hysteresis loss is about 45 to 65% greater than the alternating magnetization hysteresis loss.   Of course, the above conclusions are also taken, and I have not actually verified them. In addition, when the magnetic field in the iron core changes, a current will be induced in it, which is called eddy current, and the loss caused by it is called eddy current loss. In order to reduce eddy current loss, the motor core is usually not made of a whole piece, but is made of insulated steel sheets stacked axially to hinder the flow of eddy current. The specific iron loss calculation formula will not be repeated here. If you search Baidu for the basic formula and meaning of iron loss calculation, you will understand it clearly. The following analyzes several key points that affect our iron loss, so that you can forward or reverse the problem in actual engineering applications.   After talking about the above, let's talk about why the manufacturing of punching sheets affects iron loss? The punching process characteristics are mainly determined according to the different shapes of punching machines, according to the requirements of different types of holes and slots, and the corresponding shear mode and stress level are determined to ensure the conditions of the shallow stress area outside the lamination. Because of the relationship between depth and shape, it is often affected by sharp angles, so that high stress levels will cause great iron loss in the shallow stress area, especially in the part with relatively long shear edges within the lamination range. Specifically, it mainly appears in the tooth groove area, so in the actual research process, it often becomes the focus of research. Low-loss silicon steel sheets are often determined by larger grain sizes. The impact will cause synthetic burrs and tear shear at the bottom of the punching sheet, and the angle of the impact will have a significant impact on the burr size and deformation area. If a high stress area extends along the edge deformation zone to the inside of the material, then the grain structure in these areas is bound to change accordingly, it will be distorted or broken, and an extremely elongated boundary will be produced along the tearing direction. At this time, the grain boundary density of the stress area in the shear direction is bound to increase, which will lead to a corresponding increase in the iron loss inside the area. Therefore, the material in the stress zone can be considered as a high-loss material that falls on the ordinary lamination along the impact edge. In this way, the actual constants of the edge material can be determined, and the iron loss model can be used to further determine the actual loss of the impact edge.   As the main magnetic material of the motor, the performance compliance of silicon steel sheets has a great impact on the performance of the motor. The main thing is to ensure that the grade of silicon steel sheets meets the design requirements. In addition, the material performance of silicon steel sheets of the same grade from different manufacturers is somewhat different. When selecting materials, we should try our best to select materials from good silicon steel manufacturers. Here are some key factors that actually affect iron loss that we have encountered before. ⏩    The silicon steel sheets have not been insulated or have not been properly insulated. This type of problem can be found in the inspection process of silicon steel sheets, but not all motor manufacturers have this inspection project, and this problem is often not well identified by motor manufacturers. ⏩   The insulation between sheets is damaged or there is a short circuit between sheets. This type of problem occurs during the manufacturing process of the core. If the pressure during the lamination of the core is too large, the insulation between sheets will be damaged; or the burrs are too large after the punching of the sheet, and the burrs are removed by grinding, resulting in serious damage to the insulation on the surface of the sheet; and the slots are not smooth after the core is stacked, and the filing method is used; or the inner bore of the stator is not smooth, the inner bore of the stator is not concentric with the stop of the base, and other factors are corrected by turning. The conventional usage of these motor production and processing processes actually has a great impact on the performance of the motor, especially the iron loss. ⏩    When the winding is removed by burning or heating with electricity, the core will overheat, causing the magnetic conductivity to decrease and the insulation between the sheets to be damaged. This problem mainly occurs during the repair of the windings and the repair of the motor during the production and processing process. ⏩    Processes such as stacking welding will also cause the insulation between the stacks to be damaged and increase eddy current losses. ⏩   The iron weight is insufficient and the sheets are not compacted. The final result is that the core weight is insufficient, which will most directly lead to excessive current and excessive iron loss. ⏩   The silicon steel sheet is painted too thickly, causing the magnetic circuit to be too saturated. At this time, the relationship curve between the no-load current and voltage is more severely bent. This is also a key factor in the production and processing of silicon steel sheets. ⏩   The production and processing of the iron core will cause the destruction of the grain orientation of the silicon steel sheet punching and shearing surface, resulting in an increase in iron loss under the same magnetic induction; for variable frequency motors, there is also the additional iron loss caused by harmonics; this is a factor that should be comprehensively considered in the design process.

The motion control of humanoid robot joints requires high torque, high precision and high efficiency motor solutions. The mainstream choice in the market is the frameless torque motor, which has a relatively mature technology and can meet the high torque requirements of robot joints.   However, as an emerging solution, the axial flux motor has gradually attracted the attention of the industry due to its high torque density.   In the industry chain of humanoid robots, the OEM has the "definition right" of joints, which is specifically manifested in mastering three points: Humanoid robot degree of freedom design: determine the number of joints and their range of motion Humanoid robot joint solution design: select the appropriate drive mode and motor type Joint layout position design: optimize the robot's motion performance and structural compactness.   Based on the scale effect and specialized division of labor, the possibility of OEMs to conduct full vertical integration is low, and "independent design, outsourced production" will be a more likely cooperation model. Frameless torque motor: a mature mainstream solution 02 Frameless torque motor is a direct-drive motor without the housing, bearings and encoder, which is specially designed for integration into robot joints or other mechanical structures. High torque output: By optimizing the magnetic circuit design, the torque capacity is improved, which is suitable for joints that require high torque. Compact structure and customizability: easy to integrate into robot joints of different sizes and shapes. Fast response speed and no cogging effect: improve the smoothness and precision of robot movement.   However, due to limited market demand in the past, the industrial chain of frameless torque motors has not been fully developed, resulting in high costs and limited market promotion. However, with the rapid development of the humanoid robot industry, the production scale of frameless torque motors is expanding, and manufacturing costs are expected to decrease. Axial flux motor: an emerging high torque density option 03 Compared with the traditional radial flux motor, the axial flux motor can provide higher torque density due to its unique magnetic circuit design. Higher torque density: Compared with the radial flux motor, the torque density of the axial flux motor can be increased by 30%, which is of great significance for the compact design of humanoid robot joints. Shorter axial length: helps to reduce the volume of robot joints and improve the flexibility of the overall structure. High efficiency: In high power density application scenarios, the energy efficiency performance of the axial flux motor is better. Although axial flux motors have many advantages, there are still some limitations in heat dissipation:   1. Due to the compact structure of the motor, the heat conduction path between the stator and the rotor is short, and the heat dissipation design needs to be optimized.   2. Complex manufacturing process: The production of axial flux motors involves precision machining and assembly processes, and the manufacturing difficulty is relatively high.   3. The industrial chain is not yet mature: The current supply chain of axial flux motors is relatively limited, and large-scale production still needs time.   Market Trends and Development Prospects 04 Rotary joint solutions currently include three categories: rigid drives, elastic drives, and quasi-direct drive drives. Among them, elastic joints are relatively less used due to their complex control algorithms and high hardware costs. Rigid joint solution: A large reduction ratio reducer can be used to provide greater torque and higher precision, but a force sensor is added, which is more expensive and has poor impact resistance. Quasi-direct drive solution: The torque can be controlled through the current loop, eliminating the large reduction ratio reducer, but the output torque is small. It was first used in quadruped robots. In recent years, with the advancement of technology, it has been widely used in humanoid robots. In addition, the reducers of humanoid robots mainly use harmonic and planetary reducers: harmonic reducers are suitable for joints that emphasize high torque, high precision, and small space; planetary reducers are more suitable for occasions that require high efficiency, low cost, and space insensitivity. Choice of sensing technology 05 High-precision, high-cost solutions usually use force sensors, while low-cost solutions prefer current loop control. Current loop control: The torque is estimated by current, with an accuracy error of about ±10%, and it is incompatible with large reduction ratio reducers. Force sensor solution: Higher accuracy, compatible with large reduction ratio reducers, but higher cost. With the development of the industry, low-cost control solutions will prefer current loops, while high-end robots will use force sensors to improve control accuracy. The choice of motors for humanoid robot joints is undergoing technological evolution. Frameless torque motors still dominate with their mature design and high stability, while axial flux motors are gradually gaining attention due to their high torque density and high efficiency. With technological advances, hybrid motors that combine the advantages of both may appear in the future. In addition, rotary joint technology, reducer solutions and sensor solutions are also being continuously optimized to drive the humanoid robot industry towards higher performance and higher efficiency.

  What is a motor? A motor is a component that converts electrical energy from a battery into mechanical energy to drive the wheels of an electric vehicle. What is a winding? The armature winding is the core part of a DC motor, consisting of copper enameled wire wound into a coil. When the armature winding rotates in the motor's magnetic field, it generates electromotive force. What is a magnetic field? A magnetic field is the force field that occurs around a permanent magnet or current-carrying conductor, encompassing the space affected by magnetic force. What is magnetic field strength? The magnetic field strength at a distance of 0.5 meters from an infinitely long conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere is 1 A/m (amperes per meter, SI unit). In the CGS system, it is defined as 10e (Oersted) at a distance of 0.2 cm from the conductor. What is the right-hand rule? When holding a conductor with your right hand and aligning your extended thumb with the current direction, the curl of your fingers indicates the direction of the magnetic field lines. What is magnetic flux? Magnetic flux, or magnetic flux quantity, is defined as the product of magnetic induction strength (B) and the area (S) of a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. What is a stator? The non-rotating part of a motor, either brushed or brushless. In hub-type brushed or brushless motors, the motor shaft is called the stator, also referred to as an internal stator motor. What is a rotor? The rotating part of a motor, either brushed or brushless. The casing of a hub-type brushed or brushless motor is called the rotor, or external rotor motor. What is a carbon brush? In brushed motors, the component pressing against the commutator surface transfers electrical energy to the coils during rotation. Because it is primarily made of carbon, it is called a carbon brush and is prone to wear. What is a brush holder? A mechanical guide groove that holds the carbon brushes in place within a brushed motor. What is a commutator? A part of a brushed motor with insulated metal strips that alternately contact the positive and negative terminals of the brushes as the rotor turns, facilitating the direction change of the coil current. What is phase sequence? The arrangement order of the coils in a brushless motor. What is a magnetic steel? Generally refers to high magnetic field strength materials; electric vehicle motors typically use neodymium iron boron rare earth magnetic steel. What is electromotive force? Generated by the rotor cutting through magnetic lines of force, its direction is opposite to that of the applied power supply, hence it is called back electromotive force. What is a brushed motor? In a brushed motor, the coil and commutator rotate while the magnetic steel and carbon brushes remain stationary. The alternating current direction in the coil is managed by the rotating commutator and brushes. What is a low-speed brushed motor? In the electric vehicle industry, it refers to a hub-style low-speed, high-torque, gearless brushed DC motor where the relative speed between the stator and rotor equals the wheel speed. What are the characteristics of a brushed gear motor? Due to the presence of brushes, the main concern is "brush wear." Brushed motors are divided into geared and gearless types. Many manufacturers choose brushed gear motors for their high speed. What is a brushless motor? A motor where the controller provides direct current in different directions to achieve the alternating current direction in the coils, without brushes or commutators between the rotor and stator. How is commutation achieved in a motor? In both brushless and brushed motors, the coil's power direction must alternate to enable continuous rotation. Commutation in brushed motors is done by the commutator and brushes, while in brushless motors, it is managed by the controller. What is phase loss? In a brushless motor or brushless controller's three-phase circuit, when one phase fails to work, it can cause the motor to shake or operate ineffectively. Operating under phase loss can easily damage the controller. What types of motors are common? Common motors include brushed gear hub motors, brushed gearless hub motors, brushless gear hub motors, brushless gearless hub motors, and side-mounted motors. How to distinguish between high-speed and low-speed motors? A. Brushed gear hub motors and brushless gear hub motors are considered high-speed; B. Brushed gearless hub motors and brushless gearless hub motors are classified as low-speed. How is motor power defined? Motor power is the ratio of the mechanical energy output by the motor to the electrical energy supplied by the power source. Why choose the motor's power rating? Selecting the right motor power is crucial; too high a power rating may result in underutilization and inefficiency, while too low can cause overheating and reduced lifespan. Why do brushless motors have three Hall sensors? Brushless motors require a constant angle between the stator coil's magnetic field and the rotor's permanent magnetic field for rotation. The three Hall sensors help determine when to change the direction of the stator magnetic field. What is the power consumption range of Hall sensors in brushless motors? The power consumption of Hall sensors in brushless motors typically ranges from 6mA to 20mA. What is the maximum operating temperature for motors? Motors can tolerate temperatures up to about 100 degrees Celsius. If the cover temperature exceeds the environment by 25 degrees, it indicates abnormal heating. What causes motors to overheat? Overheating is often due to high current, which may result from short circuits, demagnetization, or prolonged operation under heavy load. How does temperature rise occur in motors? During load operation, power loss converts to heat, raising the motor's temperature above the ambient level until it stabilizes when heat emitted equals heat generated. What is the permissible temperature rise for motors? The insulation material's maximum temperature limits motor lifespan. Exceeding these limits significantly reduces insulation performance and can lead to failure. How to measure the phase angle of a brushless motor? Connect power to the controller, supply power to the Hall elements, and use a multimeter to measure voltage on the Hall lines. Why can't any DC brushless controller and motor connect interchangeably? Each controller and motor combination requires specific phase alignment; improper connection can lead to phase loss and motor failure. What happens if a 60-degree controller is used with a 120-degree motor? It leads to phase loss; however, some smart controllers can automatically detect and adapt to either configuration. How to correctly align the phase sequence between controller and motor? Ensure proper connections between Hall wires and controller pins, testing all combinations until the correct setup is found. How to control a 60-degree motor with a 120-degree controller? Connect a directional line between the Hall signal line and the controller's sampling signal line. What are the visual differences between high-speed and low-speed brushed motors? A. High-speed motors have a one-direction clutch; low-speed motors can easily rotate in both directions. B. High-speed motors are noisier than low-speed motors. What is the rated operating state of a motor? This is when all physical quantities during operation match their rated values, ensuring reliable performance and optimal efficiency. How is the rated torque of a motor calculated? The rated torque can be expressed as T2n = Pn/Nn, where Pn is mechanical power, Nn is speed, and T2n is torque. What is the definition of starting current? The starting current should not exceed 2-5 times the rated current, which is important for implementing current limiting protections. Why are motor speeds increasing in the market? Higher speeds can reduce costs; however, efficiency drops significantly at lower speeds, affecting performance and increasing electrical demands. How to repair abnormal heating in motors? Typically, replacing the motor or performing maintenance is recommended. What indicates a fault when the no-load current exceeds limits? Causes can include mechanical friction, partial short circuits, demagnetization, or carbon buildup in the commutator. What are the maximum no-fault no-load current limits for various motors? Typical values vary depending on the motor type and rated voltage. How to measure no-load current? Use a multimeter to check current while the motor is stationary and then while running at high speed, calculating the difference. How to identify a motor's quality? Key parameters include no-load current, ride current, efficiency, torque, noise, vibration, and heat output. What is the difference between 180W and 250W motors? The 250W motor requires a more powerful and reliable controller due to higher ride currents. Why do ride currents vary with different motor ratings? Under standard conditions, ride currents differ based on the motor's rated load and efficiency. Why does a 350W motor have a shorter range than a 250W motor? Higher ride currents in the 350W motor lead to faster battery depletion. How should electric bike manufacturers choose motors? They should focus on

What makes the best motor? Which motor is better, one brand or another? Should I use motor A or motor B? Which motor is more energy-efficient? These are common questions. The production of motors includes several physical components: magnets, cores, coils, housings, Hall sensors, insulation varnish, and phase wires. Let’s analyze each one. Magnets have five key indicators: model, height, thickness, width, and quantity. The model reflects the magnetic flux per unit volume, indicating the grade of the magnet. This cannot be visually assessed and relies on manufacturer claims. Ideally, the higher, thicker, wider, and more numerous the magnets, the better the performance. A larger volume means higher costs for manufacturers but greater power for users, which also implies higher energy consumption. In line with the principle that higher manufacturer costs lead to greater user benefits, maximizing height, thickness, width, and quantity is ideal, but users generally cannot ascertain thickness, width, or quantity, only that the motor is rated at 30, 40, or 45 high.     As for the core, imported ones are preferable. It’s widely accepted that foreign products are superior, although this is not easily discernible. For coils, the critical parameters are copper purity (whether brass or copper, but not aluminum-coated), number of turns, thickness, and filling ratio. The housing determines the upper limits of volume and quantity, but users usually have no choice here, and neither do manufacturers. Hall sensors, as electronic components, can only be differentiated by price, with Honeywell being a reputable brand in the market. Insulation varnish is rated by five classifications, with higher temperature resistance being better. For phase wires, thicker is better; generally, a 1 mm² wire can handle a 10A current. For example, if your current limit is 20A, you need at least a 2 mm² wire. Power is another key specification. For instance, if your original motor is rated at 48V 500W with a speed of 36 km/h, increasing the voltage to 72V can raise the speed to 54 km/h. To compare speeds across different motors, divide the speed by the voltage. For example, if you’re achieving 45 km/h at 72V, your speed per volt is 0.625. In contrast, another motor achieving 40 km/h at 48V has a speed per volt of 0.83333, indicating it’s faster. Efficiency (energy saving) is also crucial. Typically, electric motors operate at around 82% efficiency for legitimate products, with a variation of only about 2%. Even if a motor claims to use cutting-edge technology, the efficiency improvement is unlikely to exceed 3%. This explains why some users do not perceive significant energy savings with certain "energy-efficient" models; those who do may either be misinformed or simply used a poor-quality motor before. It's understandable that some motors are indeed less efficient. Achieving even a 1% improvement in efficiency is challenging, but creating a motor with only 50% efficiency is relatively easy. Optimal Efficiency Point: As we’ve discussed, while efficiency has a wide variance below its maximum, the upper limit is nearly fixed. So, should we disregard motor efficiency entirely? Absolutely not! We should pay attention to another important metric—the optimal efficiency point. This refers to the load at which the motor operates most efficiently. For instance, if a manufacturer claims an optimal efficiency of 93%, you should ask, “At what load is this efficiency achieved?” If they say it’s at 48V and 100W, you’ll realize that maintaining 100W is impractical for normal operation. In the motor industry, the optimal efficiency point should be within the rated voltage and power range. For example, for a 48V 1000W motor, when powered at 48V, check the efficiency at around 1000W. If the highest efficiency is 82.5% at 960W and only 81% at 1000W, the optimal efficiency point is at 960W. Generally, reputable manufacturers have their optimal efficiency points close to the rated power, within a 5% margin. However, some manufacturers may claim an impressive efficiency at a much lower power level, misleading you about performance when used at higher power. These factors indicate the considerations to keep in mind. We will soon provide simple methods to assess your motor’s performance. First, determine your requirements. It's not always about speed; if you're looking for a motor that can exceed 100 km/h at 72V, you might sacrifice safety and quality. For normal usage, speeds above 50 km/h typically enter an unsafe zone. Here’s a simple power-to-speed reference table: 350W: 35 km/h 500W: 40 km/h 800W: 45 km/h 1000W: 50 km/h 1200W: 53 km/h 1500W: 55 km/h 2000W: 60 km/h 3000W: 65 km/h 4000W: 75 km/h 5500W: 85 km/h 7000W: 90 km/h 8500W: 95 km/h 10000W: 100 km/h 12000W: 110 km/h 15000W: 120 km/h Thus, when ordering a motor, consider your intended usage, especially if you plan to increase the voltage. Summary: Don’t focus solely on power when selecting a motor. Determine your speed, voltage, and power requirements. If you plan to overvolt in the future, define your desired maximum speed. Divide the desired speed by the voltage. For example, if you want a motor that reaches over 75 km/h at 72V, calculate 75/72 = 1.0416. Seek a motor with a speed-to-voltage ratio just above this. Among various motors: Motor A: 48V 500W, 36 km/h Motor B: 48V 800W, 42 km/h Motor C: 60V 1200W, 45 km/h Motor D: 60V 1500W, 52 km/h Motor E: 48V 1000W, 45 km/h Motor F: 48V 1500W, 52 km/h Only Motor F meets the criteria. Simply stating the voltage a motor operates at or its power or speed is insufficient. If you can customize your motor, prioritize specifying the dimensions and height of the magnets, as this determines the internal physical space, which should be maximized for optimal material usage. Next, communicate your desired maximum voltage and speed to the manufacturer. Specify the maximum speed at which the motor should operate. Keep in mind that, once the housing is established, slower motors may incur higher costs. Ensure that the motor’s speed does not exceed a specified limit, such as 42 km/h at 48V, to avoid having to return it. Slower speeds require adjustments to coil turns, filling ratios, and higher-quality cores to achieve. Don't worry about increased magnet height impacting energy consumption; current parameters are determined by the controller.

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) announced on Wednesday that its rare earth processing facility in Saskatoon has achieved commercial-scale production of rare earth metals ahead of schedule this summer, making Saskatchewan the first and only province in North America to reach this milestone. In July, SRC secured processing agreements with several international clients to convert individual rare earth oxides into metals using the facility's metal smelting technology. Since 2020, SRC's rare earth processing plant has received CAD 71 million in funding from the Saskatchewan government and CAD 30 million in joint funding from the Canadian government. SRC stated that this funding has been crucial for constructing a vertically and horizontally integrated "mine-to-metal" facility equipped with state-of-the-art proprietary technology. The SRC facility utilizes internally developed metal smelting technology to produce 10 tons of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) metal monthly, with a purity greater than 99.5% and a conversion rate exceeding 98%. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stated in a media release, "Saskatchewan is the first and only jurisdiction in North America to produce these rare earth metals, further establishing the province as a rare earth technology hub." Moe added, "By establishing a safe and sustainable rare earth supply chain, Saskatchewan has the opportunity to become a world leader in critical mineral development." The SRC rare earth processing plant is expected to be fully operational by early 2025, with an estimated annual production of about 400 tons of praseodymium-neodymium metal, enough to power 500,000 electric vehicles. (Source: mining.com, etc.)

China has made new breakthroughs in Liangshan, Sichuan, with an anticipated increase of 4.96 million tons of rare earth resources. According to a representative from China Rare Earth Group, efforts will focus on resource integration and industrial collaboration to enhance industry control capabilities. There will also be a strong push to increase reserves and production, creating a new security framework for rare earth resource development and establishing a strategic base for rare earth resources and industries. Rare earths refer to 17 elements including scandium, yttrium, and lanthanides, known as "industrial MSG," and are crucial strategic minerals for China, which holds the world's largest rare earth reserves and is the top producer. Rare earths are widely used in aerospace, specialty materials, metallurgy, energy, and agriculture. Aohong, the party secretary and chairman of China Rare Earth Group, stated that the company will focus on breakthrough exploration actions, targeting resource expansion, increased reserves, production stability, supply assurance, cost reduction, and safety to enhance its core functions in safeguarding rare earth resources for national security. The total control target for rare earth mining by China Rare Earth Group for the first two batches in 2024 is 81,350 tons. Founded on December 23, 2021, in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China Rare Earth Group is a diversified central enterprise directly supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, formed through the restructuring of rare earth assets from China Aluminum Group, China Minmetals Group, and Ganzhou Rare Earth Group, along with the inclusion of China Steel Research and China Yuyuan Technology Group. The group engages in rare earth resource development, smelting separation, deep processing, and import-export trade across the entire industry chain, with operations spanning Jiangxi, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Yunnan, Guangdong, Fujian, and Southeast Asia, and includes publicly listed companies like China Rare Earth (stock code: 000831) and Guangsheng Nonferrous (stock code: 600259). China Rare Earth Group has significant resource reserves, primarily concentrated in heavy and light rare earths, with major deposits in Jiangxi, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Fujian, and Yunnan for heavy rare earths, and in Sichuan and Shandong for light rare earths.

1. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Key Magnet Application: High-strength Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are embedded in or attached to the rotor. How it Works: The rotating magnetic field from the stator "locks" onto the permanent magnetic field of the rotor, causing it to spin at the exact same synchronous speed. This eliminates "slip" found in induction motors. Best For: High-efficiency applications requiring precise speed control, smooth operation, and high power density. (e.g., industrial servo drives, CNC machines, electric vehicle traction motors). 2. Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) Key Magnet Application: Similar to PMSM, it uses NdFeB or Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnets on the rotor. How it Works: It functions similarly to a PMSM but is typically driven by trapezoidal back-EMF, requiring a different control method. It electronically commutes using a controller, eliminating the physical brushes found in traditional DC motors. Best For: Applications needing high reliability, long life, and good torque-speed characteristics. (e.g., drones, computer cooling fans, power tools, appliances). 3. Brushed DC Motor Key Magnet Application: Traditionally uses lower-cost Ferrite (Ceramic) magnets in the stator to create a static magnetic field. How it Works: The rotor windings are energized, and commutation is done mechanically by brushes contacting a commutator on the rotor, causing it to spin within the permanent magnetic field. Best For: Simple, low-cost applications where electronic control is not a priority. (e.g., simple toys, basic automotive actuators, low-cost pumps). 4. Stepper Motor (Permanent Magnet Type) Key Magnet Application: Uses permanent Ferrite or NdFeB magnets in the rotor. How it Works: The stator's magnetic field is electrified in precise steps, and the permanent magnet rotor aligns itself with each new step. This allows for very precise positional control without a feedback sensor. Best For: Open-loop control applications requiring precise movement in discrete steps. (e.g., 3D printers, scanners, robotics, CNC positioning tables). Summary Table for Quick Comparison     Motor Type Key Magnet Used Control Best For PMSM Neodymium (NdFeB) Closed-loop (Complex) High Efficiency, Precision BLDC Neodymium (NdFeB) Electronic (Simpler) Reliability, Performance Brushed DC Ferrite Simple (Brushes) Low Cost, Simplicity Stepper Ferrite / NdFeB Stepped (Open-loop) Precise Positioning