Magnet
Rare earth (lanthanoid) elements have a partially occupied "f" electron shell (which can accommodate up to 14 electrons). The spin of these electrons can be aligned, resulting in very strong magnetic fields, and therefore, these elements are used in compact high-strength magnets where their higher price is not a concern. The most common types of rare-earth magnets are samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnets.
Bonded neo
Bonded neo powder is produced by processing specific combination of elements that result in distinct magnetic and physical characteristics. These powders are the primary material used in the manufacture of bonded rare earth permanent magnets, which, in turn, are used in motors and sensors utilized in a wide variety of products for consumer and industrial end markets. Neodymium metal, one of the rare earth elements, is the primary raw material in neo powder. It is alloyed with iron and boron, occasionally along with other elements in small quantities (such as cobalt). The alloy is melted and then rapidly solidified by melt spinning to produce neo powders with the desired characteristics for the manufacture of bonded neo magnets.