Tokyo headed metal scrap processor, Taguchi Metals Corporation, started operation of its unique equipments to sort neodymium magnets out of air conditioner compressors at Sowa plant in Ibaraki, Japan. Sorted neodymium magnets are recycled in Japan. Taguchi Metals initially plans to draw neodymium magnets at 500 kilogram per month.
The firm treats air conditioner compressors without cores, those which had been sold as one of ferrous scrap items. First, the surface of a compressor is heated with two burners at 400 degrees for 1.5-2.0 minutes in order to degauss neodymium magnets. Second, the compressor is cooled down. Third, neodymium magnets and rotors are separated by a three-directional hydraulic press machine. Taguchi Metals applied to Japanese governmental subsidy program for rare metal utilizing technologies and the process was admitted. The firm positions neodymium magnet as one of the most important items as well as copper scrap , aluminium scrap and mixed metals. Then the firm tries to increase the trading volume. It has been said difficult to sort neodymium magnets out of compressors due to its very strong magnetic intensity. Taguchi Metals also expects for offers from third-party home appliance recyclers to separate neodymium magnets with its original sorting equipments.