The project, titled "Pioneering Sustainability," was developed by a team of nine specialists, including seven based in Szombathely, Hungary, and two in Germany. The process focuses on recovering rare earth magnets from defective electric motor rotors to be reused in new components.
The recovery method involves pressing magnets out of defective parts, followed by cleaning and vacuum packing. These magnets are then integrated into new rotors after passing strict testing procedures.
The technology is specifically designed for rotors using transfer molding, where magnets are locked in place with injected resin. Schaeffler stated that this process can be implemented at other production sites that utilize the same molding technique.
This system creates a factory scrap loop rather than end-of-life recycling, as it targets parts that failed during manufacturing. The company noted that the process requires minimal investment and generates significant cost savings while reducing scrap and transport-related CO2 emissions.
