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edfas.org 49 ELECTRONIC DEVICE FAILURE ANALYSIS | VOLUME 22 NO. 2 gel, allowing easy removal without prying or application of force. They are also often used in automated pick and place applications. The gel is an extremely durable and versatile material that maintains its properties between -40°C to 220°C. Minimum shelf life is two years. Applications include semiconductor devices, sensors, micromechanical devices, optoelectronics, hard drive heads, biomedical devices, and specimen storage. Vacuum release storage and shipping boxes from Gel-Pak are available in 2-in. and 4-in. sizes. Each box con- tains a Gel-Pak tray with X4 gel to firmly hold substrates, electronic devices, and other types of samples. For more information, visit tedpella.com. Researchers at TUGraz incollaborationwithcolleagues from the University of Vienna and Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) as well as a team fromJoanneumResearch in Graz, have now succeeded in manufacturing supermagnetswith thehelpof laser-based 3D printing technology. The method uses a powdered form of the magnetic material, which is applied in layers andmelted to bind the particles, resulting in components made purely of metal. The team of scientists have now developed the process to a stage where they are able to print magnets with a high relative density while still managing to control theirmicrostructures. “The combina- tion of both these features enables efficient material use because it means we can precisely tailor the magnetic properties according to theapplication,” explains Siegfried Arneitz andMateusz Skalon fromthe Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming at TU Graz. The initial focus of the research groupwas the produc- tion of neodymium, or NdFeB, magnets. On account of its chemical properties, the rare earth metal neodymium is used as the basis for many strong permanent magnets which are crucial components for lots of important appli- cations, including computers and smartphones. In other applications, such as electric brakes, magnetic switches and certain electric motor systems, the strong force of NdFeB magnets is unnecessary and also undesirable. For this reason, research continues employing alternate magnetic materials. For more information, visit www.tugraz.at . Gel-Pak’s VR Series vacuum release trays for storage and shipping. SUSTAINABLE 3D PRINTED SUPER MAGNETS Fromwind turbines and electricmotors to sensors and magnetic switching systems, permanent magnets have many electrical applications. The production of these magnets usually involves sintering or injection molding. But due to the increasing miniaturization of electron- ics and the more exacting requirements, this places on magnetic components in terms of geometry, these con- ventional manufacturingmethods are frequently coming up short. Additivemanufacturing technologies, however, offer the required flexibility of shape, enabling production of magnets tailored to the demands of the application in question. Neodymiummagnets manufactured by laser-based additive manufacturing technology. Advertise in Electronic Device Failure Analysis magazine! For information about advertising in Electronic Device Failure Analysis , contact Kelly Johanns, Business Development Manager, 440.318.4702, or kelly.johanns@asminternational.org Current rate card may be viewed online at asminternational.org/mediakit.