The research and development of maglev trains are advancing, with neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets playing a pivotal role.

Amid the global trend of pursuing efficiency and high speed in the transportation sector, continuous advancements are being made in the research and development (R&D) of maglev trains. As a core element, neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets play an irreplaceable and pivotal role, serving as a crucial driving force propelling maglev technology to new heights.

Maglev trains achieve contactless levitation and guidance between the train and the track through electromagnetic forces, while utilizing electromagnetic forces generated by linear motors to propel the train forward. Leveraging their exceptional properties, such as high energy product and high coercivity, NdFeB magnets provide essential support for the stable operation of maglev trains. In the levitation system, NdFeB magnets generate a powerful and stable magnetic field, enabling the train to levitate steadily above the track. This reduces frictional resistance, facilitating high-speed travel. Taking China's independently developed 600 km/h high-speed maglev train as an example, its core power system incorporates over 12,800 high-performance neodymium magnets, with each carriage utilizing 1.2 tons of N38SH-grade NdFeB magnets arranged in a specialized Halbach array. This configuration enhances magnetic flux by 40%, achieving a levitation force of 62 kN/m per unit length and a levitation gap of 10 mm—wider than Japanese technology—thereby significantly improving operational stability and safety.

In the propulsion system, NdFeB magnets enable efficient operation of linear motors, delivering robust and sustained power to the train. Their magnetic properties allow motors to efficiently convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, propelling the train forward rapidly while significantly enhancing acceleration and speed capabilities. For maglev line projects under planning or construction, researchers have tailored optimizations to NdFeB magnets to meet diverse environmental and operational requirements. For instance, in coastal regions with humid conditions, surface treatment processes for NdFeB magnets have been improved to enhance corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term stable performance in complex environments.

Chinese enterprises and research institutions are actively engaged in related R&D efforts. Ganzhou Fulltek Electronic Co., Ltd. played a comprehensive role in the development, design, fabrication, and installation of magnets and magnetic tracks for the world's first rare-earth permanent magnet maglev rail transit engineering test line—the "Red Rail." Each magnet exhibits immense magnetic force, capable of lifting hundreds of kilograms of ferromagnetic materials. When specially assembled, a single permanent magnet track unit generates a levitation force of 8 to 9 tons, robustly supporting the test line's successful operation. As R&D progresses, future maglev trains will demand even higher performance from NdFeB magnets. Enterprises and research teams will continue to intensify investment in R&D, exploring new material formulations and manufacturing processes to unlock the full potential of NdFeB magnets. This will drive maglev train technology to new developmental stages, offering people more efficient and convenient travel experiences.