Key Takeaways
- ◆N42 and N42SH deliver identical BHmax (40–43 MGOe) and identical Br (12.9–13.3 kGs).
- ◆N42SH has ≥20 kOe intrinsic coercivity vs ≥12 kOe for N42 — enabling 150°C continuous operation vs 80°C.
- ◆N42SH contains dysprosium and terbium additions (or GBD processing); N42 typically has no heavy rare earth content.
- ◆N42SH costs 25–40% more than N42 at 2026 pricing, mostly due to heavy rare earth content.
- ◆For any motor application above 70°C internal temperature, N42SH is the correct choice — the flux is the same, the survival envelope is dramatically better.
Overview
N42 and N42SH sit at the same BHmax (40–43 MGOe) but in very different operating envelopes. The 'SH' suffix indicates super-high intrinsic coercivity achieved through dysprosium or terbium additions, pushing the maximum operating temperature from 80°C (N42) to 150°C (N42SH). The flux you get is identical; what differs is whether that flux survives under temperature. For motor applications, which invariably run hot, N42SH is almost always the correct choice over plain N42.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criterion | N42 | N42SH |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Product (BHmax) | 40–43 MGOe | 40–43 MGOe |
| Remanence (Br) | 12.9–13.2 kGs | 12.9–13.3 kGs |
| Intrinsic Coercivity (HcJ) | ≥12 kOe | ✓≥20 kOe |
| Max Operating Temperature | 80°C | ✓150°C |
| Heavy Rare Earth Content | None typically | Dy/Tb added (or GBD) |
| Cost | ✓Baseline | +25–40% over N42 |
| Suitable for EV/Robotics Motors | No (thermal) | ✓Yes |
Green tick indicates the better option for the criterion. Winner assignment reflects typical engineering practice; your application may weight criteria differently.
When N42 Is the Right Choice
- •Operating temperature controlled below 70°C continuously
- •Applications like speakers, sensors, magnetic separators, holding fixtures
- •Cost-sensitive non-motor applications
- •Export licensing is a concern — N42 typically requires no MOFCOM license
When N42SH Is the Right Choice
- •Any motor or actuator design with >70°C internal operating temperature
- •EV traction motors, robotics joint motors, servo drives, drone motors
- •Applications demanding coercivity margin against fault conditions
- •Wind turbine generators (onshore and offshore)
Decision Framework
Measure or estimate your actual magnet operating temperature, not just ambient. If it exceeds 70°C under sustained load, N42SH is the answer — the cost premium over N42 is justified by the survival envelope. For GBD-processed N42SH, the cost premium is smaller (15–25%) because heavy rare earth content is reduced by 50–70%. Specify GBD by default for any SH grade unless there is a specific reason otherwise.
Related NdFeB Grades
N42
80°CHigh-performance sintered NdFeB grade widely used in compact motors, generators, and precision actuators.
N42SH
150°CWorkhorse SH-grade NdFeB for 150°C traction motors, robotics actuators, and high-duty servo drives.
N42H
120°CWorkhorse high-temperature NdFeB grade for automotive motors, pumps, and industrial drives up to 120°C.
N42UH
180°CHigh-performance UH-grade NdFeB for the most demanding traction, aerospace, and industrial motor applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between N42 and N42SH?
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N42 and N42SH have identical energy product (BHmax 40–43 MGOe) and identical remanence. The difference is intrinsic coercivity — N42 has ≥12 kOe, N42SH has ≥20 kOe. This pushes the maximum operating temperature from 80°C (N42) to 150°C (N42SH). The higher coercivity comes from dysprosium and terbium additions or from GBD (grain boundary diffusion) processing.
Is N42SH worth the extra cost over N42?
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For any motor or actuator application running above approximately 70°C, yes — the cost premium (25–40% for standard production, less with GBD processing) buys you a grade that actually survives the operating environment. For speakers, sensors, and room-temperature applications, plain N42 is the economical choice. The decision is driven by temperature, not cost.
Does N42SH require an export license from China?
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Yes. N42SH contains dysprosium and/or terbium (two of the seven heavy rare earth elements on China's April 2025 MOFCOM export control list). Shipments to non-Chinese destinations require a MOFCOM export license, which a capable supplier handles as part of the order process. Plain N42, which typically contains no heavy rare earths, is generally not subject to licensing.
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