Key Takeaways
- ◆N45SH: 43–46 MGOe BHmax, Br 13.2–13.7 kGs. N48SH: 45–48 MGOe BHmax, Br 13.7–14.1 kGs.
- ◆Both rated to 150°C continuous operating temperature with HcJ ≥20 kOe.
- ◆N48SH typically carries a 10–15% cost premium over N45SH at 2026 pricing.
- ◆For mainstream humanoid robotics joint motors, N45SH is the practical default; N48SH is the premium upgrade.
- ◆Both grades benefit substantially from GBD processing — reduces heavy rare earth content by 50–70% at equal performance.
Overview
N45SH and N48SH are the two workhorse SH-grade NdFeB specifications for modern high-performance motor applications. They share the same 150°C temperature rating and intrinsic coercivity margin, differing only in BHmax — N48SH offers approximately 7% more energy product. For humanoid robot joint motors, EV auxiliary drives, and premium servo applications, the choice between them is fundamentally an economic one: is the extra flux worth the cost premium in this specific motor design.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criterion | N45SH | N48SH |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Product (BHmax) | 43–46 MGOe | ✓45–48 MGOe |
| Remanence (Br) | 13.2–13.7 kGs | ✓13.7–14.1 kGs |
| Intrinsic Coercivity (HcJ) | ≥20 kOe | ≥20 kOe |
| Max Operating Temperature | 150°C | 150°C |
| Cost | ✓Baseline | +10–15% over N45SH |
| Heavy Rare Earth Content | ✓Moderate | Higher |
| Typical Availability | Broad | Broad |
| Supplier Qualification Burden | Standard | Standard |
Green tick indicates the better option for the criterion. Winner assignment reflects typical engineering practice; your application may weight criteria differently.
When N45SH Is the Right Choice
- •Humanoid robot joint motors with moderate torque density requirements
- •Cost-sensitive production programs where 7% flux gain is not critical
- •Designs with adequate packaging margin
- •Heavy rare earth cost exposure matters (lower Dy/Tb content)
When N48SH Is the Right Choice
- •Premium humanoid platforms where package size is a competitive advantage
- •EV auxiliary motors (EPS, water pumps) in compact packaging
- •High-performance drone motors demanding maximum torque density
- •Applications where motor volume directly drives vehicle weight or cost
Decision Framework
Start with motor FEA analysis. If the motor meets torque targets at N45SH with reasonable design margin, specify N45SH and take the 10–15% cost saving. If torque density is constrained by magnet flux and you cannot package a larger rotor, N48SH unlocks approximately 7% more flux for the same footprint — which may be worth the cost premium. Always specify GBD processing for either grade; it reduces heavy rare earth exposure and lowers landed cost meaningfully.
Related NdFeB Grades
N45SH
150°CHigh-flux SH-grade NdFeB for compact, high-torque motors operating continuously up to 150°C.
N48SH
150°CPremium SH-grade NdFeB — the gold-standard magnet for high-performance EV and robotics motor rotors.
N45UH
180°CTop-tier UH-grade NdFeB — rare production, reserved for the highest-performance traction and aerospace motors.
Related Applications
Robotics
Radial multi-pole rings, joint-motor magnets, and high-torque servo-motor assemblies for humanoid robots, collaborative robots, and industrial robotic systems.
EV Motors
High-performance NdFeB magnets for electric vehicle traction motors, auxiliary drives, and e-axle systems — with the temperature stability and flux density required for continuous high-torque service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between N45SH and N48SH?
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Both are super-high-temperature (SH) sintered NdFeB grades with ≥20 kOe intrinsic coercivity, rated to 150°C continuous operation. N48SH delivers approximately 7% higher energy product (45–48 MGOe vs 43–46 MGOe for N45SH) and slightly higher remanence. N48SH costs 10–15% more than N45SH at typical 2026 pricing.
Which grade is used in humanoid robot joint motors?
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N45SH is the mainstream choice for humanoid robot joint motors across most commercial platforms. N48SH is specified on premium designs where torque density is a competitive differentiator. Both are typically GBD-processed for European and North American robotics programs to reduce heavy rare earth content and cost.
Are N45SH and N48SH subject to MOFCOM export controls?
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Yes. Both contain dysprosium and/or terbium, which places them under the April 2025 MOFCOM export control regime. All shipments from China to non-Chinese destinations require export licensing. Licensing timelines typically run 6–10 weeks and should be built into procurement planning. A capable supplier handles this in-house as part of the order process.
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