HDD Disassembly Optimization for the Efficient Recovery of NdFeB Permanent Magnets

Permanent magnets are widely used in various sectors, including electronics, electric motors, and wind turbines. However, these magnets are produced from critical materials, making it imperative to find solutions for their reuse and recycling. This study focuses on the analysis and optimization of disassembly processes for permanent magnets from hard disk drives, aiming to enhance the profitability and efficiency of magnet recovery. By streamlining the disassembly process, the research seeks to favour either the direct reuse or the recycling of recovered magnets, contributing to sustainable practices in WEEE recycling and reducing dependency on critical raw materials.