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Working in partnership with Desktop Metal, the German startup MAGNOTHERM successfully 3D printed magnetocaloric La-Fe-Si regenerators. This marks one of the first instances of producing these advanced materials in usable, application-ready geometries.
This achievement, made possible through the use of advanced metal binder jetting technology, represents a leap forward in the development of high-performance materials for magnetic cooling systems. MAGNOTHERM’s Active Magnetic Regenerator (AMR) enables magnetic cooling by using magnetically active metals such as Gadolinium and La-Fe-Si. It achieves a 25°C temperature difference without harmful refrigerants, using a water-ethanol mix for heat transfer.
The first magnetic cooler on the market, is an 80L beverage cooler that’s ready to rent or purchase. Once a prototype, POLARIS is ready for corporate events, a casual beer mixer, and everything in between. This beverage cooler shows the world that magnetocaloric materials are ready to challenge the current status quo of inefficient, unsustainable cooling.
Revolutionary material for sustainable cooling
The 3D printed La-Fe-Si (Lanthanum-Iron-Silicon) material from Desktop Metal operates across wide temperature ranges and boasts high capacity, setting a new benchmark for magnetic cooling applications. Magnetic cooling has long held promise as a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional refrigeration methods.
With this achievement, MAGNOTHERM is not only advancing its own mission but also supporting the broader vision of all companies in the magnetic cooling sector for a more sustainable future.
The ability to 3D print these materials in unique and functional geometries opens new doors for energy-efficient cooling technologies. By optimizing the geometry of magnetocaloric regenerators, the performance of magnetic cooling systems can be significantly enhanced, allowing for greater heat transfer efficiency and increased energy savings.
A disruptive step for mass production
This breakthrough is far from a mere test run; it is a disruptive advancement that positions MAGNOTHERM at the forefront of scalable, mass production of magnetocaloric materials. By leveraging readily available and cost-effective materials, the company is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in energy-efficient cooling technologies.
MAGNOTHERM’s progress also supports its ambitious goal of achieving up to 30% energy savings in the cooling sector, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.
MAGNOTHERM will be showcasing the 3D printed magnetocaloric La-Fe-Si materials innovations developed with Desktop Metal at Chillventa, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and heat pump technology. As the company continues to improve its processes and expand production capabilities, it will share further developments in the coming months.
