Abstract: A method includes producing an amorphous precursor to a nanocomposite, the amorphous precursor comprising a material that is substantially without crystals not exceeding 20% volume fraction; performing devitrification of the amorphous precursor, wherein the devitrification comprises a process of crystallization; forming, based on the devitrification, the nanocomposite with nano-crystals that contains an induced magnetic anisotropy; tuning, based on one or more of composition, temperature, configuration, and magnitude of stress applied during annealing and modification, the magnetic anisotropy of the nanocomposite; and adjusting, based on the tuned magnetic anisotropy, a magnetic permeability of the nanocomposite.

Abstract: In a laser processing apparatus for refining magnetic domains of a grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet by setting a laser beam to be focused on the grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet and scanned in a scanning direction, the laser beam focused on the grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet is linearly polarized light, and an angle between a linear polarization direction and the scanning direction is higher than 45° and equal to or lower than 90°.

Abstract: A method for producing a soft magnetic material having both high saturation magnetization and low coercive force, including: preparing an alloy having a composition represented by Compositional Formula 1 or 2 and having an amorphous phase, and heating the alloy at a rate of temperature rise of 10° C./sec or more and holding for 0 to 80 seconds at a temperature equal to or higher than the crystallization starting temperature and lower than the temperature at which Fe—B compounds start to form wherein, Compositional Formula 1 is Fe100-x-yBxMy, M represents at least one element selected from Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Ni, Co and Sn, and x and y are in atomic percent (at %) and satisfy the relational expressions of 10?x?16 and 0?y?8, and Compositional Formula 2 is Fe100-a-b-cBaCubM?c, M? represents at least one element selected from Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Ni and Co, and a, b and c are in atomic percent (at %) and satisfy the relational expressions 10?a?16, 0<b?2 and 0?c?8.

Abstract: [Object] To provide technologies such as an orientation device capable of increasing strength of a magnetic field in a transport path. [Solving Means] An orientation device according to the present technology includes a transport path, a permanent magnet portion, and a yoke portion. The transport path allows a base on which a magnetic coating film containing magnetic powder has been formed to pass through the transport path along a transport direction. The permanent magnet portion includes a plurality of first permanent magnets, and a plurality of second permanent magnets that is opposed to the plurality of first permanent magnets across the transport path in a vertical direction that is vertical to the transport direction in a manner that opposite poles face each other, the permanent magnet portion vertically orienting particles of the magnetic powder by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic coating film on the base that passes through the transport path.

Abstract: Processes for producing continuous bulk forms of iron-silicon alloys and bulk forms produced thereby. Such a bulk form is continuous in a longitudinal direction thereof and has a continuous cross-sectional form transverse to the longitudinal direction. The bulk form is formed of an Fe—Si alloy and has a crystallographic texture that comprises <111> and {110} fibers that are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The bulk form may be produced by a process that includes deforming a solid body formed of an Fe—Si alloy with a cutting tool in a single step to continuously produce a continuous bulk form from material obtained from the solid body.

Abstract: A flaky powder for high frequency application is provided, wherein the flaky powder contains 1.5 to 3.0 mass % C, 10 to 20 mass % Cr, 0.03 to 0.30 mass % N, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, and has an average particle diameter of 200 ?m or less, an average thickness of 5 ?m or less, an average aspect ratio of 5 or more, a saturation magnetization of more than 1.0 T, and a frequency (FR) of 200 MHz or more at which tan ? reaches 0.1. Based on the flaky powder, a novel magnetic flaky metal powder having a saturation magnetization exceeding 1.0 T and exhibiting a high FR of 200 MHz or more, and magnetic sheets including the magnetic flaky metal powder are provided.

Abstract: A high-silicon steel sheet is excellent in terms of punching workability and magnetic property. The high-silicon steel sheet has a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.02% or less, P: 0.02% or less, Si: 4.5% or more and 7.0% or less, Mn: 0.01% or more and 1.0% or less, Al: 1.0% or less, O: 0.01% or less, N: 0.01% or less, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, a grain-boundary oxygen concentration (oxygen concentration with respect to chemical elements segregated at grain boundaries) of 30 at % or less, and a microstructure in which a degree of integration P(211) of a {211}-plane of ?-Fe on a surface of the steel sheet is 15% or more P(211)=p(211)/S×100(%), wherein S=p(110)/100+p(200)/14.93+p(211)/25.88+p(310)/7.68+p(222)/1.59+p(321)/6.27+p(411)/1.55, and p(hkl): integrated intensity of a peak of X-ray diffraction of an {hkl}-plane.

Abstract: A coil component includes a body having a coil part disposed therein and an external electrode connected to the coil part. The body includes magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles include first magnetic particles, second magnetic particles, and third magnetic particles. A diameter of each of the first, second, and third magnetic particles is different from each other.

Abstract: A golden finger structure includes a golden finger set on a substrate, a transmission line coupled to the golden finger, and slots set on each golden finger. Adjacent slots are arranged in a opposite direction and reduce impedance discontinuity from the transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention provides amorphous bi-functional catalytic aluminum metallic glass particles having an aluminum metallic glass core and 2 or more transition metals disposed on the surface of the aluminum metallic glass core to form amorphous bi-functional aluminum metallic glass particles with catalytic activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of controlling magnetic anisotropy in a magnetic material comprises directing a layer of powdered metal material to a heat conducting substrate. Electromagnetic energy is applied to the powdered material sufficient to melt the powdered material which is subsequently cooled to create a solid layer on the substrate. An external magnetic field is applied to the material during at least the cooling step so as to imprint the solid magnetic material layer with magnetic anisotropy. Various novel magnetic structures can be fabricated using the technique.

Abstract: An iron-based soft magnetic alloy greater than 63.5 mm in width, a thickness between 13 and 20 microns and having a composition represented by the following formula: (Fe1-aMa)100-x-y-z-p-q-rCuxSiyBzM?pM?qXr wherein M is Co and/or Ni, M? is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, W, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti and Mo, M? is at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Al, elements in the platinum group, Sc, Y, rare earth elements, Au, Zn, Sn and Re, X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, Ge, P, Ga, Sb, In, Be and As, and a, x, y, z, p, q and r respectively satisfy 0?a?0.5, 0.1?x?3, 0?y?30, 1?z?25, 5?y+z?30, 0.1?p?30, q?10 and r?10, the alloy being at least 50% crystalline with an average particle size of 100 nm or less. This alloy has low core loss, high permeability and low magnetostriction.

Abstract: An example insulation enclosure includes a support structure having a top end, a top wall provided at the top end, a bottom end, and an opening defined at the bottom end for receiving a mold within an interior of the support structure. Rigid insulation material may be supported by the support structure and extending between the top and bottom ends and across the top end. The rigid insulation material may extend between the top and bottom ends and consist of one or more sidewall insulation loops that extend along a circumference of the insulation enclosure.

Abstract: A system includes a helically polarized magnet having a plurality of north and south poles circumferentially and helically patterned along a linear axis. Magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis. A multi-axis magnetometer and/or magnetometer array is configured with at least two sensing coils to detect the position of the helically polarized magnet by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path.

Abstract: A grain-oriented electrical steel sheet produces reduced noise when worked into a transformer, by setting length d of each plastic strain region in the widthwise direction of the steel sheet to 0.05 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and a ratio (?d/?w) of a total ?d of the length d to a total ?w of application interval w of each of the above plastic strain regions to 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a short process preparation technology of sintered NdFeB magnets from the NdFeB sludge, which relates to a field of recycle technology of NdFeB sludge. The present invention comprises the following steps: water bath distillation of organics in sludge, ultrasonic cleaning, calcium reduction and diffusion, ultrasonic rinsing in a magnetic field and drying, powders mixing and sintering. NdFeB sludge as raw materials was directly prepared from recycled sintered magnets with high magnetic properties. Most of the organics in the sludge could be removed by a vacuum distillation process with stepwise heating. The ultrasonic rinsing process in a magnetic field could effectively remove the remaining organics. The recycled sintered magnets exhibited good maximum energy product [(BH)max] of 35.26 MGOe. The present invention has important features, such as the short processing time, efficient environmental protection, high recycling rate and effective utilization rate of rare earth metals.

Abstract: Provided are a sputtering device and a method of forming a layer using the same. The method of forming a layer using the sputtering device includes: placing a substrate within a chamber; depositing target particles emitted from a target, which faces the substrate, on the substrate using a sputtering process; and horizontally moving a plurality of shield rods, which are installed in a shield mask disposed between the substrate and the target and are separated from each other along a first direction, during the sputtering process.

Abstract: A device reduces dust for safely preventing laser-irradiation capacity from decreasing due to contamination and reliably reducing iron loss of a grain oriented electrical steel sheet. The device improves iron loss properties of a grain oriented electrical steel sheet by irradiating its surface with laser to reduce iron loss, wherein, distance between a laser beam emission port and a laser irradiation point is L (mm); laser irradiation angle formed by a line linking the emission port and the irradiation point with respect to a direction vertical to the sheet is ? (°); and L?50, the emission port is positioned such that L and ? satisfy: 60?0.3L???60 when L?100; 40?0.1L???60 when 100<L?400; ??60 when L>400.

Abstract: A powder magnetic core with improved high frequency magnetic characteristics and reduced eddy current loss is manufactured by a manufacturing method including the steps of (a) providing coated soft magnetic particles which are particles composed of soft magnetic material which each have been coated with an insulating coating, and insulator particles; (b) forming a magnetic layer by press molding the coated soft magnetic particles in a mold assembly; (c) forming an insulator layer on the magnetic layer by press molding the insulator particles in the mold assembly; and (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) to fabricate a laminate of alternating magnetic layers and insulator layers and provide the powder magnetic core.

Abstract: A grain-oriented electrical steel sheet allows for manufacture of a transformer that exhibits, when the steel sheet is applied to an iron core thereof, extremely low iron loss and extremely low noise properties, makes highly efficient use of energy, and can be used in various environments. The grain-oriented electrical steel sheet has a strain distribution in regions where closure domains are formed, when observed in a cross section in the rolling direction, with a maximum tensile strain in a sheet thickness direction being 0.45% or less, and with a maximum tensile strain t (%) and a maximum compressive strain c (%) in the rolling direction satisfying Expression (1): t+0.06?t+c?0.35??(1).

Abstract: The present technology relates to a Ni—Mn—Ga magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloy including twin boundaries type 2, which are deviated approximately +/?2-4 degrees from (101) or equivalent crystallographic plane by rotation about [?101] or equivalent crystallographic direction. This technology relates also to an actuator, sensor and harvester including MSM element of this technology.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetizable metal shaped body comprising a ferromagnetic starting material that is present in powder and in particulate form, using the following steps: (a) first compaction of the starting material (S3) such that adjoining particles become bonded to each other by means of positive adhesion and/or integral bonding in sections along the peripheral surfaces thereof and while forming hollow spaces, (b) creating an electrically isolating surface coating on the peripheral surfaces of the particles in regions outside the joining sections (S4), and (c) second compaction of the particles (S5) provided with the surface coating, such that the hollow spaces are reduced in size or eliminated.

Abstract: A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.

Abstract: Characteristics of a magnetic material are improved without using a heavy rare earth element as a scarce resource. By incorporating fluorine into a magnetic powder and controlling the crystal orientation in crystal grains, a magnetic material securing magnetic characteristics such as coercive force and residual flux density can be fabricated. As a result, the resource problem with heavy rare earth elements can be solved, and the magnetic material can be applied to magnetic circuits that require a high energy product, including various rotating machines and voice coil motors of hard discs.

Abstract: The present invention is related to process for producing an amorphous Fe-based bulk metallic glass product, formed of an alloy having a chemical formula of Fe100-a-b-c-d-x-y MaNbbSicBdIxJy wherein: • M is Co and/or Ni, •I is one or more elements of the group consisting of Al, Cr, Cu, Mn, C and P, •J is one or more elements of the group consisting of Ti, S, N and O and wherein a, b, c, d, x and y are satisfying the following conditions: 0 wt. %<a?46. 1 wt. %, 5.4 wt. %?b?12.4 wt. %, 2.2 wt. %?c?4.4 wt. %, 2 wt. %<d?6 wt. %, x?2 wt. % and y?0.2 wt. %, the process comprising the steps of producing a master alloy by melting starting materials, comprising Fe-containing alloys, and by melting said master and pouring the molten alloy into a mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing magnetic shape memory alloy wherein the method includes surface treatment of the surface of the alloy. This invention relates also to an MSM device, for example an actuator, sensor or energy harvester including an actuating element produced using the method.

Abstract: Provided are a small wire-wound inductor having desired inductor characteristics, while allowing for high-density mounting and low-height mounting on circuit boards at the same time, as well as a method for manufacturing such wire-wound inductor which has a drum-shaped core member constituted by an assembly of soft magnetic alloy grains containing iron (Fe), silicon (Si) and 2 to 15 percent by weight of chromium (Cr), a coil conductive wire wound around the core member, a pair of terminal electrodes connected to the terminals of the coil conductive wire, and an outer sheath member covering the wound coil conductive wire and constituted by a magnetic powder-containing resin having a specified magnetic permeation ratio.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite magnetic material. The composite magnetic material may comprise an Nd—Fe—B alloy and a Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having the general formula of Fe100-x-y-z-aAxRaSiyBz. A may be at least one element selected from Cu and Au. R may be at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Mo, Nb, Ta, W and V. And the x, a, y, and z may satisfy: 0?x?3, 0?a?10, 0?y?20 and 2?z?25. The present invention further discloses a method of preparing the composite magnetic material as described above. According to the present invention, the composite magnetic material may have an enhanced magnetic energy product and residual magnetism respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new intermetallic compounds having a crystalline structure of Ni3Sn2 type for the magnetic refrigeration, their use and a process for preparing the same. The present invention further relates to new magnetocaloric compositions for the magnetic refrigeration and their use.

Abstract: A rare earth bonded magnet is provided which is produced such that a mixture which comprises: a rare earth magnet powder; a resin binder comprising a thermosetting resin; an organic phosphorus compound; and a coupling agent is compress-molded, heated and cured, wherein the organic phosphorus compound and the coupling agent are represented by the following respective chemical formulas (structural formulas):

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic composite capable of enhancing the effect of shielding against electromagnetic noise and the like (magnetic shielding effect) while inhibiting a possible eddy current, and a method for producing the magnetic composite, and a shielding structure comprising the magnetic composite. A shielding member 10 as a magnetic composite contains a resin 12 which is an insulator and serves as a matrix material and into which fine powders of an amorphous metal magnetic substance 10a containing Fe, Si, and B are mixed. In the shielding member 10, a plurality of the amorphous metal magnetic substances 10a are contained in the resin 12 at a volume fraction less than a percolation threshold. The type of the amorphous metal magnetic substance 10a is not particularly limited provided that the amorphous metal contains Fe, Si, and B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element includes a layered structure and a pair of electrodes, the layered structure including a cap layer, a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, a spacer layer and a functional layer provided in the magnetization pinned layer, between the magnetization pinned layer and the spacer layer, between the spacer layer and the magnetization free layer, in the magnetization free layer, or between the magnetization free layer and the cap layer and including an oxide, the method including forming a film including a base material of the functional layer, performing an oxidation treatment on the film using a gas containing oxygen in a form of at least one selected from the group consisting of molecule, ion, plasma and radical, and performing a reduction treatment using a reducing gas on the film after the oxidation treatment.

Abstract: A magnetic component for a magnetically actuated fuel injection device is formed of a corrosion resistant soft magnetic alloy consisting essentially of, in weight percent, 3%<Co<20%, 6%<Cr<15%, 0%?S?0.5%, 0%?Mo?3%, 0%?Si?3.5%, 0%?Al?4.5%, 0%?Mn?4.5%, 0%?Me?6%, where Me is one or more of the elements Sn, Zn, W, Ta, Nb, Zr and Ti, 0%?V?4.5%, 0%?Ni?5%, 0%?C<0.05%, 0%?Cu<1%, 0%?P<0.1%, 0%?N<0.5%, 0%?O<0.05%, 0%?B<0.01%, and the balance being essentially iron and the usual impurities.

Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve the problem in hot workability caused by Cu aggregation and provide semi-hard magnetic materials having good magnetic properties, bias materials for magnetic markers, magnetic markers and production methods of bias materials for magnetic markers. The present invention provides a semi-hard magnetic material including 2.0%?Cu?10.0% and 0.1%?Nb?5.0% by mass %, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and having a microstructure in which Cu phase and an intermetallic compound of Fe and Nb are dispersed. The semi-hard magnetic material of the present invention is suitable as bias materials for magnetic markers. Furthermore, the bias materials for magnetic markers can be formed by disposing bias materials for magnetic markers mentioned above so that a bias magnetic field may be applied to a magnetostrictive element for a magnetic marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing magnetically active shape memory metal alloy, said metal alloy containing nickel, manganese and gallium. In the method, the different components of the metal alloy are melted, and the melt is homogenized essentially at the melting temperature; the obtained metal alloy is cast, and the cast metal alloy is subjected to directional solidification at 10-100° C. below the liquidus temperature of said metal alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of production of grain-oriented electrical steel sheet greatly reducing the Watt loss of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and making the magnetostriction as small as possible, that is, a method of production of grain-oriented electrical steel sheet with small magnetostriction by improving the magnetic properties by irradiation by a finely focused laser beam comprising using a power modulated laser controlled in maximum power density to 1×102 to 1×104 W/mm2 to optimize the amount of strain given by laser irradiation in both the sheet width direction and rolling direction and, in particular, to make the modulation duty 70% to less than 100%.

Abstract: A heat exchange system and processes for a magnetic annealing tool is provided. The system includes a process chamber housing workpieces to be processed; an element chamber partly surrounding the periphery of the process chamber, at least one vacuum for drawing a vacuum in fluid communication with the process chamber and separately with the element chamber in order to apply a vacuum to either or both of the process and element chamber so as to promote radiation heating of the workpieces; at least one supply of fluid in communication with the process chamber and separately with the element chamber to supply a cooling gas so as to promote conductive cooling of the workpieces; a cooling chamber disposed to surround the element chamber; and magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field disposed on the outer periphery of the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one magnetized active region. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, and may provide an output representative of torque applied to the shaft, shaft rotational speed and shaft rotational position.

Abstract: Magnetic medium recording performance can be enhanced by irradiating a magnetic medium with ions having an acceleration voltage of between 10 keV and 100 keV to induce exchange coupling between grains of the magnetic medium. The magnetic medium is exposed to a cumulative ion dosage of between 1013 ions/cm2 and 1017 ions/cm2 using a non-patterned exposure of the magnetic medium. The ions can be selected from the group consisting of H+, He+, Ne+, Ar+, Kr+, and Xe+. Alternatively, the ions can be selected from the group consisting of Ga+, Hg+, and In+.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an Fe-based amorphous magnetic alloy and method that includes 4 at. % or less of a low temperature annealing-enabling element M and 10 at. % or less of nickel (Ni). The total amount of the low temperature annealing-enabling element M and nickel (Ni) may be 2 at. % or more and 10 at. % or less.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one active region having an elliptical magnetization. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, where the magnetic field is representative of a torque applied to the shaft. The elliptical magnetization may have a nonzero axial component directed along a center line axis of said shaft at zero torque.

Abstract: A magnetization apparatus for magnetizing a magnetic material provided inside a yoke housing of a motor, which has a connector portion radially outward of the yoke housing, includes at least one pair of magnetization cores and a plurality of magnetization coils. The at least one pair of magnetization cores are provided to oppose to each other, wherein the at least one pair of magnetization cores have corresponding magnetization surfaces, which oppose to each other. The plurality of magnetization coils generate a magnetic field at the at least one pair of magnetization cores, wherein the plurality of magnetization coils magnetize the magnetic material in a state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. The at least one pair of magnetization cores defines a receiving recess therein for receiving the connector portion of the motor in the state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces.

Abstract: A stator is constructed by winding excitation coils around respective main poles. A rotor is constructed by fixing a first rotor unit, which consists of a pair of rotor cores and a magnetic material sandwiched between the rotor cores, and a second rotor unit, which has the same construction as the first rotor unit, to a rotation shaft. The rotor is assembled to the stator to form an assembled body. The magnet material of the first rotor unit is magnetized in the axial direction by a magnetizing flux passing through a half of the assembled body in the axial direction. The magnet material of the second rotor unit is magnetized in the axial direction in an opposite polarity by a magnetizing flux passing through the remaining half of the assembled body in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.

Abstract: Inductive component (10; 20; 30) having at least one coil (12; 22; 32) and a magnetically soft core (11; 21; 31) made from a ferromagnetic powder composite in which the ferromagnetic powder composite shows an alloy powder mixture made from alloy powders having formanisotropic as well as formisotropic powder particles and a casting resin.

Abstract: A thin arc segment magnet made of a an R-T-B based, rare earth sintered magnet substantially comprising 28-33 weight % of R and 0.8-1.5 weight % of B, the balance being substantially Fe T, wherein R is at least one rare earth element including Y, and T is Fe or Fe and Co, which has an oxygen content of 0.3 weight % or less, a density of 7.56 g/cm3 or more, a coercivity iHc of 1.1 MA/m (14 kOe) or more at room temperature, and an orientation Br/4?Imax of 96% or more in an anisotropy-providing direction at room temperature can be produced by using a slurry mixture formed by introducing fine alloy powder of the above composition into a mixture liquid comprising 99.7-99.99 parts by weight of a mineral oil, a synthetic oil or a vegetable oil and 0.01-0.3 parts by weight of a nonionic surfactant and/or an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: The magnet powder-resin compound particles substantially composed of rare earth magnet powder and a binder resin are in such a round shape that a ratio of the longitudinal size a to the transverse size b (a/b) is more than 1.00 and 3 or less, and that an average particle size defined by (a/b)/2 is 50-300 ?m. They are produced by charging a mixture of rare earth magnet powder and a binder resin into an extruder equipped with nozzle orifices each having a diameter of 300 ?m or less; extruding the mixture while blending under pressure though the nozzle orifices to form substantially cylindrical, fine pellets; and rounding the pellets by rotation.