ENGINEERINGNET.BE – Peter Leijnen (48), founder and CTO of Magnax, which was founded in 2015, designed the axial flux motor that is set to become a game changer there, as well as in other vertical markets.
The machine requires less copper and magnets, achieves 2.5 times more power than state-of-the-art production motors of the same weight, and is up to a quarter more efficient. In short, with the axial flux motor, one can do things that are impossible with radial motors.
The 16 million euros in growth capital that Magnax raised at the end of 2020 comes from automotive component manufacturer Hirschvogel Automotive, Vlerick Group, Torus Capital, and several business angels who support the new technology.
“Hirschvogel found us when we weren’t yet looking for production partners. We had the luxury of being selective,” says Leijnen. “As a start-up, it would be very difficult to get into the ‘big’ OEMs without an established production partner… Making a difference in e-mobility is exactly the intention.”
Hirschvogel is building a new factory near Munich where series production of Magnax motors will start by mid-2022. Initially at a rate of 25,000 motors per year, with a rapid scale-up.
Last year, Magnax generated nearly a million euros in revenue from supplying prototypes. It currently has around 30 employees. A handful of new people started in January alone, and there are still vacancies available.
Also read a number of interesting articles about Magnax that have appeared in Engineeringnet Magazine: