IMA Working Group

About the IMA

The International Magnetics Association (IMA) is a global trade group comprised of companies in the soft magnetics industry, including manufacturers and distributors. The IMA is organized as a working group within The Transformer Association and was known formerly as the MMPA (Magnetic Materials Producers Association).

Mission

The mission of the IMA is to promote worldwide growth, development, understanding, and use of magnetic materials and devices.

History

The International Magnetics Association (IMA) began life as the Magnetic Materials Producers Association (MMPA). Formed in 1959, the MMPA represented manufacturers of finished permanent magnets and soft magnetic products. In 2001, IMA replaced MMPA, expanding the scope of membership and purpose. In 2004, the Magnetic Distributors and Fabricators Association joined with IMA. In 2009, the International Magnetics Association had been incorporated in TTA as the IMA Working Group.

 

The IMA Working Group continues to support and promote standards relevant to the industry and gather to address issues common to all magnetics manufacturers. As with other manufacturing industries, magnetics has grown and changed over the past fifty plus years. Industry consolidation, global sourcing, and other macroeconomic trends have influenced companies large and small.  The growth of the magnetic industry has a   bright future with advances in alternative energy, automotive and consumer electronics.

Industry Standards

The IMA develops, maintains and distributes industry standards. The IMA is currently in the review process of updating and revising the soft ferrite standards.

Currently available standards:

Soft Ferrite Cores User's Guide

Standard Specification for Ferrite Pot Style Cores

Standard Specification for Ferrite Toroid Cores

Standard Specification for Ferrite U, E, and I Cores

Standard Specification for Ferrite Threaded Cores

Education

The IMA presents seminars and workshops in conjunction with major trade shows.

Statistics

The members of the IMA gather market information and benchmark activity in order to better understand business and technology events that impact the industry.

Meetings

The IMA meets throughout the year and at TTA meetings.

Members List