Powder Metallurgy

Report Highlights

• All powders and materials are expected to reach 2.9 billion pounds for a total value of $5.9 billion by 2011.
• The parts produced by the powders and materials are estimated to reach $15.9 billion by 2011.
• Shipments of iron and steel powders are increasing gradually; with a projected 4.8% annual growth rate by the end of our forecast period. Sales of aluminum powders will increase. Newer materials will also be used in autos to improve performance and play a role in energy conservation.
• Hand tools, appliances, and computer storage devices are all potential applications of this technology, and other compounds made of metal and a nonmetallic element will expand the PM market in the years to come..

INTRODUCTION

Powder Metallurgy is a long standing business that grew at a rapid rate from the 1980s. Much of its growth derived from powder-based parts replacing castings, forgings, and machined parts. The industry demonstrated that it could meet the needs of manufacturers but at a lower cost. More than 73% of all PM parts are sold to the automotive industry.

PM has been maturing and actually lost ground in 2001. The industry recovered in 2002 but not to the levels hoped for. The auto industry was changing rapidly in the face of globalization, and this change will continue.

PM could potentially become an industry with saturated markets and grow mainly by acquisition or increasing market share. But PM technology is still evolving, and the industry now uses particulates (or powders and materials that are not made entirely of metals). PM can resume growth and expand its markets, which is a key reason for doing this study.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report:

• Forecasts the overall powder metallurgy market, which now encompasses new materials such as ceramics, ceramic fibers, and intermetallics compounds.
• Includes all major market end-use segments: automotive; tools and recreation; industrial (includes motors, hydraulics); household appliances; and hardware and other such as machinery.
• Evaluates all relevant segments of the business: companies that make tooling and process equipment, and perform related services used in the manufacture of finished components; companies that produce the powders, lubricants, industrial gases and other raw materials that go into making finished components; and in-house and contract fabricators.
• Provide in-depth coverage off all key technologies: Forming (hot compaction, warm compaction, cold compaction), sintering (atmosphere vacuum) and optional manufacturing and finishing steps (repressing, forging, machining, heat treating, plating, etc.)
• Includes market shares, R&D update, company profiles, recent industry developments, powder metallurgy manufacturing and development by region, consumption by region, and all other major market measures.

METHODOLOGY

BCC Research presents an analysis for each type of powder used and the parts made from them. We look at properties, advantages, demand factors, competition, and other information. Based on BCC Research surveys, we analyze the potential market for each industry, report 2006 shipments, and forecast shipments for 2011. Estimated value is what manufacturers have paid in undepreciated 2006 dollars. The report also analyzes the values of shipments and shipments by application.

INFORMATION SOURCES

We interviewed approximately 125 companies to obtain data for this study included were powder chemists, process equipment specialists, chemists, marketing executives, operations personnel, and various users of powder metal parts. Participants included representatives of the automotive industry, tooling companies, and medical device manufacturers. Information for this report also came from government and industry sources, trade publications, and financial reports.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Bob Moran has worked as a technology market analyst and technology writer for more than 16 years, and is the author of numerous BCC Research reports. He has authored reports covering thin film deposition, photovoltaic/solar technology, electronic displays and display materials, electronic gaming, surface modification of polymers, magnetic and optical storage, and other technology topics. Mr. Moran also has served as the editor of BCC Research publications including Display Industry News and Micro and Nanotechnology.