The value of worldwide sales of advanced glass and ceramics reached $11.1 billion in 2005, up 12% from 2004 as strong sales for LCD, plasma and other flat panel TVs (and computer monitors and laptops) drove the demand for flat panel displays.
A recovery in the telecommunications market bolstered demand for optical fibers (and advanced glass), and on-going dynamic growth in medical and dental applications also aided the market.
These trends are expected to continue and sales of these advanced materials are projected to grow in value by 7.3% per year to total $17.6 billion by 2010.
Report Code: AVM009D, Published: March 2006, Analyst: Calvin Swift
INTRODUCTION
Advanced glasses and ceramics are used in a wide variety of high technology and specialty applications. Compared to traditional glasses, these specialty glasses contain specific additions or may comprise of entirely different compositions, often based on novel processes. Performance properties of these advanced glasses include fused silica, silicates, borosilicates, phosphates, germanates, chalcogenides, ionic glasses (such as halides, nitrates, sulfates and carbonates), and glass ceramics. The use of advanced glasses varies widely but most are used as substrates for electronic displays, optical fibers, thick-film packaging and substrates, optical disc substrates, aerospace and highperformance composites, medical and dental implants, dental materials, and radiation shielding.
Since BCC last studied the market for advanced glasses and glass ceramics, developments in North America have undergone significant change, and these are still proceeding. Many of the high-tech end-use markets collapsed in the early years of the decade and, with increased globalization, customer industries are moving offshore, in particular to China. Finally, innovation continues at a very robust pace. All of this makes a renewed look at advanced glasses imperative.
This comprehensive report covers the present status and future prospects for advanced glass and ceramic materials in North America. It discusses the many issues concerning the merits and future prospects of the business, including company strategies and technologies. The applications are broadly categorized into four segments. For each, the report provides an analysis of material and product types, properties, current and potential uses, new developments, global and North American markets, and foreign competition. The report is an important strategic tool for decision makers in the advanced glasses industry, as well as those industries that utilize the materials.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This important study:
Provides an overview of the advanced and specialty glass materials, their production technologies, and applications
Identifies the technological and business issues related to the commercial production of advanced and specialty glasses
Determines the current size and future growth of the North American markets for advanced and specialty glasses
Assesses market growth, materials, production, status of commercial development, barriers to entry, and market leaders.
Identifies and profiles all North American producers and suppliers of advanced and specialty glasses
Discusses foreign producers and the extent of their competition.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Report Code: AVM009D, Published: March 2006, Analyst: Calvin Swift
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