Thin Layer Deposition: PVD

Report Highlights

• The value of worldwide shipments of PVD equipment reached $3.4 billion by 1999. Shipments are forecast to grow in value by 12.7% and reach $3.9 billion by the end of 2000, and at an average annual rate of 11.3% to reach $6.7 billion by 2005.
• The value of materials to be deposited by PVD reached $474.2 million in 1999. It is projected to grow by 13.5% to reach $538.2 million by 2000 and at an average annual rate of 11.9% to reach $943.9 million by 2005.
• The value of PVD services totaled $766.9 million in 1999. They will grow in value by 9.4% to reach $838.9 million by 2000 and at an average annual rate of 9.3% to reach $1.3 billion by 2005.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

BCC's goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the worldwide market for physical vapor deposition (PVD) equipment, services and materials deposited to assess the growth potential over a 5-year period from 2000 to 2005. We were particularly interested in the types of equipment and kinds of materials being used for industrial and consumer applications. BCC had previously published a study on PVD in September 1996, and we were interested in the changes in the market and its future potential since then.

Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current PVD industry and project its future course.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

PVD has expanded significantly over the past several decades. More sophisticated manufacturing and fabrication techniques and miniaturized products have broadened the demand for vapor-deposited materials. A variety of new and existing products require properties that can best be delivered by vacuum depositing thin films on a wide variety of substrates.

BCC decided to examine the current position of PVD technologies and materials used in key industries. We were interested in what materials and types of PVD systems were being used to meet the demands for more sophisticated products.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM

We assembled a study of the types of PVD equipment and materials used in seven major industry groups. We present an overview of deposition technologies and future trends, and a worldwide PVD industry structure including leading manufacturers of equipment and service providers. A review of the PVD industry's economic competitiveness is also presented. Within each industry, we present an overview of key applications, the advantages of using PVD deposition, an analysis of market factors that will impact demand and project shipments of equipment, materials and services to 2005. This study will be of interest to those in the microelectronics , manufacturers of cutting tools, specialty packagers, makers of storage media, manufacturers of automotive and aerospace parts, medical device makers, and those in the optics industry. It will also be of interest to companies engaged in the manufacture of deposition equipment and materials, and to surface coaters.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The scope of this study encompasses PVD technologies and materials in terms of applications, properties and processes. BCC analyzes the major types of PVD systems and materials used to manufacture products in seven key industries. The applications are discussed, as are the properties imparted by PVD. Trends in demand are also reviewed and their impact on PVD is discussed.

Market drivers within each industry are identified. The materials deposited by PVD are analyzed by their basic functions such as abrasion and wear-resistance, conductors and corrosion protection. The value of PVD equipment shipments is projected within each industry by type of system. Material shipment values are also projected along with PVD service revenues. Technological issues and trends are reviewed and other influential factors such as economic conditions and standards are discussed.

Because this is a worldwide study, BCC analyzes the domestic and international technological issues and economic considerations.

METHODOLOGY

BCC present an analysis of the value of PVD systems, materials deposited, and services provided by type of system, material and industry segment. Our estimated value is what manufacturers and material providers have paid in current dollars. Then, based on our surveys, we analyze industry growth in relation to the growth of PVD technology, calculate estimates for growth, and forecast shipments for 2005.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC interviewed approximately 130 companies to obtain the data for this report. Included were manufacturers of PVD equipment, materials, deposition service providers, industrial and consumer product manufacturing companies and various end users of the PVD process. Additional data were obtained from government information, trade associations, industry and financial sources, and an exhaustive review of technical papers.