21st Apr, 2016

The global markets for metal injection molding (MIM) and ceramic injection molding (CIM) have exhibited spectacular growth over the last two decades. BCC Research reveals in its new report that despite growth rates that will fall from double digits to single digits, some key players will surpass the $50 million mark in revenues for the first time.

Metal injection molding combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the material flexibility of powder metallurgy, creating parts that have the strength and integrity of wrought metals, thus providing value-based solutions in the manufacturing of complex parts. Ceramic injection molding allows for complex shapes to be created in a process that borrows from the injection molding of plastics, as well.

The global MIM and CIM market is expected to grow at the rate of 7.6% over the next six years, reaching $3.1 billion in 2020. Of this, $1.3 billion, or 40.2%, is expected in Asia, which should experience a six-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The European market, which is expected to reach $980 million with a six-year CAGR of 6.1% through 2020, should see some market loss to reach 31.3% of the global market size in the end year. The North American market will regain some of its global share to 25.2%, and should show strong growth in real number terms as it reaches $790 million by 2020. The rest of the world will have the highest growth rate at 14.3%, reaching $105 million, or 3.3% of the global market, by 2020.

The growth rate of the MIM and CIM markets has significantly surpassed that of global GDP, and the industry has withstood numerous market turmoil in recent years caused by a global oil glut, currency fluctuations and commodity price collapses. High single digit growth rates for the remaining decade should result due to expected currency fluctuations and financial tightening by central banks.

Since the market slowdown in 2008 and 2009, the MIM market has grown significantly, partly due to growth in the global automotive industry growth. The surging popularity of cell phones and other handheld products and electronics remains a boon to the MIM industry. This development has shifted the industry base slowly to emerging markets and to Asia, where most electronic manufacturing occurs.

New technologies in the supplier industries such as metal powders and feedstocks, as well as process equipment, will continue to support growth of the MIM market. However, with the above average margins enjoyed by the MIM industry, the squeezing of the supplier base for adding efficiency will not impact the industry for at least another decade.

"Larger companies have weathered the storm and have grown stronger and even larger in the meantime. The diversification into other applications such as medical and dental, aerospace, electronics and communications, and luxury products, has benefitted these companies," says BCC Research analyst Vijay Subramanian. "The largest player became the first company to break the $100 million revenue threshold. Consolidation in the industry is increasing, which also will drive other companies to attain a larger scope of operations during the forecast period. More companies are expected to surpass $50 million in revenues for the first time."

Metal and Ceramic Injection Molding (AVM049D) analyzes the industry by technologies, covering both powder and liquid processes for the metal injection segment. The report examines various supplier products and technologies supporting the MIM marketplace, by technology and by geography, and includes comprehensive lists of suppliers by product. Analyses of global market drivers and trends, with data from 2014 and projections of CAGRs through 2020, also are provided.