Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Fixed FSW Equipment, Mobile FSW Equipment, Robotic FSW Equipment), By End Use (Aerospace, Automotive), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global friction stir welding equipment market size was estimated at USD 232.7 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing demand for high-quality, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly welding technologies in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding is driving the growth of the friction stir welding (FSW) equipment market. FSW is a solid-state joining process that is particularly effective for welding lightweight alloys, providing superior joint strength and durability.

Technological advancements in FSW equipment, such as robotic and mobile systems development, are further propelling market growth. These innovations enhance the versatility and efficiency of FSW processes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition, the growing focus on reducing manufacturing costs and improving product performance is driving the adoption of FSW technology across various industries. The expansion of the aerospace and automotive industries, coupled with the need for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, further bolsters the market demand.

Environmental concerns and stringent regulations regarding emissions and energy consumption are also influencing the FSW equipment market. FSW technology is known for its lower energy consumption compared to traditional welding methods, which aligns well with global sustainability goals. As manufacturers seek to comply with these regulations and adopt greener manufacturing processes, the demand for FSW equipment is expected to rise.

The demand for friction stir welding equipment is driven by the need for high-strength, defect-free welds in critical applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding. The increasing use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium alloys in these industries is also boosting the demand for FSW technology. Furthermore, the advantages of FSW, including lower energy consumption, reduced welding defects, and improved mechanical properties of the welds, are contributing to market growth.

The development of advanced FSW equipment, such as robotic and mobile systems, presents significant growth opportunities for the market. These innovations enhance the flexibility and efficiency of FSW processes, making them suitable for complex and large-scale applications. In addition, the expansion of the aerospace and automotive industries in emerging markets and the increasing focus on lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles provide lucrative opportunities for market growth.

The high initial cost of FSW equipment and the complexity of the process can pose challenges to market growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises may find it difficult to invest in advanced FSW technologies due to budget constraints. In addition, the availability of alternative welding technologies that may be more cost-effective or easier to implement can limit the adoption of FSW equipment in certain applications.

Type Insights

“The demand for robotic FSW segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

Fixed FSW segment led the market, accounting for 40.1% of the global market revenue share in 2023 driven by its widespread use in manufacturing plants for producing large, consistent welds. These systems are typically used in high-volume production settings where the need for robust and reliable welding solutions is critical. The demand for fixed FSW equipment is expected to continue growing due to its efficiency and ability to produce high-quality welds.

Robotic FSW equipment is gaining popularity due to its ability to automate the welding process, resulting in higher precision and consistency. These systems are increasingly used in the automotive and aerospace industries for producing complex and high-precision welds. The integration of robotics in FSW is expected to drive market growth by enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs.

End Use Insights

“The demand for automotive segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The aerospace end-use segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for 29.9% of the global friction stir welding equipment market revenue. FSW is extensively used in the production of aircraft components, including fuselages, wings, and fuel tanks, due to its ability to produce high-strength, defect-free welds. The increasing production of commercial and military aircraft is expected to drive the demand for FSW equipment in this segment.

The automotive industry is another major end user of FSW equipment, utilizing the technology for welding lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. The growing demand for fuel-efficient and lightweight vehicles is driving the adoption of FSW in automotive manufacturing. The trend towards electric vehicles and the need for strong, lightweight battery enclosures are also expected to boost market growth.

Regional Insights

“U.S. to witness market growth at 5.3% CAGR”

North America is a significant market for friction stir welding equipment, with robust demand from the aerospace and automotive industries. The region's advanced manufacturing infrastructure and emphasis on high-quality, durable products are key drivers for the adoption of FSW technology. The U.S. and Canada are investing heavily in modernizing their manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and improving environmental performance. The presence of leading aerospace companies and the push for lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles are expected to sustain the growth of the FSW equipment market in North America.

U.S. Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Trends

The U.S. is a key market for friction stir welding equipment, driven by its leading position in the aerospace and automotive industries. The demand for high-strength, lightweight materials in these sectors is a major factor boosting the adoption of FSW technology. The U.S. government’s focus on promoting advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrial practices is also contributing to market growth. Significant investments in research and development, along with collaborations between industry and academic institutions, are driving innovations in FSW technology.

Asia Pacific Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the friction stir welding equipment market, fueled by the region's expanding industrial base and increasing investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are leading the way in adopting FSW technology, driven by their robust automotive and electronics industries. The growing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in these industries is propelling the market forward.

Europe Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Trends

The friction stir welding (FSW) equipment market in Europe is poised for substantial growth, driven by the region's strong manufacturing base and focus on advanced manufacturing technologies. Europe is home to several major automotive and aerospace manufacturers who are increasingly adopting FSW to enhance the performance and quality of their products. Stringent environmental regulations and the push for sustainable manufacturing practices are further accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient FSW technologies.

Key Friction Stir Welding Equipment Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market include ETA Technology, YAMAZAKI MAZAK CORPORATION, FOOKE GmbH, PAR Systems, Hitachi Power Solutions Co.,Ltd., NITTO SEIKI CO., LTD., Grenzebach Group, Bond Technologies, PTG, Groupe TRA-C industrie, among others.

• ETA Technology is a prominent player in the friction stir welding equipment market, known for its innovative and high-performance welding solutions. The company offers a comprehensive range of FSW machines tailored to various industrial applications, including automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding. ETA Technology’s commitment to research and development enables it to introduce advanced features and technologies that enhance welding efficiency and precision.

• YAMAZAKI MAZAK CORPORATION is a leading global manufacturer of advanced machine tools and automation systems, including friction stir welding equipment. Renowned for their precision and reliability, MAZAK’s FSW machines are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and railways. The company’s dedication to continuous innovation and integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT and AI, into their equipment ensures high productivity and quality.

• FOOKE GmbH is recognized for its high-quality friction stir welding solutions and extensive experience in the field of precision engineering. The company’s FSW machines are designed to meet the demanding requirements of industries such as aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding. FOOKE’s expertise in developing customized welding solutions and their commitment to technological advancements have earned them a strong reputation in the market.

• PAR Systems is a well-established provider of advanced automation and robotics solutions, including friction stir welding equipment. The company’s FSW machines are engineered to deliver high performance and durability, making them suitable for critical applications in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. PAR Systems’ emphasis on integrating robotics and automation into their FSW solutions enhances operational efficiency and precision.

Recent Developments

• In August 2023, Bond Technologies, Inc. launched PM2 Friction Stir Welding machine. The PM Series is designed for high-volume production of items such as vehicle inverters, electronic enclosures, and small parts, with manufacturing capacities ranging from thousands to millions per year. This innovative machine combines advanced process controls and data management features with a robust, user-friendly mechanical design, providing customers with a fast and reliable solution for demanding production applications.

• In November 2022, Friction Welding Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (FWT) announced its acquisition by Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (MTI), a leading provider of friction and resistance welding technologies with operations in the US and UK.

Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Report Scope

Global Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global friction stir welding equipment market on the basis of type, end use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Fixed FSW Equipment

  • Mobile FSW Equipment

  • Robotic FSW Equipment

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Aerospace

  • Automotive

  • Shipbuilding

  • Railways

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE