The global investment casting market size is expected to reach USD 24.52 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The use of new computer simulation techniques and robotics is projected to boost production rates and contribute to market growth.
The investment casting process is labor-intensive on account of the precision required in the final product, which increases the cost of direct wages to the workers. However, to overcome this, technological advancements have been made by prominent players in the industry with the introduction of electronically operated robotic arms that perform the majority of casting operations. These arms apply various types of ceramic and sand coating to wax patterns and pouring of metal into the cavity.
The investment casting process is widely used for aerospace and automotive parts manufacturing on account of the need for varied sizes and dimensions of the components. The process allows the formation of minute parts by supplying metal casting in the ceramic molds with the exact shape and size of the original components. Several industries are utilizing this process to form the components of desired intricate dimensions.
The process is comparatively easy and accurate as it uses molds to form the components. The wax patterns reflecting detailed measurements of the original component are used as templates, which are then coated with ceramic materials. These patterns are melted and taken out of the mold once the ceramic coatings are hardened. Thus, the exact specification cavities are created inside the molds.
High cost compared to other conventional production methods such as die-casting during high volume production is projected to hinder the market growth. The cost allied to the overall process of the product has a majority share of the raw materials including steel and superalloys. Wax patterns and ceramic or refractory coatings also have significant effects on the overall prices of the process. In addition, expenses paid to the skilled workforce are higher owing to the hazardous and extreme working conditions in the foundries.
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By application, medical sector is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. Demand for investment cast products in dental & surgical tools, implantable parts, MRI machines, X-ray equipment, stretchers, and wheelchairs is projected to contribute to the segment growth
Aerospace & defense accounted for the highest share in terms of the consumption of investment cast products in 2022. Several manufacturers of aerospace parts utilize the process to manufacture specialized components for large-size aircraft
Growth in the oil & gas industry across the globe has resulted in ascending demand for casting components. Highly engineered product components manufactured via the investment casting process are utilized in offshore and onshore drilling operations and hydraulic fracturing applications
North America accounted for a revenue share of 36.6% in 2022 of the global market, owing to the high production capacity of key players in the region. The region exhibits a high demand for aerospace and automotive cast finished parts
Grand View Research has segmented the investment casting market on the basis of application and region:
Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Aerospace & Defense
Automotive
Oil & Gas
Medical
Mechanical Engineering
Automation
Food & Beverages And Packaging Industry
Energy Technology
Transportation
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
Russia
U.K.
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Australia
Central & South America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
List of Key Players in the Investment Casting Market
Arconic, Inc.
Doncasters Group Ltd.
Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
MetalTek International
Signicast
Precision Castparts Corp (Berkshire Hathaway)
Zollern GmbH and Co. KG
Impro Precision Industries Limited
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