Market Trends of Thermal Spray Coatings Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Thermal Spray Coatings Market according to our research experts:
Increasing Demand from the Aerospace Industry
- In the aerospace sector, thermal spray coatings are extensively used as protective coatings to protect aircraft components and repair old ones. The usage of thermal spray coatings for aircraft gas turbines provides various advantages, such as better corrosion resistance, resistance from contaminants, improved thermal efficiency, reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOX), actuation systems, and to provide high thermal resistance, and increased component life.
- Thermal sprays are primarily employed for various purposes in jet engine components, such as crankshafts, piston rings, cylinders, valves, etc. In addition to these, they are also applied in the landing gear coating (bearings and axles inside the landing gear) to withstand the forces during landing and take-off.
- Most superalloy materials used to manufacture aircraft components and equipment possess good oxidation characteristics but are not corrosion and erosion resistant. Aviation components are subjected to harsh environments, exceptionally high heat, pressures, and abrasive chemicals. Thermal spray coatings significantly protect expensive engine components by extending the component life and improving performance.
- Thermal spray coatings, such as zirconium oxide, aluminum bronze, and cobalt-molybdenum, are used for coating purposes in rocket combustion chambers, compressor air seals, and high-pressure nozzles, respectively. In addition, chromium cobalt, aluminum oxide, and chromium carbide coatings are employed in turbine air seals, fuel nozzles, and turbine vanes. High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray and plasma spray processes are the majorly used processes in this sector.
- In 2021, the United States contributed some USD 89.1 billion in aerospace exports, making it the leading country in aerospace exports. The country is home to some of the leading manufacturers in the aerospace sector, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. As of 2021, six of the 12 leading aerospace and defense companies are based in the United States.
- Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & African regions are expected to witness rapid expansion in the aviation sector, owing to rising consumer incomes and investments in transportation infrastructure shortly.
- Asia-Pacific airlines registered substantial international growth four months in a row, reaching a year-on-year recovery rate of 453.3% in May, a significant increase from 103.5% in January 2022.
- Moreover, in 2021, the production value in the aerospace manufacturing industry was estimated to amount to approximately JPY 1.48 trillion (USD 13.96 billion), down from around JPY 1.61 trillion (USD 15.19 billion) in the previous fiscal year.
- All the factors mentioned above are expected to boost the consumption of thermal spray coatings in the aerospace industry during the forecast period.
North America to Dominate the Market
- North America represented the largest regional market for global thermal spray coatings. The United States is expected to remain the region's primary market for thermal spray coatings, owing to the increasing demand for improved performance at competitive costs and meeting all the regulations and industry standards.
- The United States is one of the world's largest producers of the automotive industry. The country's automotive production recorded robust growth in 2021 after the pandemic. In 2021, automotive production stood at 9.17 million units 2021, a 4% growth from the previous year.
- Additionally, strong exports of aerospace components to countries such as France, China, and Germany, along with robust consumer spending in the United States, are driving the manufacturing activities in the aerospace industry.
- According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the total commercial aircraft fleet is expected to reach 8,270 by 2037 from 5,791 in 2021, owing to the growth in air cargo. Also, the US mainliner carrier fleet is expected to grow to 54 aircraft per year due to the existing fleet getting older.
- The Canadian aerospace industry contributed around USD 24 billion to the country's GDP in 2021. The Canadian aerospace industry exports over 75% of its products to over 190 countries across six continents.
- Such factors above, in turn, increase the demand for thermal spray coatings in the region during the forecast period.