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According to our LPI (LP Information) latest study, the global Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market size was valued at US$ 69 million in 2023. With growing demand in downstream market, the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 178.8 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 14.5% during review period.
The research report highlights the growth potential of the global Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment are expected to show stable growth in the future market. However, product differentiation, reducing costs, and supply chain optimization remain crucial for the widespread adoption of Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment. Market players need to invest in research and development, forge strategic partnerships, and align their offerings with evolving consumer preferences to capitalize on the immense opportunities presented by the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market.
Vacuum induction melting and inert gas atomization is the leading process for production of a variety of high-performance metal powders and essential for quality manufacturing of Ni-based super-alloys as well as Fe-, Co-, Cr-based and other special alloy powders. In the VIGA system, a vacuum induction melting unit is integrated with an inert gas atomization unit. The starting materials are melted using electromagnetic induction which couples electrical power into the crucible/material under vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere. Once the desired melt homogeneity and chemical composition have been achieved, the material is poured into a tundish by crucible tilting. The fine metal stream flowing from the tundish orifice into the atomization nozzle system is subject to a high-pressure, inert-gas jet and then atomized. The combination of molten metal and gas jet creates a spray of micro-droplets that solidifies in the atomization tower and forms fine powder with spherical shape.
VIGA is where the melting and pouring of the alloy prior to atomisation is carried out in a vacuum chamber, to allow the production of the most oxidation-sensitive and reactive alloys, especially Fe-, Ni- and Co-based alloys containing Al, titanium and rare earths. This includes superalloys' such as IN718, maraging steels and M-Cr-Al-Y alloys. This technique was developed from the 1950s and 1960s when there was a push to explore the potential benefits of rapid solidification (RS) to allow the production of more highly alloyed superalloys for aerospace and defence applications. This proved to be a very challenging field of application but, after several decades of development, is now absorbing many thousands of tonnes per year of VIGA-produced superalloy powders. This intensive development has meant that the technology lends itself well to producing powders for HIP, MIM and AM. Oxygen contents in the 50-200 ppm range are achievable. Particle shape is, again, spherical with mis-shapes. Particle sizes are as for IGA.
By 1940, air atomisation was a well-established process for the production of zinc, aluminium, and probably also copper/brass/bronze powders. During World War Two, German engineers applied it to pig iron for iron powder production using the RZ process (Roheisen Zunder-Verfahren or pig iron ignition process'). In the 1950s, W D Jones in the UK worked on inert gas atomisation as well as water atomisation and, by the 1960s, plants were being built for thermal spray alloy powder production of the NiCrBSi self-fluxing type. The development of Powder Metallurgy of high alloys and the concept of Rapid Solidification (RS) for refinement of microstructures led to the construction in Sweden of inert gas atomisers for tool steels, which went commercial on a 1-2 t scale in the 1970s. At the same time, the US government invested heavily in R&D on RS superalloys for aerospace and the first Vacuum Inert Gas Atomiser (VIGA) units were constructed with 100-300 kg capacity.
Since then, the use of inert gas atomisation (IGA) with air melting, as well as VIGA, has become widespread in use for thermal spray powders, PM superalloys, AM powders, and MIM powders. VIGA production of superalloy powders in the US alone now amounts to something in the order of 10-20 kt/year.
Inert gas atomisation is the method of choice for more demanding applications, such as MIM, AM, HIP, HVOF, brazing pastes, etc. Nitrogen is the most economic option, but argon is also used on reactive alloys like superalloys and titanium. Helium is used mostly in the production of aluminium and magnesium powders, but there is currently a huge incentive to switch to argon due to the unstable supply and high cost of helium. Total installed capacity of IGA and VIGA probably approaches 100 kt/ year, with large numbers of plants in different countries and industries. They range from tiny plants for a few kgs of precious metal brazing alloy to 3 t/h continuous plants for tool steel production. The fact that they are mostly processing relatively valuable metals and alloys (high value-added, large margin applications) makes small, local, plants economically feasible as opposed to iron powder plants, where low cost and economy of scale is imperative.
Global 5 largest manufacturers of Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment are ALD, PSI, Consarc, Arcast and ACME, which make up over 70%. Among them, ALD is the leader with about 25% market share.
Americas is the largest market, with a share about 45%, followed by Europe and APAC, with the share about 30% and 23%. In terms of product type, Medium VIGA Systems (50~250 kg) occupies the largest share of the total market, about 62%. And in terms of application, the largest application is Metal Powder Manufacturer, followed by Universities and Research Institutes.
Key Features:
The report on Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market reflects various aspects and provide valuable insights into the industry.
Market Size and Growth: The research report provide an overview of the current size and growth of the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. It may include historical data, market Segmentation by Type (e.g., Small VIGA Systems (<50 kg), Medium VIGA Systems (50~250 kg)), and regional breakdowns.
Market Drivers and Challenges: The report can identify and analyse the factors driving the growth of the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market, such as government regulations, environmental concerns, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. It can also highlight the challenges faced by the industry, including infrastructure limitations, range anxiety, and high upfront costs.
Competitive Landscape: The research report provides analysis of the competitive landscape within the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. It includes profiles of key players, their market share, strategies, and product offerings. The report can also highlight emerging players and their potential impact on the market.
Technological Developments: The research report can delve into the latest technological developments in the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment industry. This include advancements in Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment technology, Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment new entrants, Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment new investment, and other innovations that are shaping the future of Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment.
Downstream Procumbent Preference: The report can shed light on customer procumbent behaviour and adoption trends in the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. It includes factors influencing customer ' purchasing decisions, preferences for Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment product.
Government Policies and Incentives: The research report analyse the impact of government policies and incentives on the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. This may include an assessment of regulatory frameworks, subsidies, tax incentives, and other measures aimed at promoting Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market. The report also evaluates the effectiveness of these policies in driving market growth.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability: The research report assess the environmental impact and sustainability aspects of the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market.
Market Forecasts and Future Outlook: Based on the analysis conducted, the research report provide market forecasts and outlook for the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment industry. This includes projections of market size, growth rates, regional trends, and predictions on technological advancements and policy developments.
Recommendations and Opportunities: The report conclude with recommendations for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors. It highlights potential opportunities for market players to capitalize on emerging trends, overcome challenges, and contribute to the growth and development of the Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market.
Market Segmentation:
Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2019-2030, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for consumption value by Type, and by Application in terms of volume and value.
Segmentation by type
Small VIGA Systems (<50 kg)
Medium VIGA Systems (50~250 kg)
Large VIGA Systems (?250 kg)
Segmentation by application
Metal Powder Manufacturer
Universities and Research Institutes
This report also splits the market by region:
Americas
United States
Canada
Mexico
Brazil
APAC
China
Japan
Korea
Southeast Asia
India
Australia
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Russia
Middle East & Africa
Egypt
South Africa
Israel
Turkey
GCC Countries
The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing the company's coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.
ALD
Consarc
PSI
SMS Group
Arcast
Topcast
Avimetal
VMP
ACME
Zhuzhou ShuangLing
Hunan Skyline
Zhuzhou Hanhe
Key Questions Addressed in this Report
What is the 10-year outlook for the global Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market?
What factors are driving Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market growth, globally and by region?
Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?
How do Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment market opportunities vary by end market size?
How does Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization Equipment break out type, application?