Metal Fiber Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Steel, Nickel, Copper, Aluminum, and Others), By Technology (Bundle Drawing, Foil Shaving, Machining, And Melt Spinning), By Application (ESD/EMI Protection, Filtration, Hot Glass Manipulation, Electrical Cables, Specialties, and Others), By End-Use (Textile, Automotive, Aerospace, Power & Electronics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global metal fiber market size was USD 4,701.0 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 6,561.6 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the metal fiber market with a market share of 49.9% in 2019.

Characteristics of metal fiber such as corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and high tensile strength are expected to drive the market. Its usage in textiles for weaving purposes and in the fashion sector for the manufacturing of handbags, stilettos, and apparel is projected to fuel the market growth. The rising demand for the product from various industries, including automotive, textiles, aerospace, and others are projected to fuel its demand.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Adverse Impact on the Automotive Industry to Decline Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has started to affect metal production and is threatening industrial development. Since COVID-19 spread around the globe, public meetings and travel has been shut owing to the initiatives such as social distancing, and lockdown taken by governments of various countries. Thus increasing inventory, coupled with the decreasing demand, resulted in a fall in the prices of metals such as steel. Not only has the pandemic affected metal consumption, but it has also disrupted mining operations, which would further limit the supply of metals in the market. Thus, it would hamper production.

The automotive industry has seen the effect of the coronavirus crisis evolve from a mere supply restriction to a complete shutdown globally. Automotive and component manufacturing plants are being shuttered around the world, consumer footfalls in showrooms have dropped sharply, vehicle sales are dropping dramatically, and nearly every major event in the industry is either being canceled or is being held digitally.

METAL FIBER MARKET TRENDS

Increasing Use of Metal Fiber for Sound Attenuation in the Aerospace Industry is a Current Trend

Hydraulic systems are the driving force behind many components of aviation. Any malfunction can have catastrophic consequences. Hence, keeping those systems clean and in good working order is important. Therefore, it is highly costly to remove the parts. In-line filters are required to eliminate the contaminants from the hydraulic fluid. The media within those filters are either metal or glass fiber. Binders hold glass fiber media together, making it structurally weaker than media. On the other hand, the metal fiber media is extremely strong. Sintering can bind the fibers together, stopping them from breaking apart.

Porous metal fiber media may be used as an aircraft sound attenuation element. For example, with metal fiber silencer elements, the sound of the cabin air conditioning system can be kept safely under control. The volume of air traffic is surging and cities are becoming increasingly populated. Because airports tend to be located near or within towns, a growing number of residents are suffering from noise pollution from aircraft. That has already led to restrictions on air traffic. Aircraft that are more silent are required to accommodate the need for restrictions on air traffic and noise pollution. Thus, the growing demand for silent aircraft is further driving the global market growth.

METAL FIBER MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

Growing Demand from Textile Industry to Drive the Global Market

In the textile industry, metal fibers were introduced for producing conductive or antistatic textiles, conductive fibers and yarns for smart textiles, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding fibers and yarns, and others. The application of 0.5% to 6% of the fibers leads to an antistatic finish of clothes, as well as of other products. Such textiles can prevent electrostatic discharge (ESDs) and are used, for example in the pharmaceutical or optical industry, in addition to home textiles, electronic devices, military applications, and clean rooms.

Over the last decade, conductive textiles, also known as e-textiles or smart textiles, reported rising interest in research. Electrodes made of conductive yarns can be incorporated into biomedical clothing that is used for the long-term monitoring of physiological parameters or home health care. Increasing concerns about EMI shielding have led to the development of a variety of textile shielding that is used for protective fabrics, gaskets and seals, or wall coverings. A wide variety of stainless steel filaments can be combined with different materials to achieve properties such as high strength and durability for the manufacturing of garments, cut-resistant gloves, and sleeves.

If two unlike materials come into contact and are separated from each other, a charge may build up, for example by friction or fabric rubbing. Electro-static discharge is the transfer of this charge from one body to another, resulting in an electric current. Fibers and yarns of steel are highly efficient in conducting static electricity away from people & goods, and transmitting that energy when grounded to the earth.

Steel fiber-containing fabrics do not charge in earthy conditions, even after several washes. It can be used in a number of applications for anti-static textiles. Protective textiles may need a special yarn that can provide anti-static protection. Steel fibers end up in the most intense conditions, such as in oil and gas installations.

Stringent Regulation against Automotive Emissions to Fuel Growth

Gasoline and diesel are the two main oil products that are majorly used in automotive. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), oil products currently account for 96% of transport energy, while greenhouse gas emissions accounted for 97%. Relatively, the energy-saving and emission-reducing effect of diesel-powered vehicles is self-evident. Diesel vehicle’s performance is generally higher than gasoline vehicles and has lower CO₂ emissions. However, the rapid production of diesel engines often causes significant contamination of the atmosphere.

The Federal Environment Agency of Germany has noticed that the amount of exhaust gas emitted by a diesel engine can cause an increase in the ozone concentration in the air. That kind of tiny particle has become fewer and fewer, with the development of diesel engine technology. When inhaled by the human body, these tiny particles produced by diesel engines can cause respiratory disease, inflammation of the heart, and cardiovascular disease. Their long-term effects can also contribute to lung cancer.

Countries around the world have continually taken steps and introduced more stringent laws and guidelines, thereby limiting emissions from internal combustion engines in order to protect the atmosphere and safeguard humans. In 2006, the European Parliament approved the emission requirements for vehicles: Euro V and Euro VI. This means the EU will further increase its cap, specifically exhaust particulate emissions and nitrogen oxides. According to Euro V emission standards, the diesel particle emissions will be reduced to 80%. From 2009, all diesel vehicles sold in Europe must have particulate filters installed.

To meet the automotive pollution requirements, oil vapor emissions from an internal combustion engine must be eliminated from the exhaust air. This represents an important challenge for engine filter manufacturers. A crankcase airflow filter removes oil droplets from engine-driven blow-by gases. It requires a non-woven stainless steel medium with superior porosity. The blow-by gasses flow through the tortuous structure; the medium absorbs and coalesces the oil vapor into large droplets that are then collected and recirculated to the engine. When the oil is removed, only clean dry gas remains. The low-pressure drop of the medium and the high separation and drainage level avoid clogging, which makes the filtration process more energy-efficient and decreases oil consumption.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Manufacturing Costs and Availability of Substitutes to Hinder Growth

Technologically advanced countries in the world have successfully studied metal fiber production technology. The preparation of this technology includes many fields, such as non-woven manufacturing, porous materials, powder metallurgy, and pressure handling. This technological level is the major restraint to the growth of the market. Since this is the high-tech sector, many manufacturing equipments is not aligned with new research & design of metal fiber. Most of the companies possess non-standard manufacturing equipment. Ceramics, carbon fiber, and other fabrics are cheaper substitutes for metal fibers and have a lighter gravity in common. Steel fiber still holds a large market share and is the major impediment to the expansion of the market.

METAL FIBER MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Analysis

Steel Segment to Hold a Significant Share Stoked by Its Non-structural Applications

Based on the product, the market is segmented into steel, nickel, copper, aluminum, and others. The steel segment held the major share of the market due to the growing non-structural applications and their ability to boost resistance and strength. The growing demand for steel fibers for heatable textiles is driving the demand for steel fibers in the textile industry. Continuous stainless steel yarns, including shoes, sleeping bags, boots, and car seats, can be used for a wide variety of heatable textiles. The yarns should be extremely flexible and supple, so that they can be easily integrated into any type of textile while ensuring the wearer or user a high level of comfort.

The aluminum segment is also projected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Steel and aluminum are used in body, chassis, beams, and other components in the automotive and aerospace industries. This is expected to fuel the market.

By Technology Analysis

Bundle Drawing Segment to Lead Owing to Production of Fine-tuned Metal Fiber

In terms of technology, the market is segmented into bundle drawing, foil shaving, machining, and melt spinning. The bundle drawing segment constituted for the primary share of the market. This technology enables the creation of continuous metal fiber bundles with lengths up to several kilometers. The cross-section of fibers is octagonal due to the design of the operation. This technology can be fine-tuned to produce high-quality fibers, resulting in smooth and very thin fibers with small diameter equivalent width. Fibers with diameters down to 14 μm and more rectangular cross-section are feasible with the foil-shaving system. This creates semi-continuous fiber bundles or staple fibers.

By Application Analysis

ESD/EMI Protection Segment will Rapidly Expand Due to Increasing Usage in Textiles

On the basis of application, the metal fiber industry is classified into ESD/EMI protection, filtration, hot glass manipulation, electrical cables, specialties, and others. Metal fibers, such as brushes, big bags, plastic compounds, carpets & upholstery fabrics, and personal protective clothing, are used to protect a variety of products against ESD and EMI. The rising demand for ESD/EMI protection in textile is anticipated to boost the overall industry growth. To provide ESD/EMI shielding, fibers and yarns can be used. They can also provide various properties, such as heating or electro-conductive in general, a conduit to transfer power, heat- resistant or cut-resistant properties, data, or signals.

Filtration applications range from petrol filtration, diesel and gasoline particulate filtration, HEPA filtration, inkjet filtration, hydraulic fluid filter media, silicone melt filtration, marine oil & lube filtration media, and crankcase ventilation filter media. The various use of filtration in the vehicle, coupled with their rising demand, is expected to boost the filtration segment.

By End-Use Analysis

Textile Segment to Generate the Highest Revenue During the Forecast Period

On the basis of end-use, the market is segmented into textile, automotive, aerospace, power & electronics, and others. Textile is a major end-use industry of the metal fibers for shielding textiles from electromagnetic interference. Electrostatic energy can build up in many different ways. Examples include contact and separation of a person's shoe soles from the ground, contact between the clothing and skin, or even induction when a person enters a charged object's electrical field. The solution is to put on anti-static shoes and clothes. They are made from yarn composed of a mixture of stainless steel, polyester, or cotton fiber with properties of electrostatic discharging. Continuous stainless steel yarns, including shoes, sleeping bags, boots, and car seats, can be used for a wide variety of heatable textiles. Stainless steel fibers and yarns are an ideal components for shielding textiles from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

In automotive, this can be used as an efficient and durable filter with high sound absorption to remove the need for a muffler or silencer. If the filter uses a low temperature for regeneration only, no complex regeneration strategy is needed. To meet automotive pollution requirements, oil vapor emissions from an internal combustion engine must be eliminated from the exhaust air. It requires a non-woven stainless steel fiber with superior porosity.

REGIONAL METAL FIBER MARKET ANALYSIS

The market size in the Asia Pacific stood at USD 2,345.8 million in 2019. The Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2019 and is likely to maintain its position throughout the forecast period owing to the substantial demand from China, India, and other countries. Moreover, India is expected to experience considerable demand from the automotive and textile industries. Major multinationals, such as Bekaert are planning to extend their production facilities for fiber manufacturing in the region.

The high usage of textile products such as carpets & upholstery fabrics, protective clothing, and plastic compounds are increasing their demand in the region. In addition, the region has established various automotive industry manufacturers, which, in turn, would boost the market growth in this region.

Europe is expected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period due to the usage of this product in thermal clothing for the manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) mainly used in food & beverages, construction, and mining industries.

Growing industrialization in countries, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile is expected to boost the demand for the market. In the region demand for the market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period due to increasing demand from the clothing, power and electronics, chemical, and other end-use industries.

Rising infrastructure and construction in the Middle East & Africa is anticipated to drive the market in the region. In construction projects, steel fibers are mostly used to incorporate concrete for structural improvements and improvements in explosive spalling.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Bekaert to Hold the Major Share in the Global Market

Some of the key players in the metal fiber market include Bekaert, Deutsches Metallfaserwerk Dr. Schwabbauer GmbH & Co. KG, Fibrometals, Green Steel Group, and others. These companies are interested in the implementation of various inorganic and organic approaches to improve their footprint in the industry.

Through innovation, strong R&D facility, acquisition, and investment, the companies tend to offer their products and boost demand. The industry has a strong role in the trading, commodity production, and distribution and marketing strategies of major companies. The report offers an in-depth competitive landscape with their business profiles, key market strategies, and recent innovations of these key players in the global industry.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN METAL FIBER MARKET:

• Bekaert (Belgium)


• Deutsches Metallfaserwerk Dr. Schwabbauer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• IntraMicron (U.S.)


• NIKKO TECHNO, Ltd. (Belgium)


• CREAFIBRES SAS (France)


• Green Steel Group (Italy)


• Fibrometals (Romania)


• Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• MBC Metal Limited (China)


• Addas Group (Egypt)


• GUVEN METAL (Turkey)


• BinNova GmbH & Co KG (Germany)


• Other Key Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2018 – Bekaert announced to cease all Dramix steel fiber manufacturing activities in Orotina, Costa Rica and to close Bekaert Costa Rica SA, the respective company. The entity's high-cost base and increased competitive price pressure in the construction markets served in Latin America have affected the financial performance of the plant to a level that is no longer sustainable.

REPORT COVERAGE

The metal fiber market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, products, and applications. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

This report includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the latest market dynamics and opportunities in the industry.

Report Scope & Segmentation