Metal Cleaning Equipment Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Chemical Type (Solvent & Aqueous), By Operation Mode (Fully-Automatic, Semi-Automatic, & Manual), By Application (Automotive & Aerospace, General Manufacturing & Others) and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global metal cleaning equipment market size was USD 1,446.5 million in 2020. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with metal cleaning equipment witnessing a negative impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a lower growth of 2.2% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The market is projected to grow from USD 1,494.2 million in 2021 to USD 1,888.7 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 3.4% in the 2021-2028, forecast period. The rise in the CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The surge in precision machining is resulting in an increased demand for components’ cleanliness to obtain perfect, reliable, and efficient finished products. This is attributed to the increasing demand for precision parts from various industries including aerospace, pharmaceutical, semiconductors, defense, medical, and computer tech. In addition to this, advancements in laser & optics, sensors, and materials are further expected to drive the precision engineering sector. Thus, the increasing demand for critical cleaning chemicals aimed at the prevention of future equipment failure is likely to drive the adoption of precision cleaning systems.

Reduced Supply and Movement of Raw Materials to Hinder Growth Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

The impact of COVID-19 on economic conditions, especially on the metal industry, is highly uncertain. As per secondary research, the mining and metal industry’s average share price has dropped by approximately 9% and leading companies have lost approximately 30 – 45% of their market value.

The pandemic has not only impacted the present situation but is changing the way companies approach their production and supply chain processes in the future. As per the survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), approximately 75% of manufacturers got affected by the pandemic, which has resulted in a roughly 23% decrease in supply chain processes, thus causing disruptions. As a result, metal cleaning equipment manufacturers are experiencing impending results with the supply chain being the most affected division.

Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 is more pronounced in China. The World Economic Forum stated that industrial production in China has fallen by approximately 13.5% in January and February 2020 combined as compared to 2019. The effects of supply chain disruptions in China are inevitable. The cross-provincial domestic supply chain across China is experiencing a downfall, owing to the delayed shipment of raw materials and critical parts.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Focus of Manufacturers on Providing Specialty Products to Propel the Market

Metal cleaning machine manufacturers are continuously modifying and developing customized solutions to better cater to the application-specific demands of customers. For instance, Firbimatic Spa caters to special installation as well as customer requirements for applications in different sectors including medical, mechanical engineering, and defense. Companies are providing solutions based on the customer’s production process by performing the cleaning test on the original components in their test centers. For instance, Rosler Group and SBS Ecoclean Group provide trial cleaning of original components in their test centers under real production conditions with ideal working conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Emphasis on Interactive and Adaptive Cleaning to Fuel the Market

The increasing shift towards connected and intelligent machines is driving changes in the cleaning equipment market. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of industry 4.0 solutions is likely to result in the growth of the metal cleaning machines market. For instance, intelligent generators in ultrasonic cleaning, which can configure, monitor, and optimize their operation, are gaining popularity among consumers. Thus, the incorporation of sophisticated technologies for continuous in-line monitoring, adjustments, and control of clean baths is becoming a common feature in wet chemical cleaning plants. Further, the increasing popularity of smart manufacturing, big data, and the internet of things is expected to result in improved efficiency with a wide range of materials and cleaning media. Hence, these factors are anticipated to create a huge demand for cleaning products in the near future.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Government Regulations to Impact Metal Cleaning Equipment Market Growth

Rising health concerns among workers owing to the use of different chemicals in metal cleaning equipment are expected to result in the slow growth of the market. Besides, the increasing environmental risks and the impact of contamination and waste generation as a result of metal cleaning during the coating process is likely to decrease product adoption in the near future. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency and California OSHA limit the exposure of personnel to toxic chemicals.

SEGMENTATION

By Chemical Type Analysis

Increasing Shift towards Aqueous-based Solutions to Result in Market Growth

Based on the chemical type, the market is segmented into solvent and aqueous.

The solvent-based segment holds a major metal cleaning equipment market share. This is attributed to the high cleaning efficiency of solvent-based solutions to remove dirt, containments, thick and baked oils, greases, and solder flux from metal parts. Furthermore, a variety of solvents can be used to create a specific chemistry in order to remove specific substrates while leaving the others untouched. The solvents commonly used are methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, trichloroethylene, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene glycol. In addition to this, the various benefits offered by solvents, including energy efficiency, ease in the complex part cleaning process, high efficiency, and reduced or no drying costs, are resulting in increased product adoption. However, rising concerns regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many solvents are affecting the growth of solvents. VOCs have the ability to contribute to smog formation and result in long-term health and environmental impacts. Thus, companies are adopting low or no VOC solvents to ensure worker and environment safety.

Growing environmental awareness has resulted in a shift towards aqueous-based cleaning systems. As an aqueous solution does not contain VOCs or any ozone depletion chemicals, it is not flammable. Furthermore, stringent government regulations are resulting in greater adoption of aqueous solutions. For instance, the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols limit the categories of ozone-depleting substances including chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons. In addition to this, the California Air Review Board restricts the VOC content in cleaners based on specific cleaning categories.

By Operation Mode Analysis

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Fully-Automatic Solutions Will Witness Huge Adoption

Based on the operation mode, the market is categorized into fully-automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.

Fully-automatic metal cleaning equipment and solutions are gaining popularity among customers. This is attributed to their benefits such as timely and precise processing with auto loading and unloading features resulting in reduced labor costs. Furthermore, the reduced contact of workers with solvents is further expected to increase the adoption of fully-automatic solutions. In addition to this, the auto-detection of components and their customized cleaning process is resulting in high product adoption.

The cost efficiency has resulted in the adoption of semi-automatic and manual metal cleaning solutions, which have significantly contributed to the growth of the market.

By Application Analysis

Automotive & Aerospace Sector Holds the Major Market Share

Based on application, the market is divided into automotive & aerospace, general manufacturing, and others.

The automotive & aerospace segment is expected to remain dominant owing to the use of metal cleaning equipment for various auto engine parts such as crankshafts, cam shafts, cylinder heads, and others. In addition to this, the increasing demand from automotive systems such as steering and brake systems and turbochargers is further expected to drive product penetration. Besides, the growing adoption of electric vehicles is further expected to contribute to the automotive segment. For instance, in 2018, China manufactured and sold more than 1.2 million plug-in electric vehicles.

Moreover, companies are reporting positive sales growth post the Covid-19 pandemic. NIO Inc. in China stated that first-quarter deliveries rose by 11.7%. In addition to this, increasing product launches are further expected to drive the automotive segment. For instance, in April 2020, Xpeng Motors introduced its P7 high performance, fast-charging, long range, and intelligent EV sports sedan car.

Advancements in the aerospace industry owing to the rise in the tourism and freight transport sector are expected to result in high product adoption.

The surge in the demand from the general manufacturing sector owing to metal cleaning being a primary process to produce finished products is likely to result in market growth. The increasing demand for industrial equipment in developing economies is resulting in the growth of the general manufacturing sector. The other sectors, such as medical, pharmaceutical, and laser & optics, are further expected to positively contribute to market revenue.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Geographically, the global market is categorized into five major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. They are further categorized into countries.

The increased demand for cleanliness and maintenance has resulted in the major market share for North America. Furthermore, the increasing demand from the aerospace sector is further expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the market in the U.S. For instance, in 2018, the U.S. aerospace industry was the largest in the world and recorded exports of USD 151 million. In addition, rising investments in the sector are further expected to boost the revenue of the market. For instance, the U.S. aerospace industry had noted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of more than USD 22 million by the end of 2018. Besides, an FDI of more than USD 114.6 million was observed in the automotive industry in 2018. Thus, the positive trend in the U.S. automotive & aerospace sectors over the past few years has significantly contributed to the growth of the market for metal cleaning equipment.

The Asia Pacific market is the fastest-growing market owing to the increasing demand from the manufacturing sector in developed and developing Asian economies. Favorable government initiatives such as subsidies and incentives to manufacturers are further expected to drive the manufacturing industry in Asia Pacific. For instance, in 2019, China launched the “Made in China 2025” initiative to develop China as a high-tech manufacturing base.

The increasing demand to remove inorganic and organic contaminants from workpieces in various industries including manufacturing, aerospace, and medical precision components is resulting in product adoption in Europe. Furthermore, the increasing demand for compact, high efficiency, and reduced waste generation products is driving the market. The increasing cutting tools manufacturing for precision and complex machining in various industry verticals such as medical, aerospace, and industrial machinery is expected to drive the European market. Besides, increasing manufacturing activities in Mexico are likely to contribute to market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players to Focus on Product Enhancement through Introduction of Innovative Offerings

The advancements in products have resulted in a significant competitive advantage for the companies. For instance, in 2019, the Ecoclean Group presented a future-oriented range of solutions at the Precision Machined Technology Show (PMTS), Cleveland. The product portfolio also included EcoCCore that offers process tracking with integrated partial visualization features. The company also provides technology center services where contamination and residual analysis and compatibility tests are performed to determine the cleaning medium and equipment. These test centers are globally present offering comprehensive advice and local market after-sales service. The company also provides various services including cleanliness analysis testing, product, and maintenance training.

The increasing cleanliness demand for parts such as pump housing and hydraulic or pneumatic systems is expected to result in the development of advanced products. Thus, manufacturers are focusing on the development of breakthrough technologies. Furthermore, companies are also focusing on plant expansion. For instance, in 2020, Tierra Tech Mexico expanded its facilities at Celaya’s factory in Mexico owing to the company’s growth in the country. The company has expanded the production and storage areas along with cleaning test rooms and production space.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• TIERRATECH (United States)


• MecWash Systems Limited (United Kingdom)


• SBS Ecoclean Group (Germany)


• Firbimatic Spa (Italy)


• Metalwash Ltd (United Kingdom)


• Rosler Group (Germany)


• Rippert Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• LS Industries (United States)


• Shenzhen Keepahead Ultrasonic Equipment Co., Ltd (China)


• Cemastir Lavametalli Srl (Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2020: Firbimatic Spa introduced its SFK Evolution 50, a modified alcohol degreasing system specially designed for UTC / Collins Aerospace of Rockford. This machine is intended for the precision cleaning of complex components through hermetic washing type & cycle.


• August 2019: SBS Ecoclean introduced its EcoCvelox plant concept, which combines various low-pressure with high-pressure water jet deburring techniques in one process only. This system provides rapid and easy programming with high efficiency and compactness.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global metal cleaning equipment industry report provides a detailed industry analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product type, and leading applications of the product. Besides, it offers insights into the current market trends and highlights drivers and restraints. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation