U.S. Ceramic Balls Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Silicon, Alumina, Zirconia, and Others), By Function (Inert and Active), By Application (Bearing, Grinding, Valve, and Others), By End-user (Automotive, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Aerospace, Medical, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. ceramic balls market size was worth USD 62.7 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.

Ceramic balls are rolling, circular components giving lighter weight, higher unbending nature, decreased thermal capacity, intensified resistance to corrosion, and better electrical resistance than steel balls. They are created from a combination of a few ceramic materials. A combination of ceramic powder binders is squeezed into a preformed shape for assembly; accuracy and lapping are fundamental for deciding ceramic ball specifications and design. A mix of different ceramic mixtures can be picked, creating these balls as indicated by end-users prerequisites. A few mixes are aluminum silicate, silicon nitride, alumina, boron carbide, alumina-zirconia, aluminum nitride, and boron nitride. The COVID-19 pandemic had a stringent effect on the U.S. ceramic balls market, with restrictions on the production and transportation activities in the ceramic industry.

U.S. Ceramic Balls Market Trends

Rising Utility from Wind Farms Will Create Opportunity to Propel Market Growth

Due to rising urbanization, there is a growing requirement for the expansion of wind turbine farms in size and power generation. Subsequently, the edge length, tower height, and generator size have increased, leading to expanded load and size requirements. Silicon nitride metal balls have a life span and burden, conveying the ability to satisfy these needs. This is anticipated to set out worthwhile demand for ceramic balls over the forecast period.

According to the U.S. Advanced Ceramics Association report, growing demand for advanced ceramics will attract significant investments in changing Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) into commercial gas turbine engines. For Instance, General Electric is currently creating CMC parts for its new LEAP gas turbine motor, with orders of over 6,000 units. The airplane business is expected to save USD 1 million for each motor using CMCs. Rolls Royce additionally wants to create advanced ceramic parts for gas turbine motors. Both companies believe CMCs to be basic to fulfilling the need for more prominent eco-friendliness in flying propulsion.

U.S. Ceramic Balls Market Growth Factors

Increasing Demand from EV Automobile Industry to Fuel Market Growth

Ceramic hybrid electric engine quality has steel races and ceramic clays. Ceramic balls are reasonable for applications where high speeds, burdens, and temperatures are maintained. Longer life and the requirement for adequate oil make this material proper for outrageous applications. Ceramics are lighter than steel and are non-destructive, non-attractive, and non-permeable materials. The EV industry is continuously evolving and tracking down ways of enhancing and further developing key innovations, such as batteries, chargers, and electric engines. In this way, the basic prerequisites in the auto will rotate and assist with developing the ceramic ball extension in the U.S.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuations in Prices of Raw Materials to Hamper Market Growth

Ceramic balls are widely used in various applications due to their excellent mechanical and physical properties. However, their fluctuation in raw material prices compared to other types of balls can be a significant market restraint. Additionally, ceramic balls are brittle and can break easily under certain conditions. Hence, the production process of ceramic balls is complex and requires specialized equipment, which further adds to the overall cost of the product.

U.S. Ceramic Balls Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Based on material, the market is segmented into silicon, alumina, zirconia, and others.

Alumina balls segment is the leading contributor to the market. Alumina balls have enormous advantages in terms of higher thickness, having a standard shape, proficiently classifying, grouping, and predominant crushing efficiency.

The growth of silicon nitride balls is attributed to their amazing mechanical properties. This would expand their adoption in oil and gas, industrial wear, carrying liquid metal, synthetic substances, and metal framing. These factors support the growth opportunities for this segment in the coming years.

By Function Analysis

Based on function, the market is segmented into inert and active.

The inert segment held the largest U.S. ceramic balls market share in 2022 and is expected to maintain its share with the rising interest from the auto business and the developing establishment for using bearings and valves.

Activated balls are highly attracted to oxide and alkali, with defluorination impacts that are convenient to maintain. These factors show the major upturn opportunity in the market during the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented into grinding, bearing, valve, and others.

The bearing segment dominates the market due to expansion in aviation and auto ventures with expanded strength and shock resistance abilities. The significant benefit of utilizing clay grinding balls instead of steel balls is the proficient energy saving, which reduces 20 - 30% in primary engine current, diminishes concrete temperature, and lessens the surrounding noise. Thus, the growing demand for the bearing segment is estimated to be employed in an application that helps to restore market share.

Ceramic balls are used in grinding applications due to their high hardness and wear resistance. They can be used as grinding media in ball mills, vibration mills, and other types of grinding equipment. These balls can grind materials to fine particles and withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments.

By End-user Analysis

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, chemical, medical, and others.

The automotive segment is the leading end-user segment of the market. Driven by the supported demand for cars and steady government strategy, the market will see a strong rebound in 2022 and robust development over the approaching ten years. Clay balls are broadly utilized in auto fabricating for their advantages, including higher durability, shock opposition, and quicker functional speed.

In the aerospace industry, these balls are utilized in gyrators, stream meters, and airframes. This large number of elements will assist with creating the demand for the balls across different industries. The increasing demand in various end-use industries will drive the U.S. market growth in the upcoming years.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Ceramic Balls Market

The market represents the existence of renowned and emerging ceramic ball manufacturers in terms of the competitive landscape. Saint-Gobain, SKF, CoorsTek, Inc., and Toshiba Materials Co. Ltd. are some of the leading companies in the U.S. market. Key market participants compete majorly on the basis of price and application characteristics of the product. They are focusing on social marketing, product advancement, acquisitions, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Saint-Gobain (France)


• SKF (Sweden)


• CoorsTek, Inc. (U.S.)


• Tsubaki Nakashima Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Toshiba Materials Co. Ltd. (Japan)


• CCR Products (U.S.)


• Christy Catalytics (U.S)


• Petrogas U.S.A (U.S)


• STR Industries (U.S.)


• Jyoti Ceramic Industries Pvt. Ltd. (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022: SKF and NIO announced that they are extending their strategic partnership and cooperation agreement to supply ceramic ball bearings and provide wide-ranging technical expertise to support NIO’s product development and global expansion plans.


• June 2022: CoorsTek invested over USD 50 million to create a state-of-the-art advanced material manufacturing center that will lead to innovation in global markets at 230,000 square feet and doubles down the production output in Benton, Arkansas facility.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on aspects such as material, function, application, end-user, and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into the latest market trends. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of technological advancements, new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation