The global value of metal powders made into parts was $4.7 billion in 2010, but is expected to increase to nearly $6.6 billion in 2015, for a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, according to a new technical market research report from BCC Research. The global value of parts made from those metal powders is also projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.8% to nearly $14 billion in 2015, after being valued at $10 billion in 2010.

Powder metallurgy (PM) is a mature business whose major customer continues to be the automotive industry. Over the past three years, the powder metal industry has been severely limited by the global financial crisis and the ensuing recession. The automobile industry, in particular, has suffered declining sales and, consequently, production volume. This, in turn, has had a negative impact on the sales of powder metals and parts made from them. In this study, however, BCC Research sees some positive signs for the PM industry. For example, small but positive growth is expected to resume in 2010 as the automotive industry begins its recovery.

PM eventually could become an industry with saturated markets and grow largely by acquisition or increasing market share. PM technology is still evolving, however, and the industry has adapted particulates (or powders and materials that are not made solely of metals). Products are changing as well, and PM can be adapted or modified to meet their demands.

For additional details, visit www.bccresearch.com.