Metallic glass, also known as amorphous metal or glassy metal, is a relatively new class of material with unique properties that make it attractive for a wide range of applications. Unlike traditional metals, which have a crystalline structure, metallic glass has a disordered atomic structure that gives it superior strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. The metallic glass market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the metallic glass market, including its meaning, executive summary, key market insights, market drivers, market restraints, market opportunities, market dynamics, regional analysis, competitive landscape, segmentation, category-wise insights, key benefits for industry participants and stakeholders, SWOT analysis, market key trends, Covid-19 impact, key industry developments, analyst suggestions, future outlook, and conclusion.
Metallic glass is a type of amorphous metal that has a non-crystalline atomic structure. Unlike traditional metals, which have a regular, repeating atomic structure, metallic glass atoms are randomly arranged, similar to the structure of glass. This disordered atomic structure gives metallic glass unique properties, such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, which make it attractive for various industrial applications. Metallic glass is typically made by cooling a molten metal at a very high rate, which prevents the atoms from forming a crystalline structure.
Executive Summary
The metallic glass market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The market is also driven by the superior properties of metallic glass, such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, the high cost of production and limited availability of raw materials may restrain market growth. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the metallic glass market due to the presence of key manufacturers and increasing demand from various end-use industries.
Important Note:ย The companies listed in the image above are for reference only. The final study will cover 18โ20 key players in this market, and the list can be adjusted based on our clientโs requirements.
Key Market Insights
- The global metallic glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period (2021-2026).
- The aerospace industry is expected to be the largest end-use industry for metallic glass, due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in aircraft manufacturing.
- The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the metallic glass market due to the presence of key manufacturers and increasing demand from various end-use industries.
- The market is characterized by the presence of a few large players and several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- The high cost of production and limited availability of raw materials may restrain market growth.
- The increasing demand for metallic glass in the automotive and electronics industries is expected to create new opportunities for market growth.
Market Drivers
- Superior Properties of Metallic Glass
Metallic glass has superior properties compared to traditional metals, such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. This makes it attractive for various industrial applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in these industries is driving the growth of the metallic glass market.
- Increasing Demand from Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is one of the largest end-use industries for metallic glass. The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in aircraft manufacturing is driving the growth of the metallic glass market. Metallic glass is used in various aircraft components, such as landing gear, engine blades, and wing structures, due to its superior properties.
Market Restraints
- High Cost of Production
The high cost of production is one of the major restraints for the metallic glass market. The manufacturing process of metallic glass involves a rapid cooling technique, which requires specialized equipment and skilled labor. This leads to high production costs, making metallic glass products more expensive than traditional metal products.
- Limited Availability of Raw Materials
The availability of raw materials is another major restraint for the metallic glass market. Metallic glass is made from a combination of metals, such as zirconium, copper, nickel, and titanium. The limited availability of these raw materials, coupled with their high cost, makes it challenging for manufacturers to scale up production and meet the increasing demand for metallic glass.
Market Opportunities
- Increasing Demand from Electronics Industry
The electronics industry is emerging as a significant opportunity for the metallic glass market. Metallic glass is used in electronic components, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), sensors, and magnetic storage devices, due to its unique properties. The increasing demand for high-performance electronics is expected to drive the growth of the metallic glass market in the coming years.
- Growing Demand from Energy Industry
The energy industry is also a potential opportunity for the metallic glass market. Metallic glass is used in various energy-related applications, such as energy storage, fuel cells, and solar cells, due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. The increasing demand for clean energy solutions is expected to create new opportunities for the metallic glass market.
Market Dynamics
The metallic glass market is characterized by the presence of a few large players and several SMEs. The market is highly competitive, with players focusing on product innovation, research and development, and strategic partnerships to gain a competitive edge. The high cost of production and limited availability of raw materials are major challenges for market growth, but the increasing demand from end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy, is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.
Regional Analysis
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the metallic glass market due to the presence of key manufacturers and increasing demand from various end-use industries. China is one of the largest producers of metallic glass in the world, with several domestic manufacturers and a significant export market. The North American and European markets are also significant, driven by the demand from the aerospace and automotive industries.
Competitive Landscape
Leading Companies in the Metallic Glass Market:
- Liquidmetal Technologies Inc.
- Heraeus Holding GmbH
- Metglas, Inc. (Hitachi Metals, Ltd.)
- Materion Corporation
- JFE Steel Corporation
- Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd.
- Qingdao Tgood Electric Co., Ltd.
- Praxair Surface Technologies, Inc. (Linde plc)
- Wenzhou Chenhui Packing Materials Co., Ltd.
- Miyou Group Co., Ltd.
Please note: This is a preliminary list; the final study will feature 18โ20 leading companies in this market. The selection of companies in the final report can be customized based on our client’s specific requirements.
Segmentation
The metallic glass market can be segmented based on type, application, and end-use industry.
By type, the market can be segmented into:
- Zirconium-based metallic glass
- Copper-based metallic glass
- Nickel-based metallic glass
- Others
By application, the market can be segmented into:
- Aerospace components
- Automotive parts
- Electronics components
- Sporting goods
- Others
By end-use industry, the market can be segmented into:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Energy
- Others
Category-wise Insights
- Zirconium-based Metallic Glass
Zirconium-based metallic glass is the most commonly used type of metallic glass, due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. It is used in various applications, such as aerospace components, biomedical implants, and electronics components.
- Aerospace Components
The aerospace industry is one of the largest end-use industries for metallic glass. Metallic glass is used in various aerospace components, such as landing gear, engine blades, and wing structures, due to its high strength and lightweight properties. The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in the aerospace industry is expected to drive the growth of the metallic glass market in this segment.
- Electronics Components
The electronics industry is emerging as a significant opportunity for the metallic glass market. Metallic glass is used in electronic components, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), sensors, and magnetic storage devices, due to its unique properties. The increasing demand for high-performance electronics is expected to drive the growth of the metallic glass market in this segment.
- Automotive Parts
The automotive industry is also a significant end-use industry for metallic glass. Metallic glass is used in various automotive parts, such as engine components, exhaust systems, and suspension systems, due to its high strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance properties. The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in the automotive industry is expected to drive the growth of the metallic glass market in this segment.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders
- Superior Properties
Metallic glass has superior properties compared to traditional metals, such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. This makes it attractive for various industrial applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The use of metallic glass in these industries can lead to improved performance, reduced weight, and increased durability.
- Product Innovation
The metallic glass market is characterized by the presence of several SMEs and a few large players. The focus on product innovation and research and development is expected to lead to the development of new applications and products that can benefit the industry participants and stakeholders.
- Competitive Advantage
The use of metallic glass in various industrial applications can provide a competitive advantage to the manufacturers and end-users. The unique properties of metallic glass can lead to improved product performance, reduced weight, and increased durability, which can translate into cost savings and increased market share.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- Superior properties compared to traditional metals
- Increasing demand from various end-use industries
- Product innovation and research and development
Weaknesses:
- High cost of production
- Limited availability of raw materials
Opportunities:
- Growing demand from electronics and energy industries
- Emerging applications and products
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations
Threats:
- Intense competition in the market
- Substitution by other materials
- Economic and political uncertainty
Market Key Trends
- Increasing Demand for Lightweight and High-Strength Materials
The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, is driving the growth of the metallic glass market. The unique properties of metallic glass make it attractive for these industries, leading to increased demand and market growth.
- Emerging Applications and Products
The focus on product innovation and research and development is leading to the development of new applications and products that can benefit the metallic glass market. The use of metallic glass in energy-related applications, such as energy storage, fuel cells, and solar cells, is emerging as a significant opportunity for the market.
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the metallic glass market. The disruption of global supply chains and the closure of manufacturing facilities have led to a slowdown in production and a decline in demand. The travel restrictions and lockdowns have also affected the aerospace and automotive industries, which are significant end-users of metallic glass. However, the increasing demand for high-performance electronics and clean energy solutions is expected to drive the growth of the metallic glass market in the post-pandemic era.
Key Industry Developments
- Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. Announces Partnership with EONTEC
In September 2020, Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. announced a partnership with EONTEC, a manufacturer of advanced materials and components. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of metallic glass products for various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
- Heraeus Holding GmbH Launches New Metallic Glass Alloy
In November 2020, Heraeus Holding GmbH launched a new metallic glass alloy for use in electronic components, such as connectors, sensors, and antennas. The alloy, known as AMLOY 155, is designed to provide superior performance and reliability in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres.
Analyst Suggestions
- Focus on Product Innovation and Research and Development
The metallic glass market is highly competitive, with players focusing on product innovation and research and development to gain a competitive edge. The analysts suggest that manufacturers should continue to invest in R&D to develop new applications and products that can meet the changing demands of the end-use industries.
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Strategic partnerships and collaborations can provide significant benefits to the metallic glass market. The analysts suggest that manufacturers should focus on forming partnerships and collaborations with other players in the market to share knowledge, resources, and expertise, and to accelerate the development and commercialization of metallic glass products.
Future Outlook
The metallic glass market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The market is also expected to benefit from the emerging applications and products, such as energy storage and fuel cells, and the increasing focus on product innovation and research and development. The analysts suggest that the manufacturers should focus on addressing the challenges of high production costs and limited availability of raw materials to realize the full potential of the metallic glass market.
Conclusion
The metallic glass market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various end-use industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The superior properties of metallic glass, such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, make it attractive for these industries, leading to increased demand and market growth. However, the high cost of production and limited availability of raw materials are major challenges for the market.
The market is highly competitive, with players focusing on product innovation, research and development, and strategic partnerships to gain a competitive edge. The analysts suggest that the manufacturers should focus on addressing the challenges and realizing the full potential of the metallic glass market in the coming years.