Increased demand for metal plating applications in the automotive industry is fueling the market for electroplating, galvanizing, and anodizing equipment, according to a report.
WILMINGTON, Del.—As the need for durable metals grows, and flexible assembly methods become more prevalent in industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, electrical, and electronics, the demand for commercial metal plating equipment is projected to rise, according to a release from Allied Market Research.
The market research and business consulting firm published a report stating that the commercial metal plating equipment market is projected to reach $528.9 million by 2032. That’s up from a valuation of $349.3 million in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 percent projected from 2023 to 2032.
The report, “Commercial Metal Plating Equipment Market by Equipment Type and End User: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032,” found that increased demand for metal plating applications in the automotive industry, in particular, is fueling the market for electroplating, galvanizing, and anodizing equipment.
“The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of metal plating technology, utilizing all zinc-to-gold metal plating equipment available,” the release stated.
The numerous benefits provided by commercial metal plating equipment, according to Allied Market Research, include increased resistance to corrosion, wear, and scratches, as well as enhanced electrical conductivity, and reduced friction. Uniform surface finish and improved adhesion properties for painting or coating materials are also benefits. The automotive industry is the primary user of electroplating services, followed closely by the aviation, defense, electronics, household appliances, and jewelry sectors.
Allied’s report provides a segmentation of the market by equipment type (electroplating systems, anodizing equipment, galvanizing lines, and others) and end user (automotive, electronics, aerospace, and others).
By equipment type, the electroplating systems segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the commercial metal plating equipment market revenue. It is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.
“Numerous improvements and breakthroughs in electroplating have boosted the efficiency of pulse and pulse reverse techniques,” the release stated. “Pulse plating generates electromagnetic pulses by cyclically switching the current on and off at varying intervals. This concept is taken a step further with pulse reverse plating, where the polarity of the electrical current is switched during each pulse cycle.”
The development of new electrolyte formulations is reported to have enhanced efficiency and eco-friendliness, broadening the scope of pulsed electroplating. In addition, the advancement of sophisticated process controllers and monitoring devices has reportedly enabled precise management of electroplating parameters, ensuring consistent attainment of desired finish characteristics.
By end user, the electronics segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the commercial metal plating equipment market revenue, and it is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The growing need for compact electronic devices is said to be driving the necessity for advanced plating techniques.
“Industrial metal plating equipment enables the precise deposition of thin layers on microelectronic components, facilitating the miniaturization and integration of electronic circuits and devices,” the release stated.