-The global metal injection molding market will expand at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 8.4% from $382 million in 2004 to a healthy $571 million by 2009.

-The market in Japan is the fastest growing, at an AAGR of 10.6%, and is expected to reach $185 million by 2009.

-The U.S. market is the largest, but will grow more slowly at an AAGR of 7.2% to $240 million by 2009.

-The rest of Asia (includes China) and European markets will both rise at AAGRs of 7.9% to $35 million and $111 million, respectively.

INTRODUCTION

Metal injection molding is a near net shape manufacturing technology that is extremely cost effective for producing small complex parts. For this reason, combined with beneficial use of metals and alloys that lead to less waste, efficient energy use and positive environmental impacts, this manufacturing technology should be of prime interest to the metal forming industry. The technology can be used to overcome drawbacks associated with conventional casting and machining techniques. It allows redesign of multiple components into a single part and simplifies manufacturing processes.

Because of an ability to make high-density parts with very close tolerance limits and excellent surface quality, metal injection molding technology has a wide range of applications. It has been used to manufacture parts and components for the aerospace, automotive, electronics, telecommunications, consumer, medical and dental industries.

This BCC study reviews the current industry structure, its competitive environment, and forecasts its growth potential. The report also reviews and analyzes steps in the manufacturing process for technology developments and trends.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• A concise review of the manufacturing technology, identifying current status and new developments, including the advent of nanopowders
• Coverage of North American and leading overseas firms that manufacture powder metals and those that manufacture parts using metal injection molding technology
• Five-year projections for the broad range of markets and applications that are served by metal injection molding technology, with forecasts through 2009
• Full coverage of metal powders and MIM parts made from iron and steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, molybdenum, tungsten, tungsten carbide, nickel, and tin
• A thorough review and analysis of the industry?s structure as well as global competition.

METHODOLOGY

A careful methodology was followed to generate all the information related to the current status of the industry. The first step focused on identification of the companies using metal injection molding to produce parts and components. The metal powders, binder systems, equipment needs and markets were reviewed and researched. The information was generated for many, many MIM companies in Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Almost all companies that are listed in the report were contacted to gather the data and gain their perspectives on the industry. The information was reviewed and analyzed to estimate relevant statistics such as market size and market shares.

Also, forecasts for each market segment were generated. This included analyzing the growth of the U.S. economy and global economy as well as growth of the industries during the forecast period. A wide spectrum of resources was used to understand and analyze the current state of the industry and potential for future growth.