A new market report, Powder Metallurgy – A Global Market Review, presents a detailed analysis of the current status of the global Powder Metallurgy (PM) industry. The report’s author, Bernard Williams, formerly Executive Director of the European Powder Metallurgy Association, presents extensive data on how the PM industry has witnessed a resurgence in fortunes since the financial crisis of 2008.

Published by Inovar Communications Ltd, the report also presents data on the emergence of China and other Asian countries as the leading global region for the manufacture of powder metallurgy products.

The review covers all aspects of PM production, including structural components, high alloy PM steels, copper and copper-base products, hardmetals/cemented carbides, diamond tools, refractory metals, and powder-based magnets. Powder metallurgy’s special relationship with the automotive industry is also addressed.

“The global PM industry regained its growth momentum in 2010 and 2011 after the turbulence caused by the financial crisis of 2008 and the ensuing economic recession. Ferrous PM part production was set to break through the one million tonnes barrier in 2011 and the prospects for 2012 remain very positive,” stated Williams.

“The Powder Metallurgy industry is on a positive footing not only because of volume growth in existing applications, but thanks to continuing technological innovations that are helping to push the boundaries of how and where PM can be used. From new high performance automotive gears to complex components for hybrid vehicles and fuel cells, the technology is proving to be invaluable for the development of the next generation of green vehicles.”

Powder Metallurgy – A Global Market Review, also features an inset review of the current status of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) and Ceramic Injection Moulding (CIM). Collectively known as Powder Injection Moulding (PIM), this technology has enjoyed dramatic growth over recent decades and is estimated to have reached record global sales of $1.2 billion in 2011.

“The PIM industry has shown itself to be capable of significant annual growth, which has averaged 13% per annum over the past 10 years,” commented Williams. “This high growth rate is expected to continue in the years ahead with some forecasts predicting Asia to double sales from 2009 levels by 2014. North America forecast to achieve sales of around $425 million in the same timeframe. Europe is expected to have the lowest annual regional growth rate but still at a healthy 11.6%. This will take global MIM sales close to the $2 billion mark by 2015.”

The 12,500 word market review, which includes some 25 tables and 35 figures, costs £145 and is available to download in PDF format from www.ipmd.net/marketreview. The review is also available in print as part of the new 15th Edition International Powder Metallurgy Directory 2012-2013.