Hardening furnaces which are primarily used for hardening of steel substances is a key equipment of the industrial sector. Processes like carburizing, carboniotiriding and nitriding are used based on the needs and demands of the products. Hardening furnaces exporters are going to be quite in demand according to reports due to the penetration of hardening furnaces into various different sectors like automotive, machining, construction, electronics and more. Their growth is estimated to have an upward graph in the next seven to eight years due to the same reason.
Areas of use and sectors contributing to growth of market
Aerospace is another key field where heat treatment is currently experiencing a very high demand. The constant growth in air passengers and air traffic, there is also a subsequent growth in demand for newer commercial vehicles, all of which in turn demand hardening furnaces. Areas like the Middle East and Pacific are currently seeing a demand for construction of industrial, state funded as well as residential areas and this sector too, needs hardening furnaces. Beams, columns, grills and more require a mandatory amount of hardening. Automotive manufacturers are constantly expanding and penetrating countries like India, Mexico, Indonesia and more. The main vehicle types are economic light weight vehicles which are most in demand. They too contribute to the expansion of the market of hardening furnaces. The reason behind the automotive needing a good amount of these furnaces is that the automotive parts go through severe wear and tear. Heavy stress can only be combated with the materials being made hard, sturdy and durable.
Materials and processes
Materials which traditionally undergo heat treatment are cast iron, steel, copper alloys, brass, nickel alloys, aluminium and certain other metals. Although steel has so far been the most used and dominant metal to be used, rise of alternatives like aluminum are likely to give steel tough competition. Being lighter and having more tensile strength is what the components of automobiles and aerospace need and thus newer materials are trying to fit the bill.
Tempering and hardening and generally the most commonly used processes for hardening. Case hardening, being reputed and efficient, is expected to see the maximum growth. Certain newer processes like surface hardening, and more are likely gain attention as well. Hardening furnaces exporters will see a rise in demands as well as furnaces that enable newer processes and facilitates hardening of different substances.
Regional
Asia Pacific was one of the key areas so far and will continue to grow due to rapid attempt of development and state funded projects. Emerging economies like India and China will be key players too.
For different furnace manufacturing units, the benefits will lie in giving customers a full package. If a company can do everything from manufacturing to post treatment services, they are likely to be most in demand. Technological collaborations, innovations and integration of heat treatment utilities within manufacturing facilities will help boost their growth. Overall, this is a sector that will continue seeing a wide range of growth.