Superhard materials are solids with a hardness value equivalent to or more than 4000 HV 0.05 or 40 GPa. Owing to their incomparable hardness, these materials can scratch, indent or shape any object. North America accounts for nearly 45% of the global superhard materials market, as stated by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Cubic boron nitride (CBN)/polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) materials offer highest growth. Global CBN/PCBN market is expected to register a CAGR of close to 11% over the period 2001-2010.
Cubic boron nitride/polycrystalline cubic boron nitride market in Europe is estimated at $137 million. Diamonds and CBN are the hardest materials known, and exhibit chemical stability even in high-speed applications. Technological advances and environmental concerns are driving the search for new superhard materials and/or expanding the applications of existing materials. CBN materials are attracting the highest research efforts for finding new applications, as well as reducing down times for maintenance work. Environmental regulations are also driving the demand for CBN materials.
Superhard Materials: A Global Strategic Business Report
The core technological trends calling for imperative implementations include miniaturization of components and devices, amalgamation of various materials to develop multifunctional components correlated with advanced materials possessing enhanced functionality. Other key trends shaping the market include stringent environment legislations and rising discernment about material recycling, which provide effective use of material and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Companies that can offer new products, which are environment friendly and lower down times for machinery, would be successful in the market. The shifting of manufacturing to developing countries in Asia-Pacific and Latin America also represents a challenge to manufacturers of superhard materials.
The report titled "Superhard Materials: A Global Strategic Business Report" published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, drivers, product overview, competition, product introductions/innovations, and recent industry activity. The study provides market analytics in value sales for the period 1991-2015, by major geographic regions including North America and Europe. Product segments analyzed include Cemented Carbides, Tool Steels, Ceramics, Diamond and Cubic Boron Nitride / Polycrystalline Cubic Boron Nitride.
Key players dominating the global superhard materials market include Abrasive Technology, Ceradyne, ESK, COI Ceramics, Dennis Tool & Supply, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, Diamant Boart, Electro Abrasives, Element Six, H.C. Starck, Kennametal, Kyocera Industrial Ceramics, Morgan Technical Ceramics, Mudanjiang Jingangzhuan Boron Carbide, Novatek, Precorp, Sandvik Tooling, Diamond Innovations, Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics, Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal, US Synthetic Corp., Warren/Amplex Superabrasives and ZYP Coatings.
Posted April 23rd,2008