Global Abrasives Market - Industry Analysis, Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

The Abrasives market size is forecast to reach USD 60.22 billion by 2030, after growing at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period 2024-2030.  Abrasives are materials used for various industrial and commercial applications to shape, finish, or polish surfaces through the process of abrasion. Abrasion refers to the mechanical wearing away or removal of material from a surface by friction or rubbing action. Abrasives are characterized by their hardness, toughness, and ability to withstand repeated use without significant wear The market for abrasives is primarily driven by the introduction of highly improved concrete with specific properties and characteristics, including self-compacting concrete and high-performance concrete, etc. The need for high-quality abrasives is being driven by expanding infrastructure and increasing construction activity. Additionally, it is predicted that the market for abrasives will rise due to an increasing emphasis on durable and powerful building materials.

A significant component utilized in the production of concrete, abrasives, is thus anticipated to be in high demand from the concrete industry. The cement industry's ease of access to and use of building materials is driving up demand for cement, which in turn is driving up demand for abrasives. The automotive industry holds immense market potential, with abrasives playing a crucial role in various aspects, such as manufacturing automotive components, adjusting operating parameters, machining parts, and maintaining the vehicle's body finish. Furthermore, factors like rising disposable incomes and growing demand for both passenger and commercial vehicles are expected to contribute significantly to the market's future growth.

The report “Abrasives Market – Forecast (2024-2030)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Abrasives market.

By Material: Natural (Calcite, Diamond, Corundum, Emery, Others), and Synthetic (Silicon Carbide, Boron Nitride, Aluminum Oxide, Boron Carbide, Others).

By Type: Coated Abrasives, Bonded Abrasives (Vitreous, Electroplated, Resin Bond, Metal Bond, Rubber and Others), Super Abrasives, Non-Woven Abrasives, Others.

By Product: Disc, Dishes, Cups, Cylinder

By Form: Block Form, Powder Form

By Grain Size: Coarse Abrasive, Medium Abrasives, Fine Abrasives 

By Application: Metal Processing, Precision Grinding, Cutting, Polishing, Drilling and Others

Abrasive Market – By Rough / Pre-Grinding Vs Finishing

By End Use Industry: Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Energy, Electrical and Electronics, Building and Construction, Machinery, Glass and Ceramics, Metal Fabrication, Furniture and Others. 

By Geography:  North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and RoW.

Synthetic dominated the Abrasives market in 2023. Silicon Carbide (SiC) is one of the hardest synthetic materials, with a Mohs hardness of 9-9.5. Its exceptional hardness and toughness make it highly effective for grinding and cutting hard materials like metals, ceramics, and composites, providing superior material removal rates. Silicon Carbide abrasives are available in a broad range of grit sizes, providing versatility for various applications. Finer grit sizes are used for surface finishing and polishing, while coarser grits are ideal for heavy material removal. Due to its diverse grit sizes, it is demanded more by the manufacturers and is thus driving the market. Silicon Carbide is chemically inert, making it resistant to chemical reactions. This characteristic enables its use in aggressive environments, such as in the processing of high-strength alloys and composites. Silicon Carbide- based abrasives exhibit excellent durability and a longer lifespan compared to many other synthetic materials. This longevity reduces the need for frequent abrasive changes, leading to cost savings for end-users.

Automotive dominated the Abrasives market in 2023. Norton Abrasives, a leading player in the abrasives business, showcased advanced engineered, high-performance solutions for the automotive components, foundry, gear and bearing industries, at the recently concluded IMTEX 2023 Bengaluru, the country’s largest machine tool and manufacturing technologies exhibition. This has demonstrated key companies dedication to the expansion and growth of the market. The automotive industry's growth is not uniform across all regions. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, are witnessing a surge in automotive production and demand, leading to increased consumption of abrasives in these regions. According to the International Energy Agency in the first quarter of 2023, over 320 000 electric cars were sold in the US, a 60% increase over the same period in 2022. The overall growth in the automotive industry, including the production of cars, trucks, and other vehicles, directly impacts the demand for abrasives. As automotive manufacturing expands globally, the need for abrasives in processes like metal finishing and painting also grows. The automotive industry's expansion into emerging markets and the industrialization of developing countries contribute to increased demand for abrasives in manufacturing and assembly processes.

APAC Abrasives market generated a revenue of $16.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a revenue of $24.6 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2024-2030. The APAC abrasives market is supported by the adopting advanced precision farming techniques in Japan to optimize agricultural productivity and enhance the quality of crops. Abrasives are used in precision farming for tasks such as soil preparation, greenhouse maintenance, and equipment upkeep. Japan has a well-established greenhouse industry and is known for its high-quality floriculture products. Abrasives are utilized in the greenhouse and floriculture industry for tasks like shaping floral foam, maintaining greenhouse structures, and equipment maintenance. Japan is renowned for its advancements in research and technology across various sectors, including agriculture and floriculture. Research initiatives focus on developing innovative farming techniques, sustainable practices, and improved equipment for these sectors. Abrasives play a role in the manufacturing and maintenance of advanced agricultural and floriculture equipment, driving the demand for specialized abrasives.

 

Abrasives are utilized in metalworking applications such as weld preparation and welding seam smoothing in the construction of bridges and structures. Abrasives are also employed in construction buildings’ floors, ramps, steps, and stairways, all of which are prone to slippage. Similarly, mechanical and abrasive procedures such as grinding, lapping, polishing, and others are used to form numerous materials used in buildings. The construction industry uses diamond-tipped saw blades, grinding discs, cutting discs, and abrasive materials. The increasing focus on infrastructure development worldwide has led to a rise in construction projects involving bridges, tunnels, highways, and airports. These projects often require surface preparation, concrete repair, and maintenance work, which involve the use of abrasives.

According to Designing Buildings company, construction volumes are increasing globally by an average of 3.2% a year. Over the longer term from 2023 to 2030, the volume of construction output is projected to increase by an average of 2.3% a year globally. A rise in disposable income, expanding urbanization, and a self-reliant construction culture, among other reasons, are likely to boost the construction sector during the projection period. As a result, the construction industry is growing.

Abrasives are used to make printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are essential components of electronic devices such as computers, laptops, routers, and other devices. Abrasives are utilized to make electronic devices that are used in the digitalization process. The consumer electronics industry’s rapid growth, driven by increasing smartphone adoption, rising demand for wearable devices, and the proliferation of smart home technologies, has significantly impacted the demand for semiconductor components. This surge in demand has, in turn, fueled the need for advanced abrasive solutions to meet the stringent quality and performance requirements of semiconductor manufacturing.  According to The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) global semiconductor industry sales totaled $574.1 billion in 2022, the highest-ever annual total and an increase of 3.3% compared to the 2021 total of $555.9 billion.

Emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles are driving the demand for high-performance semiconductors. These advanced technologies require finer and more complex semiconductor structures, necessitating the use of abrasives for precise material removal, surface preparation, and polishing. The electronics and semiconductor industry heavily relies on abrasives for crucial processes like wafer grinding, polishing, singulation, back-grinding, CMP, and wire bonding preparation. The growth of consumer electronics, ongoing technological advancements, and the emergence of new technologies are key drivers behind the increasing use of abrasives in this industry. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more advanced electronic devices continues to rise, the significance of abrasives in semiconductor manufacturing is expected to further grow.

 

Abrasive blasting operations can create high levels of dust and noise. Abrasive material and the surface being blasted may contain toxic materials (e.g., lead paint, silica) that are Hazardous to workers. Silica sand (crystalline) can cause silicosis, Lung cancer, and breathing problems in Exposed workers. Coal slag and garnet sand may cause lung damage similar to silica sand (based on preliminary animal testing). Copper slag, nickel slag, and glass (crushed Or beads) also have the potential to cause Lung damage. Steel grit and shot have less potential to cause Lung damage.

Slags can contain trace amounts of toxic metals. Personal protective equipment should be worn by the workers following personal hygiene practices to curb health hazards. Certain abrasive materials and processes involve the use of chemicals, such as binders, coatings, or additives, which can present health risks. Some chemicals used in abrasive manufacturing or as part of the abrasive products may be toxic, carcinogenic, or pose other health concerns. Exposure to these chemicals during production, handling, or use can have adverse effects on the skin, eyes, respiratory system, or overall health. Direct contact with certain abrasive materials or exposure to abrasive dust can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, or allergic reactions. Fine abrasive particles can also irritate the eyes, leading to redness, watering, or other eye-related discomfort. Skin and eye protection measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), are necessary to minimize the risks associated with abrasives. 

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Abrasives market. In 2023, The major players in the Abrasives market are 3M Company, Cosentino S.A., Henkel AG & Co., Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc. Robert Bosch GmbH, Henkel AG & Co., Hermes Abrasives, Dupont, Fujimi Incorporated, Asahi Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd. and Others