An industrial furnace is a thermal inclusion used to process and treat solid and liquid raw materials at high temperatures. Industrial furnaces are utilized by manufacturers, steel production industries, mining companies, and foundries to produce metals (iron, silver, copper, and others) from their ore by combining extreme temperatures with a chemical reducing agent and decomposing the ore to separate the pure metal from the contaminated slag. The primary goals of using an industrial furnace are to utilize heat efficiently (so that losses are minimal) and to manage and control the different phases (gas, liquid, or solid) moving at different speeds and temperatures for different amounts of time so that corrosion and erosion of the refractory are minimized.
The rapid expansion of the automotive and construction industries in China and India has propelled the demand for a large number of sheet metals, and the sheet metal processing market in Asia-Pacific is expected to expand at a substantial CAGR over the forecast period. In addition, due to their superior strength and durability, metal and metal-manufactured products are sought after by various end-user industries, including automotive, healthcare, aviation, construction and building, and others. According to the World Steel Association, a passenger car's total body weight consists of more than 50 percent steel, and the average body weight of an SUV or other light vehicle is 3,000 pounds. The growing use of magnesium alloys for vehicle interiors is anticipated to increase the demand for fabricated metals, propelling the industrial furnaces market.
Major market participants are already transferring their attention to innovation and technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and acquire a substantial market share. In addition, introducing new heating technologies, interactive furnace interfaces, and high-speed convection furnaces is anticipated to create market expansion opportunities. Industrialists seek to design machinery and technologies that facilitate production, reduce maintenance costs, provide production flexibility, and minimize waste and lead times.
In addition, they endeavor to reduce industrial furnaces' operating and production costs to enhance their quality. Furthermore, nations like the United States, Germany, and Japan have technologically advanced businesses, developed processing facilities, highly competent labor forces, and increased R&D initiatives. Therefore, the increase in applications and the intensification of competition motivate businesses to prioritize technological advancements to meet rising consumer demands.
Europe held the most significant global industrial furnaces market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. Europe is a potential market for industrial furnaces due to its advanced infrastructure, simple access to high-end products and technology, and high discretionary income. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are investing more in technologically advanced industrial furnaces, which is a significant factor driving the expansion of the European market. In addition, market participants, including ANDRITZ AG and LOCHER Industrieofen, offer advanced industrial furnaces. For instance, SCHLAGER Industrieofenbau GmbH manufactures chamber furnaces for the thermal treatment of high-quality products and forging shops.
Asia-Pacific is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period. Due to the presence of emerging nations, the market for industrial furnaces in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to expand rapidly. The growth of the electronics and aviation sectors is anticipated to stimulate market growth. The Asia-Pacific market for industrial furnaces is anticipated to increase significantly in value due to the rise in industrialization over the forecast period. In addition, several notable steel-making facilities are anticipated to commence construction in India and other regional nations, resulting in increased market share for industrial furnaces. For instance, in February 2018, China's Tsingshan Holding Group began construction on a cold-rolling line, which, upon completion, is anticipated to be one of India's most significant stainless steel projects.
The key players in the global industrial furnaces market are ANDRITZ AG, Carbolite Gero Limited, Epcon Industrial Systems, LP, Gasbarre Products, Inc., International Thermal Systems LLC, Ipsen International GmbH, NUTEC Group, SECO/WARWICK S.A., Thermcraft Incorporated, and Thermal Product Solutions.