The global industrial magnetron market size was valued at USD 495.01 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 668.80 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period (2023–2031).
Magnetrons are diodes consisting mainly of a cylindrical cathode implanted coaxially in the cylindrical anode with resonant cavities creating sluggish wave structures. Simply put, industrial magnetrons are vacuum tubes that produce strong electromagnetic waves. The electrons emitted by the cathode whirl past the resonating cavities at a speed that generates microwave energy. These multi-cavity devices are pulsed or continuous wave (CW) oscillators ranging from 600 to 95,000 megahertz (MHz). The most common magnetron frequencies are 2450 MHz and 915 MHz.
In addition, the magnetron was first developed in the 1920s, and its usage has become more prominent with the passing years. Nowadays, magnetrons are used as an essential component of a microwave oven. Magnetron's ability to efficiently produce high-power microwaves has also made it suitable for industrial applications. These magnetrons produce electromagnetic waves that are used in various processes, including heating and drying, semiconductor and UV curing, and commercial ovens.
The demand for magnetrons is expected to be driven by the growing usage of microwaves in various commercial and industrial applications. With the strengthening of global economies, the disposable income of consumers has increased, leading to an increase in commercial food outlets hence increasing the demand for commercial microwaves. Due to this, the need for a 2450 MHz magnetron is also expected to increase as it is accepted in most microwaves.
Apart from the commercial application, the magnetron is also expected to play a massive role in the industrial sector. The food processing industry is among the most significant users of microwaves as they are used in drying and heating food products. With a growing demand for packaged food in various countries, the need for microwaves is expected to grow, driving the market for magnetrons. In addition, industries such as chemicals and lumber also use microwaves for drying purposes, and with their growth, the demand for magnetrons is also expected to grow.
With growing global geopolitical tensions, various countries are strengthening their defense sectors. In 2020, the U.S. had a defense expenditure of USD 778 billion, while China spent USD 252 billion on its defense system. Most of the expenditure goes into purchasing and developing armaments and RADARs used in air defense, surveillance, navigation, and search and rescue applications.
Magnetrons are an essential component in a RADAR system; hence, their demand has grown in the defense sector. Magnetrons are an integral part of radar systems. Using a magnetron makes it possible to spot enemy planes, submarine periscopes, and ships even in low visibility. These magnetron radar devices are widely used by militaries and naval forces of many countries worldwide, thereby driving market growth.
The magnetron is the most critical component in an industrial microwave system. It is not only essential but also the most complicated portion, so it must be taken care of to avoid failure. Various factors lead to the inability of a magnetron, such as damage to elements, broken filament, damage to ceramics, usage of poor materials, surge voltage, and improper workmanship. Maintaining a magnetron is of utmost importance as it forms the core of the microwave system. Therefore, maintaining the life span of the magnetrons can hinder the market growth over the forecast period.
Magnetron plasma etching has shown promising results in fabricating silicon carbide microscopic structures. As silicon carbide has many benefits over conventional silicon for fabricating microchips, this method results in a higher etch rate and smoother carved surfaces. The future semiconductor application will use this technology and create opportunities for magnetron manufacturers in the next five years.
Similarly, there has been a development toward wireless power transmission technology, which will use microwaves to transmit power to places where wires are not feasible. In order to get microwaves, this technology will use magnetrons of frequency between 2.45 GHz to 5.8 GHz. This trend is expected to create opportunities for manufacturers in the coming years
| Study Period | 2019-2031 | CAGR | 3.4% |
| Historical Period | 2019-2021 | Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| Base Year | 2022 | Base Year Market Size | USD 495.01 Million |
| Forecast Year | 2031 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 668.80 Million |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market
Based on region, the global industrial magnetron market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Asia-Pacific is the most significant global industrial magnetron market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is a leading region in the global market due to the presence of key countries such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and others. China is expected to be the largest market for magnetron globally. China is the largest automotive and chemical products and has a growing food processing industry. In addition, China spends enormous sums of money on strengthening its defense infrastructure due to the increasing geopolitical tensions, fueling market growth. Additionally, Japan is a global hub for all technological advancements and innovations. Japan has a robust semiconductor industry with various chip manufacturing companies such as Denso, Fuji Electric, Fujitsu Semiconductor, Hitachi, Kyocera, Mitsubishi Electric, New Japan Radio, Origin Electric, Phenitec Semiconductor, and Renesas. As these companies are looking to boost their production capacity to mitigate the chip shortage, demand for magnetron is also expected to grow for applications such as etching and cleaning.
Moreover, India is one of the hotspots for various investments due to its growing economy. India has very competitive automotive and chemical industries that create opportunities for magnetron manufacturers and suppliers. Also, in 2020, the Government of India approved 134 food processing projects, creating opportunities for a magnetron to be used in heating and drying applications.
North America is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period. North America is one of the most competitive markets globally. The region has developed economies such as the U.S. and Canada and a developing market – Mexico - which provides ample opportunity for magnetron manufacturers. Countries in the area have significant end-users of magnetron, such as food processing, semiconductors, and defense. The U.S. is one of the prominent countries increasing its defense expenditure yearly. A significant part of the U.S. defense budget goes into enhancing its reconnaissance capabilities, including ground, air, and naval radars. This is expected to create demand for magnetrons used in radar systems. In addition, food processing is one of the most significant manufacturing industries in the United States and Canada. Demand for packaged food in developed countries is increasing every year due to the hectic lifestyle of consumers.
In addition, manufacturers are expanding their manufacturing capabilities in response to the rising demand, or new players are entering the market. This type of development is expected to increase the demand for commercial microwaves used for heating and drying purposes in the industry, hence driving the need for magnetrons. The semiconductor industry is also expected to offer opportunities for regional magnetron providers. Due to the shortage of integrated circuits and over-dependence on Asian manufacturers, the U.S. government plans to boost its semiconductor manufacturing capacity by introducing the CHIP for America Act. As the country's manufacturing capability increases, the demand for magnetron is expected to grow in applications such as etching and cleaning in the coming years.
Europe is growing significantly in the market. The presence of key countries such as Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, and Italy drives regional market growth. Germany is the largest economy in Europe. Germany is headquartered by leading automotive manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. With the presence of these manufacturers, the demand for a magnetron to be used in UV curing is expected to grow as the production of vehicles increases. Further, France has a critical food processing sector which, unlike other manufacturing sectors, was least impacted by COVID-19 as it undertook a price increase and strict sanitary measures. According to USDA, the country has more than 17,000 food processing companies, and the industry was valued at USD 212 billion in 2019, making it third after the U.S. and Germany. As the industry grows with every passing, the demand for commercial microwaves for heating and drying application is expected to increase, hence driving the need for magnetrons.
Moreover, the U.K. is expected to be one of the key markets in the region. In 2020, the U.K. government approved USD 21.9 billion for shipbuilding, space, and cyber technology. This step will boost its defense infrastructure. This investment is expected to create the demand for radar systems for ships, driving the need for magnetrons. All such factors drive the European market growth.
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The global industrial magnetron market is segmented by application and power output.
Based on application, the global industrial magnetron market is bifurcated into heating and drying, semiconductor devices, UV curing, commercial oven, and others.
The heating and drying segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period. Heating and drying are the most common application of a magnetron. A typical industrial heating and drying system has three major components: a power unit, an applicator, and a control circuit. In addition, many industries such as food processing, chemical, lumber, rubber, and medical have used microwaves for heating and drying for years. This is because using microwaves for heating and drying has advantages over conventional methods. Microwave heating creates a higher temperature inside the respective product rather than on the surface of the product. Heating and drying using microwaves result in a higher and uniform drying rate and enhance the quality of the products, especially in the case of food processing.
Microwaves also offer the advantage of processing packaged products, as the outer layer does not influence the waves. Due to the abovementioned advantages, magnetrons are extensively used to generate microwaves for heating and drying applications. Additionally, with the growing food packaging, chemicals, and medical industry, the demand for microwaves is expected to increase, driving the need for magnetrons in the coming years.
Ultraviolet or UV curing is when high-intensity UV light is used to cure or dry inks, coatings, or adhesives quickly. This method is preferred over the traditional drying method as it has various advantages, such as higher production speed and superior bonding, and helps improve scratch and solvent resistance. Different UV curings systems, such as arc lamps, microwaves, and UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are used in industries today. In addition, the magnetron is used in microwave UV curing systems.
In addition, microwave UV system has some advantages over the arc lamp systems, such as no reduction in output due to the blackening of a lamp, more consistent UV output, ease to restart, and longer life. UV-cured coatings are in significant demand in the automotive industry. These coatings are used in the forward lightings, exterior plastic parts, and sheet molding compound (SMC) body panels. With the growth in the production of automobiles, the demand for UV curing systems is expected to increase and hence is expected to create opportunities for magnetron manufacturers in the microwave UV curing system market.
Based on power output, the global industrial magnetron market is segmented into over 1 KW-under 2 KW, 2 KW- 4 KW, and 5 KW-15 KW.
The over 1 KW-under 2 KW segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period. Power Output is the product of Metered Energy for one Metering Interval, in kWh per Metering Interval, times the number of Metering Intervals in an hour. The result is the average rate of electric energy delivery during one Metering Interval, converted to an hourly rate of electric energy delivery in kWh per hour. Most magnetron providers offer products under the over 1 KW -under 2 KW category.
