World Investment Casting Market Summary Ron Williams, Richard Hirst, The Blayson Group Ltd.


bowheel production in Japan is now ap- proaching pre-recession performance.


Medical The economic pressure on health or-


ganizations around the world has resulted in only essential operations being car- ried out. Authorities have reviewed and reduced stocks of prosthetic implants, further reducing order books for manu- facturers. However, order books are re- ported as ‘reasonable’ and in some cases increasing, so a slow but steady improve- ment can be anticipated.


Commercial This sector is being forced to be more


creative than ever, and new opportunities are being sought and found. As a result, North American and European sales are steady, although some short-time work- ing is occurring on occasion. This stabil- ity in western markets has been helped by the transfer of out-sourced castings being transferred back from Asia.


Looking to the Future Market conditions are beginning to


stabilize following global economic dif- ficulties, with most countries now offi- cially out of recession. Opportunities for new investment casting potential exist and include:


2009 World Investment Casting Sales – U.S. $million


2009 World Investment casting Sales – US$M


Total World sales in 2009 were down by 14% overall to US$8.9 Billion with regions faring differe North America and Europe fell by -16<20% whilst Asia varied from 0% to - 25%.


‘High Added Value’ aerospace and igt castings performed well till mid 2009 rescheduling of orde reduced sales to the aerospace sector. Industrial gas turbines remained extremely strong till October 2009 when a sudden and dramat


 Advanced fuel and exhaust systems.


 Multiple turbochargers and direct fuel injection.


 Hybrids and electric vehicles  Medical products keep. developing implants, diagnostic equipment, and injury stabilizing appliances.


Summary World investment casting sales have


downturn occurred. China was notable for maintaining its overall sales with a substantial increase in High Added Val castings offsetting the fall of -50% in commercial casting sales. Underlying this performance is creation and success of the newly formed China Aviation Industry Corporation.


Growth will restart in the industrial


gas turbine market as demand for power increases in line with industrial produc- tion.


Research and development in aero-


space to manufacture more fuel-efficient engines is likely to require more complex and possibly larger castings.


fallen back towards 2006 levels. The fallout from global economic problems continue to cause difficulties and the high cost of all industrial raw materials is im- pacting on industry with foundries being squeezed by the opposing pressure on them to reduce prices. The best guess for 2011 would be


similar sales to 2010 for North America and Europe but with increases of around 6-8% in Asian production. As a result, the future for investment


casting remains good but sales are unlike- ly to regain 2008 levels for some time.


New tests to improve control capability


Ceramics Testing Guidebook


Ceramics Testing Guidebook


Investment Casting Institute


Testing procedures for: • refractory materials • binders • other slurry materials • components solid mold • slurries & shells • ceramic cores & shapes


January 2011


Ceramics Testing Guidebook


Investment Casting Institute


Order on line at: www.investmentcasting.org


Phone 201-573-9770 Fax 201-573-9771 Visa, Mastercard, American Express accepted


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