Plasma Surface Treatment System Market Share & Trends [2031]

Report Description

Plasma Surface Treatment System Market Outlook

The global plasma surface treatment system market was valued at USD 427.7 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 581.7 million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.

Plasma surface treatment is a process that utilizes electrical energy to modify the chemical properties of a material's surface, enhancing its suitability for further processing. Plasma surface treatment increases the surface energy of materials like glass and plastics, enhancing bonding properties. It utilizes high energy electrons and ions to clean, modify, activate, or etch surfaces.

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This process alters the surface's wettability, functionalization, and physical/chemical structure. Plasma treatment finds applications in cleaning, coating, printing, painting, and adhesive bonding. It is extensively used in packaging, automotive, and aviation sectors.

Macro-Economic Factors

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)/Economic Growth

Wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and glass, can benefit from plasma surface treatment by having their surface properties altered, making it simpler to bond, coat, and paint them. Additionally, the plasma surface treatment increases manufacturing efficiency while lowering waste and achieving cheap production costs.

Moreover, plasma surface treatment is utilized by several industries such as automotive, healthcare, particularly in medical devices, and electronics industry. All these industries are major contributors and having significant share in boosting the economy of a nation.

For instance, one of the significant industries in the US is the automotive sector. Historically, it has made 3 to 3.5% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Over 1.7 million people are employed directly by the sector in activities such as developing, engineering, manufacturing, and providing parts and components used in the assembly, sale, and maintenance of new motor vehicles.

Additionally, the automotive industry spends USD 16 to 18 billion annually on research and product development which comes from the industry itself. The manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP, which stands at 11.5%, is significantly influenced by the industry's consumption of goods from numerous other manufacturing sectors, in which plasma surface treatment plays a significant role through process optimization and increase production efficiency.

Investment & Product Development

Processing plasma treatment to material surface can result in an effective pretreatment of surface activation prior to gluing, printing, and coating, which further leads to cost minimization and manufacturing optimization at production level.

Moreover, companies are investing in plasma surface treatment system to achieve the objective of cost efficiency in the manufacturing process. For instance, Electronics & Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC), a UK-based Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre, invested in Henniker Plasma Treatment Technology in 2020. Henniker Plasma is a well-known UK manufacturer of plasma treatment machines.

EPIC has installed a Henniker Plasma HPT-200 Benchtop Plasma Treater. The HPT-200 is a benchtop plasma treatment device with a microprocessor for surface activation, cleaning, and modification of a wide range of materials such as metals, medical-grade-polymers, ceramics, and glass.

Additionally, the HPT-200 can handle a wide range of gases, such as oxygen, air, nitrogen, hydrogen, and argon for optimal treatments. With the help of the plasma surface treatment system, EPIC is projected to improve its technical capabilities in the development of Photonics, microelectronics, aerospace, Agri-Tech, Marine-Tech, and MedTech in the coming years.

On the other hand, medical device manufacturers are outsourcing contract processors for plasma treatments to increase the value of their medical devices. Furthermore, plasma-applied coatings and surface treatments can play an important role in new product development for many medical device manufacturers.

As a result, the industry is rapidly researching and applying plasma to items such as well microfluids, plates, intraocular lenses (IOLs), cardiac pacemakers, stainless-steel guide wires, catheters, vascular surgical tools, and stents. For instance, PVA TePla is a company that creates and manufactures plasma systems, as well as doing surface modification research and provide contract processing center.

Plasma Surface Treatment System Market Dynamics

Market Driver- Surge in Demand for Plasma Surface Treatment Systems in automotive Drives Market Growth

Increasing demand for plasma surface treatment in automotive industry is projected to boost the market in the coming years. On-demand mobility services are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the automobile revenue. As a result, the plasma surface treatment technology is anticipated to enter a lucrative market in the coming years.

For instance, in the automotive industry, power modules using power semiconductors, various sensors requiring hermeticity, and spark plugs all undergo a saturation process in which the inside of the component is filled with a high-viscosity resin, such as epoxy and silicon.

The potential void swelling is considerably reduced in this process by the plasma surface treatment. Additionally, the surfaces of the components are cleaned of contaminants such as grease and oils, and prepared for subsequent processing using a plasma treatment system to provide a high-end finish and increase the vehicle's lifespan.

Moreover, the automotive industry relies on cutting-edge production methods to ensure that every car and every surface on it is exactly calibrated for both function and appearance. And application of plasma surface treatment on automobile surface to increase the surface energy of polymer for longer bonding coating, is one such method of automobile bonding. Therefore, all these factors are fueling the market for plasma surface treatment system during the forecast period.

Market Driver- Medical Device Manufacturers Embrace Plasma Surface Treatment Systems, Fueling Market Expansion

Rising implementation of plasma surface treatment in medical devices is projected to drive the market during the forecast period. Plasma surface treatment alters the material's surface chemistry and morphology by adding functional groups, raising surface energy, and producing nanostructures.

These modifications enhance the material's bonding, wetting, and adhesion capabilities with other materials such as medical-grade polymers. Medical-grade polymers are difficult to print on and attach to due to their extremely low surface energy, hence a plasma treatment process is utilized to increase their wettability. This is primarily due to improvements in biocompatibility using plasma surface modification.

As per analysis, the most common polymer used in medical equipment is PVC and has a market share of 26% globally in 2022. And in recent years, the use of medical-grade polymers in living tissue has increased.

Subsequently, it has been observed that the medical-grade polymer (PVC) is expected to retain the substantial share in the coming years, due to rising usage of polymer in packaging of a variety of medical devices since they are lightweight, have good biocompatibility, and are affordable.

On the other hand, a urinary catheter, a tube that is put into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine is connected to almost 75% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) picked up in hospitals. Urinary catheters are used during hospital treatment in 15–25% of hospitalized patients.

The majority of catheters on the market now are constructed of silicone or PVC. Both materials have a low degree of lubricity, which makes surgical insertion into the human body challenging. Lubricious coatings with special qualities have been created and applied to the materials recently to solve this issue and lessen physical harm to patients undergoing surgery.

The industry faces substantial difficulties in depositing and adhering liquid coatings due to the high contact angles of PVC and silicone as well as their poor ability to wet or distribute liquids on surfaces. In the recent years, catheters from medical device makers have been plasma-treated to clean them and get rid of additional chemical waste. Additionally, plasma treatment lowered the cost, got rid of additional handling, speed up manufacturing, and generate less chemical waste.

Market Driver- Growing Preference for Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Techniques Boosts Plasma Surface Treatment System Market

Manufacturing provides huge opportunities for economic growth in developing countries such as China, India, and Japan, but it is frequently associated with high levels of pollution and environmental harm. Although laws that limit the amount of pollutants released into the air and water have helped to tackle the problem, a number of businesses still contribute to air and water pollution.

Moreover, industrial pollution has its severe impact on the environment and is causing various types of pollution, such as soil pollution, thermal pollution, and noise pollution other than air and water. In addition, soil toxicity accounts for 44% of the contamination during the manufacturing stage, which is difficult and expensive to remediate.

Plasma technology is an environmentally friendly method of surface treatment that can be used in industries to avoid this issue. Additionally, plasma spraying technology is a technique that uses a plasma arc powered by direct current as a heat source to melt or semi-melt materials like ceramic alloy metals or to spray coatings onto the workpiece surface following high-speed pretreatment to create a solid surface layer.

For instance, Europlasma's technique requires little energy, no solvents, and only a tiny amount of protective monomer, producing little waste and having no negative effects on the environment. Additionally, since the nano-coating is molecularly attached to the product, there are no wash off or extractables as the nano-coating is applied inside a vacuum chamber, which prevents any processing-related environmental releases.

As a result, there are numerous significant environmental advantages, including a reduction of 80% in coating chemical consumption due to the much thinner coating applied to achieve functionality, a 100% reduction in water consumption due to the plasma process' complete dryness, and a 50% reduction in energy consumption due to the lack of steps required to dry out the process water.

Market Restraint- Considerable Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs Pose Challenges to Market Adoption

The plasma surface treatment system market faces significant challenges due to the considerable initial investment and maintenance costs associated with these systems. The upfront investment required to acquire and install plasma surface treatment equipment can be substantial, posing a financial hurdle for small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses with limited budgets.

Moreover, the ongoing maintenance costs, including servicing, calibration, and replacement of consumables, add to the overall expenses and may deter potential buyers. The uncertainty surrounding the return on investment further complicates the decision-making process for businesses considering the adoption of plasma surface treatment systems.

Additionally, smaller-scale operations may find it harder to afford these systems, perceiving them as more suitable for larger production facilities. To mitigate these challenges, manufacturers can focus on cost optimization, offer flexible financing options, demonstrate the return on investment through case studies and evidence, and increase awareness about the long-term benefits of plasma surface treatment systems.

By addressing these concerns, the market adoption of plasma surface treatment systems can be encouraged, leading to wider integration and utilization of this technology across industries.

Market Opportunity- Rapid Adoption of Plasma Surface Treatment Technology Drives Nano-Processed Garments in the Textile Industry

The textile industry is witnessing a growing adoption of plasma surface treatment technology for nano-processed garments, creating a promising market opportunity. Nanotechnology involves the development and utilization of nanoscale materials and their properties on a physical, chemical, and biological level.

In recent years, the textile industry has focused on incorporating nanomaterials into manufacturing, coating, and finishing processes to create nanoparticle structures. This integration of nanotechnology has led to textiles with impressive qualities such as antibacterial properties, flame resistance, super hydrophobicity, self-cleaning capabilities, UV light protection, and electrical conductivity.

Plasma surface treatment technology has garnered interest in the textile sector as a viable alternative to traditional wet-chemical methods. This technique offers a straightforward, clean, solvent-free, and time-saving approach to textile finishing. Plasma treatment can be applied to nano-processed garments, providing both standard textiles finishing and a protective coating.

Treated garments exhibit water and beverage repellency, are free from toxic substances, and demonstrate improved durability. The global textile industry, which encompasses the production, refinement, and sale of synthetic and natural fibers, has experienced remarkable growth.

Textile exports have increased by over 150% in the past few decades, reaching over 600 billion USD in recent years. With industry leaders anticipating a growth to USD 1000 billion by 2023, successful manufacturers can tap into a thriving market. China leads the global textile sector as the top manufacturer and exporter of textiles and clothing, holding a market share of 33.69% in exports.

Other countries like India and Vietnam also contribute significantly to textile exports. In summary, the growing adoption of plasma surface treatment technology for nano-processed garments in the textile industry presents an exciting market opportunity.

The incorporation of nanotechnology in textiles has led to the development of advanced and high-performance textiles, aligning with the increasing global demand for innovative textile products. Plasma surface treatment serves as an effective method to enhance textile properties, offering manufacturers a sustainable and efficient solution for creating value-added nano-processed garments.

Scope of Plasma Surface Treatment System Market Report

The report on the Global Plasma Surface Treatment System Market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Plasma Surface Treatment System Market Segmental Outlook

The Global Plasma Surface Treatment System Market is segmented on the basis of by Type, by Application, and by Sales Channels.

Based on type, the Global Plasma Surface Treatment System Market is divided into Atmospheric Pressure Type, Low Pressure / Vacuum Plasma Type. The atmospheric pressure type segment is expected to hold a significant share of the market. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing adoption of plasma surface treatment systems in various industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and medical.

Furthermore, this trend is expected to continue, as many businesses are recognizing the advantages of plasma treatment for improving surface qualities. Moreover, it is low in cost and easily operable.

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Based on application, the Plasma Surface Treatment System market is segmented into Automotive, Electronics, PCB, Medical, Others. The electronics segment is expected to hold a significant market share during the forecast period, owing to the increasing use of plasma surface treatment systems to improve the quality and reliability of products by removing particles, dust, organic molecules, and other impurities from glass, ceramics, metals, and plastics composites.

Based on Sales channels, the Plasma Surface Treatment System market is bifurcated into direct and indirect.

The direct segment is expected to hold a significant market share during the forecast period, due to several reasons such as the direct segment is gaining importance in the plasma surface treatment system due to the manufacturers are focusing to establish direct relationships with end-users to gain better control over the sales process and to improve customer experience. It helps manufacturers to understand customer needs more closely, provide customized solutions, and offer timely support and service.

Regional Outlook

Based on regions, the market is classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The market in the North America is projected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributed to the plasma surface treatment systems are widely used in the electronics and semiconductor industries.

The North America plasma surface treatment system market is a significant and thriving segment within the global market. With countries like the United States and Canada at its core, North America boasts a strong industrial base and a reputation for technological advancements and innovation.

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Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the Global Plasma Surface Treatment System Market
• Historical, Current, and Projected Market Size in terms of Value and Volume
• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
• Industry Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Covered in the Study
• Recent Industry Trends and Developments
• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
• Neutral Perspective on Global Plasma Surface Treatment System Market