North America Iron Casting Market

North America Iron Casting Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The North America iron casting market is projected to reach a value of US$ 17 billion in 2023, having grown at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2018 to 2022. By 2033, sales of North America iron casting are estimated to reach a value of US$ 29.4 billion. The market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2033.

Increasing investment in the railway sector due to rising commuting and commercial needs across different countries is expected to drive the growth of the market. Due to its low wear and high strength properties, cast iron is used in the manufacture of parts for railways and their infrastructure.

For instance, in 2022, the Mexican government announced a US$ 2.4 billion metro upgrade plan. Infrastructure modernization is expected to be concluded by 2030.

The United States is an important market for cast iron due to the wide presence of end-use sectors. Demand for domestic products is driven by automobile factories, machinery, and tool manufacturers. There is also a growing demand for pipes and gears due to the growth of the chemical, oil, and infrastructure sector.

Augmented investment in establishing new water and wastewater treatment plants is expected to continue driving market development. For instance, in 2021, Haskell designed and constructed a new US$ 150 million water treatment plant in the USA. The plant is projected to go into operation in 2023.

Increasing infrastructure development is also expected to boost demand for cast iron in North America. For instance, a bipartisan US$ 1 trillion plan to modernize the country's infrastructure, counting roads, airports, rail networks, bridges, and power systems, has been permitted by the United States government.

Cast iron has been extensively used in the automotive sector. Though, the continued decline in worldwide vehicle production has been a trial for the market. The rising trend towards light vehicles is driving the penetration of cast aluminum in the locomotive and automotive sectors, which is holding back market development.

2018 to 2022 North America Iron Casting Sales Analysis Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

As per the Future Market Insights (FMI) analysis, sales of cast iron in North America rose at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2018 and 2022. The global market for North America iron casting is anticipated to surge at a moderate CAGR of 5.6% over 2023 to 2033.

The iron cast industry in North America experienced significant development during the industrialization of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The expansion of railroads, construction, and machine building spurred demand for cast iron castings.

The development of the automobile sector from the early to mid-20th century created a significant demand for iron castings. It was particularly utilized in engine blocks, gearbox housings, and other important parts.

Over time, the manufacturing process has evolved a lot in the market due to advanced technologies. Traditional molding methods have now been supplemented by more advanced methods. These include computer simulations for mold design, automated molding lines, and enhanced quality control measures.

The North America iron casting industry is becoming increasingly global, with competition and trade extending beyond North America. International trade dynamics, including tariffs and trade agreements, affect the competitiveness of domestic foundries.

The sector has applied technical advances to improve product efficiency and superiority. Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and simulation software have played an important role in optimizing the casting process.

Key Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)

• Technological Advancements and Automation: Like several sectors, the cast iron industry has adopted advanced technologies and automation to improve production efficiency, reduce waste and advance product quality.
• Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: People are focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility in production, including cast iron.
• Evolution of Demand and Application: Changing customer preferences, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements have led to changes in demand for cast iron across diverse sectors.
• Digitization and Industry 4.0: The market has rapidly embraced the elements of Industry 4.0. This includes the integration of digital technologies, data analytics, and intelligent manufacturing processes. This can lead to better process monitoring, predictive maintenance, and better decision-making.
• Customization and Flexible Production: Increasingly, customers are looking for customized solutions that meet their specific needs. Foundries that can provide production flexibility and adapt to different needs can have a competitive advantage.
• Lack of Skilled Workers: The manufacturing sector, including cast iron, has difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers. As older workers retire, there is a need to invest in workforce growth and training to secure a skilled workforce for the future.
• Regulatory Compliance and Security: Manufacturers must navigate a complex landscape of health, safety, and environmental regulations. Compliance while ensuring worker safety remains a top priority.
• Innovation of Materials: Advances in metallurgical and materials science continue to influence the cast iron industry. The development of new alloy components and new casting techniques can help improve performance and save costs.

Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Factors Restraining the Market in North America

• Competition from Substitute Materials: The market faces competition from alternative materials such as aluminum, plastic, and composites. These materials may offer advantages in weight, corrosion resistance, or other properties that affect the demand for cast iron.
• Environmental and Sustainability Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations and an increased focus on sustainability could impact the manufacturing processes and materials used in cast iron.
• Commodity Price Fluctuations: Price fluctuations of key raw materials, such as iron ore and scrap metal, can affect the cost structure of cast iron production. This volatility can make it difficult to effectively forecast and manage costs.
• Lack of Labor and Skilled Labor: The manufacturing sector, including cast iron, has difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers. The retirement of experienced workers and the lack of new talent entering the industry can affect production capacity and product quality.
• Global Market Dynamics: The industry is influenced by global market dynamics, including changes in demand from international markets, currency fluctuations, and trade policies.

Region-wise Insights

Focus on Precision and Quality Shaping the Market in North America

As per Future Market Insights (FMI), it is projected that the North America iron casting market would be valued at US$ 29.4 billion by 2033. As a result, the market is anticipated to surge at a CAGR of 5.6% in the North America market in the forecast period.

The iron casting market in North America is a longstanding and important sector in the country's manufacturing and industrial processes. Known for precision, quality, and technological advancements, the industry has a rich history and has played an important role in supporting several sectors within the country and internationally.

Iron casting has been a traditional craft in North America for centuries. It has evolved, blending traditional techniques with modern technology to meet the needs of a changing industrial landscape.

Cast iron produced in North America is renowned for its precision and high-quality standards. This industry has a strong focus on the production of complex and accurate parts. These parts are often used in sectors that require high precision, such as automotive and electronics manufacturing.

The automobile sector is the leading consumer of cast iron in North America. Engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission components, and other critical components are often manufactured using cast iron. However, constant efforts are being made to reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions and optimize waste management.

This industry includes a mix of large corporations and small and medium enterprises. Some smaller foundries are specialized in niche markets or unique casting techniques. North America cast iron companies often cooperate with research institutes and universities to promote casting technology and materials science.

The industry faces challenges such as global competition, rising production costs, and the need to adapt to changing customer needs and regulatory requirements. The success of the cast iron industry depends on a skilled workforce, including metalworkers, mold designers, and technicians.

The cast iron market represents the country's commitment to precision, innovation, and quality in manufacturing. Its blend of tradition and technology, its focus on precision engineering, and its contributions to important areas such as the automotive sector make it an vital and influential player in the industry.

Category-wise Insights

Inclination Towards High Thermal Conductivity of Gray Cast Iron to Fuel Sales

In the product segment, the gray cast iron segment is expected to dominate the North America iron casting market with a CAGR of 5.5% by 2033.

Gray cast iron is a widely used material in the cast iron market. It has specific properties that make it suitable for different applications in every field.

Gray cast iron is an iron alloy containing graphite flakes distributed throughout the metal's matrix. These fragments give gray cast iron its characteristic gray color and name. The presence of graphite provides several important properties:

• Damping capacity: Gray cast iron has exceptional damping properties, which means it can efficiently absorb and dissipate vibrations. This property is principally useful in applications where vibration and noise reduction are critical. This includes usage in engine blocks, chassis, and brake systems.
• Machining ability: Gray cast iron is known for its good machinability. It can be easily machined to produce complex shapes and precise components, making it suitable for parts that require intricate detailing or fine tolerances.
• Resistance wear: Graphite flakes act as a lubricant, improving the wear resistance of the material. This property makes gray cast iron suitable for parts that slip or wear out, such as brake discs, cylinder liners, and pump components.
• Heat conductivity: Gray cast iron has a relatively high thermal conductivity, so it dissipates heat efficiently. This property makes it suitable for applications involving heat transfer, such as engine blocks and cylinder heads.

Applications:

• Automotive sector: Gray cast iron is used in automotive applications such as cylinder heads, engine blocks, brake discs, and exhaust manifolds. This is due to its combination of wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and damping properties.
• Machine and equipment: The material's good machinability makes it suitable for the manufacture of machine tool bases, gearboxes, and other machine parts.
• Construction: Gray cast iron is used in construction equipment and infrastructure due to its durability and high load capacity.
• Agriculture: Components such as plow bodies, gearboxes, and other agricultural machinery parts often use gray cast iron to prevent wear and prolong service life.
• Hoses and accessories: Gray cast iron pipes and fittings are used in plumbing and drainage systems because of their corrosion resistance and durability.
• Cooking utensils: Gray cast iron is also used in cookware due to its excellent heat distribution and retention properties.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the market are capitalizing heavily on research and development to expand their product lines, which will contribute to the growth of the market. These well-known brands influence strong distribution networks, brand awareness, and economies of scale to reach large customer bases.

Market players are likewise undertaking several strategic growth activities to expand their footprint, with significant growths in the market including new product launches, contract agreements, mergers, and acquisitions. acquisitions, larger investments, and partnerships with other institutions.

For instance:

• In February 2022, division Metal7 Inc. of Quebec's M7 Group acquired Cast Corporation Foundry of Minnesota. This acquisition will help Metal7 Inc. create high-value-added products and amenities for the mining sector while increasing efficiency while dipping environmental impact.
• In February 2022, Groupe M7 acquired Cast Corporation Foundry, based in Minnesota. The acquisition will help Groupe M7 inflate its product portfolio.

Scope of the Report

North America Iron Casting Market Segmentation by Category

By Product:

• Gray Cast Iron
• Ductile Cast Iron
• Malleable Cast Iron

By Application:

• Automotive
• Machinery & Tools
• Pipes & Fittings
• Railways
• Power Generation
• Others