STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
BCC, Inc.'s goal in conducting this study is to review the current status of
the worldwide market for thick film devices, the different types of devices, and
the processes by which they are fabricated. We will also assess the thick film
industry's growth potential over a 5-year period from 2003 through 2008. We are
particularly interested in evaluating the several fields of applications of
thick film technology and investigating emerging applications, materials, and
processes in each field and their market potential.
Our key objective is to
present a comprehensive market analysis of the thick film industry at the
present time and outline its future direction.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY
The thick film industry is quite broad. In fact, thick film technologies are
used in several fields. Many types of electronic, mechanical, chemical and
energy supply devices are currently fabricated using thick film deposition
processes. The main reason for doing this study is to quantify the various types
of devices from a market standpoint in order to define the most popular
applications, understand which sectors are mature, and identify which sectors
are indeed poised to grow.
There is also a need to evaluate the current status
and future trends of the thick film industry from a worldwide standpoint. In
fact, considering the ongoing globalization of markets and the moving of many
manufacturing facilities abroad, it is also necessary to investigate the point
of production of thick film devices and their distribution worldwide. Such an
evaluation will contribute to a broader understanding of growth opportunities
for the different types of devices and their applications within the U.S. and
abroad.
Another important reason for performing this study is to provide an
overview of the evolution of thick film technologies and processes and to
illustrate the latest technological developments that can help companies find
opportunities for process and productivity improvements.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM
This study will be of primary interest to all companies directly involved in
the fabrication and selling of thick film devices, process equipment, and raw
materials. In particular, it will be of interest to manufacturers, such as those
producing electronic components, sensors, displays and energy supply devices,
screen printing or other ink deposition equipment, and manufacturers or
distributors of polymers, solvents, ceramic materials and metals.
Overall,
this study applies to industry segments such as the electronic, automotive,
aircraft, instrumentation, medical and appliances industries, for which
component miniaturization and light weight are becoming basic and essential
properties.
The study is mainly directed to executives, directors, operations
managers, sales and marketing managers, and strategic planners working within
the above industries. Financial analysts, as well, can benefit from market
analysis and growth trend data. Universities and research facilities may also
find in this study opportunities for new or expanded R&D activities.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
This study covers the most important types of thick film devices within their
fields of application (electronic, mechanical, chemical, display, and energy
supply). BCC, Inc. analyzes each type of device, determines its current market
status, examines its impact on future markets, and presents forecasts of growth
over the next 5 years. Technological issues, including the latest trends, are
discussed. Other influential factors such as cost of raw materials, technology
limits, and the growth of thin film technology are also reviewed.
BCC, Inc.
analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis, both from a manufacturing and
consumption point of view. A description of the materials and processes utilized
for the manufacturing of thick film devices is also supplied. We examine
commercial and public research activities in major regions of the world.
Research objectives and areas of interest for different types of thick film
devices are also outlined.
METHODOLOGY
BCC, Inc.'s market analysis is essentially divided into four parts.
In the
first part, a summary of the overall worldwide market is performed and revenues
(sales data in M$) are presented for each main category of thick film devices
with actual data referring to the years 2001, 2002 and estimated data for the
year 2003. Forecasts for the period 2003 through 2008 are also supplied (in
current US$).
In the second part, which is subdivided into several sections,
the most common types of devices within each category are described together
with their manufacturing process. Revenues by application for each device type
are reported relative to the period 2001 through 2003 with forecasts until the
year 2008. In addition, for each type of device, sales data are grouped by
region (U.S., Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World) based on destination
of sales.
In the third part, the worldwide thick film industry structure is
reviewed: a list of the major players is supplied, together with a comparison of
manufacturing and consumption of thick film devices by region. In this section
the profiles of the top 25 players are also included.
In the fourth and final
part, an analysis of industry competitiveness is performed, with a description
of all the major organizations involved worldwide in the promotion and
development of thick film devices and processes. The study is completed by a
review of patents awarded during the past year.
INFORMATION SOURCES
To perform this study BCC, Inc. analyzed 430 companies, all manufacturers of
thick film devices. Distributors of thick film devices were not included in this
study. Data for each company were obtained primarily by thoroughly analyzing SEC
filings, Internet Web sites, annual reports, industry directories, industry
magazines, government sources, and other public sources. In some cases, data
were obtained directly by the manufacturers. In general, manufacturers that were
contacted by BCC, Inc. were reluctant to participate in direct surveys and share
data due to the pressures of a very competitive market that does not favor
release of sensitive information.
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