Abstract
US demand to approach $35 billion in 2011
US demand for industrial castings is projected to increase 1.1 percent
annually to $34.8 billion in 2011. Growth during the 2001-2006 period resulted
from rapidly rising prices for the metals used in castings, and as those
prices moderate through 2011, demand for castings will decelerate from the
earlier pace. The brightest prospects for castings will be in some of the
smaller castings markets, including aerospace applications and electrical and
electronic equipment. Advances in aerospace equipment applications will be
spurred by robust growth in spending on military aircraft and missiles, as
well as on commercial aircraft. Ongoing technological advances in computers
and wireless devices will support castings demand in medical electronics,
mobile telephones, video games, medical instruments and electronic packaging.
Shipments of industrial castings are expected to rise 1.1 percent per annum
through 2011, mirroring demand, as trade is expected to continue to play a
minimal role in the castings market. Tonnage of castings shipments is forecast
to rise less than one percent annually through 2011, which represents a
rebound from declines that occurred in the 2001-2006 period.
Magnesium-based castings to lead nonferrous growth
Shipments of nonferrous castings are expected to accelerate in volume terms
from the 2001-2006 period, increasing 3.3 percent per annum through 2011.
Magnesium-based castings are expected to see the most rapid growth among the
nonferrous metals because of their light weight and high strength-to-weight
ratio. Strong growth in the aerospace industry will spur demand for magnesium
castings, as use of these components provide greater fuel efficiency, overall
noise reduction, and less vibration when compared to other materials.
Nonferrous castings will also experience gains in motor vehicle applications,
where magnesium components are typically lighter and therefore are able to
improve a vehicle' s fuel economy while increasing safety and handling.
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