World market of metal castings 2018–2020: production, countries, technologies

Processy litʹâ, 2021, Tom 143, №1, p.57-64

Abstract

Received 26.01.2021

UDK 621.74/338.4

The analysis of the world market of metal castings in 2018−2020 is presented, as well as the forecast of production for the short term. The force majeure situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected global foundry production due to reduced demand for castings from end producers. However, in the near future, manufacturers express positive expectations. The state 
of the foundry industry in the leading countries of the world foundry rating is considered. China remains the global leader in the global castings market with a share of 44.4 % in 2019, followed by India (10.5 %) and the United States (10.3 %). Together, these three countries produced in 2019 
65.2 % of metal castings in the world. All top-10 countries in 2019 received 95.8 million tons of Lithuania or 87.3 % of world production. At the same time, compared to 2018, the volume of their castings production decreased by 2.9 %. Based on the analysis of the situation, it is estimated that world production of castings in 2020 may be about 90… 94 million tons. The market requires from suppliers and, accordingly, from manufacturers innovative flexibility and speed. Only such foundries will be successful, which will produce castings using innovative technologies with high 
added value. At the same time, such companies should invest in qualified professionals who are able to advance the company in a promising direction. The priority areas of activity of foundry enterprises and scientists who do not have an optimal solution include: ecology of foundry production; production of more complex and less metal-intensive castings; surface hardening of castings; manufacture of composite castings. Experts believe that in the coming years, manufacturers of castings will implement the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). This is due to the need to increase production efficiency through integrated control and management of technological processes, equipment downtime and resources.