Booming end-user markets, especially in Asia, are driving the global metalworking fluids market. As industrial production increases in China, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, regulations on waste water treatment and disposal are compelling end users to optimize the use of mineral-oil based metalworking fluids, according to research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. This is expected to increase the adoption of semi-synthetic and synthetic metalworking fluids that offer good balance between cost and performance. In turn, the metalworking additives segment will grow rapidly as synthetic-based metalworking fluids require a stronger additive package.

A new study by Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Global Metalworking Fluids Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $8.83 billion in 2013 and estimates this to reach $12.09 billion in 2020. Regulations on wastewater treatment will also be a major driver in Europe and North America. In addition, the burgeoning Asian automotive industry, niche applications such as medical machining will boost sale volumes.

“The replacement of metals with plastics and composites in several applications will, however, quench the demand for metalworking fluids to an extent,” said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Associate Srinivas Venkatesan. “For instance, the automotive and aerospace industries use plastics and composites for light-weighting. Similarly, the preference for cartons over beverage cans is likely to impact the demand for metalworking fluids from the packaging industry.”

In addition, the development of technologies such as minimum quantity lubrication, high pressure machining, and near-net-shape casting could replace conventional metalworking processes thereby reducing the demand for metalworking fluid. Advancements in 3-D printing could further hamper uptake as materials processed through laser sintering technology have good mechanical properties and an excellent surface finish, the study found.

In the face of these challenges, according to the study, product differentiation is essential to succeed in the market. Metalworking fluid manufacturers must undertake research activities in collaboration with customers to develop cost-effective solutions that can satisfy constantly changing end-user requirements.

“Offering differentiated products and innovative customer support mechanisms will help manufacturers stay afloat in the highly competitive market,” opined Venkatesan. “Extending support services such as troubleshooting and periodic reports on health of metalworking fluids will enhance consumer loyalty.”

As established manufacturers look to broaden their portfolios, mergers with and acquisitions of regional vendors possessing specialised capabilities and a strong customer base will gain pace in the global metalworking fluids market.