Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market

Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global chromium plated surface treatment market is projected value at US$ 283.1 million in 2024 and expand at a CAGR of 3.8% to end up at US$ 410.6 million by 2034.

The market that concerns with chrome plated surface treatment is a subdivision which focuses on the application of chromium coatings or plating to various products to improve durability, wear and corrosion resistance mechanisms. The use of chromium plating can be seen in many industries including aerospace automotive and industrial machinery and may have purpose of both function and aesthetics. Many developments are also seen in this market which includes technologies such as ion vapor deposition (IVD) plating, high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) plating, LHE Zn-Ni plating and conventional electroplating all of which are tailored to suit certain requirements of performance and appearance.

As far as this market is concerned, the aerospace sector is the major consumer due to their high demand for tough and high functioning surface coatings especially on critical components like aircraft undercarriages, engine parts, fastening systems, and the outside as well as interior of the planes.

It is also geared towards different aircraft types such as commercial, business jets, military and general aviation hat who may want aerospace coatings all for their uses of either end types of aircraft. In the case of advanced materials, particularly in light of the growing use of aluminum, steel, and titanium, makers require more advanced protective surface coatings.

The MRO services segment, which focuses on maintaining, repairing, and overhauling aircraft and other equipment, is of great importance, as the addition of new military products to the armament significantly increases the operating loads and operational stresses on the elements of these complex systems.

Moreover, the bullish sentiments of environmental bodies on conventional chromium electroplating due to its negative effects, this market has seen people start opting for environment friendly palitiva or trivalent chrome plating and virtually other greener products for any consideration into it. Industrial development like aerospace, automotive and other related production processes have recently made the adoption of technological change in some activities higher within the cycle even without the economic cycle increasing.

• Between 2024 and 2034, by plating technology, the electroplating is expected to produce an absolute dollar opportunity US$ 43.1 million.
• In 2024, the aircraft landing gear is holding a 37.8% market share in the component type segment and is estimated to be worth US$ 107.2 million.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2023A)	US$ 274.6 million
Estimated Market Value (2024E)	US$ 283.1 million
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 410.6 million
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.8% CAGR
North America Market Share (2024E)	26.8%
South Asia & Pacific Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
China Market Growth Rate (2024E)	3.7% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Atotech; Valence Surface Technologies; Electro-Coatings, Inc.; Pioneer Metal Finishing; Hard Chrome Specialists; Bales Metal Surface Solutions; KOCH Finishing Systems; Advance Plating Technologies; Multinal Group; CZL Tilburg; Embee Processing; John Cockerill Surface Treatment; Betz-Chrom; ASCO Engineering & Surface Technology; Hardide; New Method Plating Inc.; Precision Industries, Inc; Hayden Corp.; G.W.P. AG; DVS Enterprises; Other Prominent Players

Sales Analysis of Chromium Plated Surface Treatment (2019 to 2023) vs. Market Forecasts (2024 to 2034)

The market for chromium plated surface treatment grew at a growth rate of 2.8% from 2019 to 2023, and by the end of 2023, it was valued at US$ 274.6 million. Historically, the demand for wear-resistant coatings in the market for chromium plated surfaces increased resulting in a moderate growth of the market.

Technological development in the industry, that is, the high performance characteristics of chromium plated surfaces enhanced through Ion plasma deposition (IVD) and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF). The market for generalized chromium plating technology is especially lucrative owing to the increase in the consumption of lightweight materials such as aluminum and titanium.

Report Attributes	Details
Historical Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2019A)	US$ 245.9 million
Market Size (2023A)	US$ 274.6 million
Historical CAGR (2019-2023)	2.8%
Forecasted CAGR (2024-2034)	3.8%

• Short Term (2024 to 2027): In this term, the aerospace sector is expected to witness the highest growth due to the demand for chromium plated components for use in both civil and military aircraft. The implementation of more strict environmental protection laws will push the development of eco-friendly alternatives such as LHE Zn-Ni plating. maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) industry growth can be observed in the wake of the need to service expired aircraft as another measure that will be undertaken as a result of the aforementioned reasons.
• Medium Term (2027 to 2030): The market is expected to pick up its pace during the projected forecast period from 2027 to 2030 due to the deployment of futuristic plating technologies such as high-strength electrolytic deposition and more eco-friendly substances. There will continue to be increased market growth from the aerospace and automotive industries as demand for improvements in performance and corrosion protection will result in growth of the industry as well.
• Long Term (2030 to 2034): During this period, the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) sector will continue to be main as keeping old airplane fleets will much less damaging processes in holes and mending, while new airplane manufacturing will less energy-intensive and focus on more costly but sustainable plating methods.

According to Fact.MR, the chromium plated surface treatment market size is valued at US$ 283.1 million in 2024. Demand is projected to rise at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2034 to reach US$ 410.6 million by the end of the forecast period (2024 to 2034).

Market Dynamics

What driving forces influence the demand for chromium plated surface treatment market?

“Rising Demand for Lightweight and Durable Materials in Aerospace”

The rising world demand for chromium plated materials is closely associated with the market requirement for lightweight and durable materials in aerospace. This is due to the choice of materials like aluminum, titanium, and composites to reduce aircraft weight which in turn increases aircraft fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emission. But these benefits are compromised as these materials need stronger treatments to make them resistant to damage; they have to withstand wear and tear. Coincidentally, the use of technologies such as chromium plating in processes like ion vapor deposition (IVD) and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) grinding has been advanced.

With an intense desire to make aviation systems more effective, and address the issue of fuel efficiency and preservation of the environment among others, there is a big investment in surface treatments. The importance of chromium plating technologies is seen in the enhancement of mechanical properties of the ultralight materials.

These enhancement enables their application in high stress components such as the landing gear, fasteners, and the engine stators. In addition, the increase in the production of commercial aircraft and military aircraft, as well as the investment in new designs of aircraft, also enhances the need for coatings, hence increasing the market.

“Increasing Environmental Regulations and Shift toward Sustainable Technologies”

Hexavalent chromium plating is recognized as a human carcinogenic substance and has serious environmental and occupational health effects. Specific regions and organizations have imposed new regulations and eradicated hexavalent chromium from industrial products. As a result, the industry is progressing for peptides that encompass the latest technical advances such as trivalent chromium plating or other cheaper and biological technologies. Trivalent chromium is a new addition that offers a safer, less toxic alternative without the issues of employing hexavalent chromium in corrosion protection and industrial use.

Moreover, the advancements in new technologies such as lithium practical non-linear learning in chemistry (LPnnC) and electrochemical studies including Zn-Ni coating which can be combined with the traditional plating process, have created prospects that don’t compromise performance for green industries. Under the circumstances, the market legislates the means to non-toxic technologies attested by the fact that it compels brand owners to embark on sustainable product development measures.

What is the Primary Constraints Faced by the Market Competitors for Chromium Plated Surface Treatment?

“High Environmental and Health Concerns Regarding Traditional Hexavalent Chromium Plating”

Overall, an extremely important factor with respect to the market of coated surfaces such as chromium is the fact that more and more attention is being paid to the adverse environmental effects and negative impacts on health and safety, which are associated with the traditional treatment process by hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium possesses the highest protection against corrosion and lasts the longest of all other materials, is classified as highly toxic and carcinogenic.

The various health conditions especially affecting workers include respiratory problems, skin disorders and cancers resulting from the use of this material. In addition, management and control of environmental contamination resulting from the use of hexavalent chromium are major concerns requiring a lot of financial resources for waste disposal and remediation.

Over the past decade, in view of the many environmental concerns expressed by the people of the world, in particular, in the North American and Europe continents, the various governments and regulatory bodies have put in place strict guidelines which restrict or completely outlaw, the application of hexavalent chromium.

Measurable tools such as the EU’s REACH, Registration (REACH, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and their equivalent in the US have led to the fact that it has become difficult for these industries to sit still. In fact, the implementation of these laws is costly to organizations since they have to change the traditional processes of using hexavalent chromes into less human hazardous methods such as trivalent chromium plating or other environmental friendly methods without any history of usage.

The cost and the extent of the other most suitable methods of plating can be too high for small enterprises, which also limits the ability for the market to grow. Moreover, existing or developing sustainable solutions may not provide the same characteristics, such as chromate containing clear top coat, essential for certain applications. Hence in a way certain industries are still hesitant to adopt the new systems despite claims of sustainability. This balancing act between regulatory compliance, cost, and performance is a very thin line that should be treading ultimately resulting in an optimal solution for managing the commons.

Country-wise Insights

Country-wise Forecast CAGRs for the Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market

Country	CAGR
U.S.	3.8%
China	3.7%
Japan	3.9%

Which countries expect to have a rise in demand for Chromium Plated Surface Treatment?

“Increasing Production of Advanced Commercial and Military Aircraft is driving Demand for Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market in U.S."

Aero-engineering is the vital component which has given the United States one of the top spots in the industry and owing to the design and manufacture as well as assembly of new modern aircraft both civil and military has marked up the chromium surface processing industry in the country. As airplanes and engines are being developed for better performance and fuel economy, emphasis on the use of building materials with resistance to corrosion and oxidation also increases.

Chromium plating is pertinent for its fundamental anti-corrosion properties which are useful in ensuring that aircraft engine parts, landing systems, and structural attachment are capable of withstanding harsh conditions. Companies such as Boeing and Airbus are pushing up manufacturing, and focusing on better performance with less scratching or abusing which support component life improvement, gave surface treatment companies a useful purpose.

At the same time, the military domain observes growth in the business during the defense policy institutional upgrade. The U.S. administration is buying the latest generations of military aircraft that involve extremely tough working conditions making it imperative to the service such components will have new technologies with the best surface treatment for optimal performance and life span.

This in turn has encouraged chromium plating companies to invent and incorporate trivalent depression to the existing chromate coating which is, too many is, declared as a clean chemistry system. This highlights the important role that chromium plated surface treatment plays in addressing the changing needs of the aerospace industry.

United States market is estimated to have a value of US$ 60.2 million by 2024, with a market share of 79.4% in North America.

“Rapid Growth in the Aerospace and Automotive Sectors Necessitates High-Performance Surface Coatings Is Increasing Demand for Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market in the China”

China’s thriving aerospace and automobile industries have brought to light a demand for chromium coated surfaces. In the context of commercial and military aviation, there is a rising need of superior coatings. In particular, the process of chromium plating brings critical protective properties such as ultimate corrosion protection and resistance to wear, which are very crucial in the parts such as engine components, fasteners and landing gear.

China is experiencing high growth in aerospace industry because of its initiative of increasing domestic production. China’s aerospace sector is further expanding as resources are drawn to enhancing military air strength by acquiring key manufacturing equipment with very high quality of surface treatment. In the same way, the automobile industry is growing in China as automakers work on many modern approaches to fuel savings, including the use of lightweight materials.

Lastly, with the stringent environmental regulations there is also surge towards practicing environment-friendly, hence increases the search for sustainable methods that the firms need to adopt and one such method is the application of the trivalent chromium plus treatment. It is challenging to create very strong surface coatings which are not sub-standard as is the case with most coatings.

In conclusion, chromium-plated surface treatments are powerful levers and as it play a significant supporting role in the aerospace and the automotive industries of China.

By 2034, the market for China chromium plated surface treatment is projected to be worth US$ 41.5 million.

Category-wise Insights

Electroplating Technology have High Demand in Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market due to its Cost Effectiveness, Versatility, and Excellent Surface Quality

Electroplating technology is gaining fast popularity in the chromium plated surface treatment market mainly because of its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ability to deliver excellent surface quality. This method helps to control the thickness of the coating precisely so that components get a uniform and durable layer of chromium, which enhances their wear and corrosion resistance capabilities.

Electroplating can also be applied to many substrates, so it applies to a wide range of industries, such as the aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery, for example, steel, aluminum, and plastic.

This process is also scalable, as it would enable small as well as large production runs, appealing to most manufacturers desirous of optimizing the cost while remaining quality conscious. As the environmental rules become sterner in forcing a more responsible society, electroplating can adjust through the help of trivalent chromium solutions, further increasing its appeal in the market. In general, its effectiveness in raising the performance of components drives the growing adoption of electroplating technology.

According to projections, the electroplating is holding the market share of 36.7% in global chromium plated surface treatment market and will reach to US$ 146.9 million value in 2034.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players in the chromium plated surface treatment market are Atotech, Valence Surface Technologies, Electro-Coatings, Inc., Pioneer Metal Finishing, Hard Chrome Specialists, Bales Metal Surface Solutions, KOCH Finishing Systems, Advance Plating Technologies, Multinal Group, CZL Tilburg, Embee Processing, John Cockerill Surface Treatment, Betz-Chrom, ASCO Engineering & Surface Technology, Hardide, New Method Plating Inc., Precision Industries, Inc, Hayden Corp., G.W.P. AG, and DVS Enterprises.

These companies in the chromium plated surface treatment market focuses on innovation, sound environmental practices, strategic partnership building, and expanding their product lines to improve performance and meet growing demand in many industries.

• In November 2023, Krebs & Riedel collaborated with BASF to develop environmentally friendly chromium plating solutions.
• In January 2023, Covalent Materials Corporation entered into a supply agreement with Vanderbilt Chemicals which enhanced Covalent's supply chain for chromium plating chemicals and products.
• In July 2022, Pioneer Metal Finishing signed a partnership with Allied Metal Company which focuses on expanding capabilities and service offerings in chromium plating and surface treatment.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers & service providers in chromium plated surface treatment market positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Chromium Plated Surface Treatment Market

• By Plating Technology :

  • Ion Vapor Deposition (IVD) Plating
  • High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Plating
  • LHE (Lithium-Induced Homogeneous Electrolysis) Zn-Ni Plating
  • Electroplating
  • Other Plating Technologies

• By Component Type :

  • Aircraft Landing Gear
  • Engine Components
  • Fasteners
  • Exterior Components
  • Interior Components

• By Material :

  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Titanium
  • Other Materials

• By End-User :

  • Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers
  • Business Jet Manufacturers
  • Military Aircraft Manufacturers
  • General Aviation Manufacturers

• By Service Type :

  • New Aircraft Manufacturing
  • MRO

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa