Mechanical Face Seals Market

Global Mechanical Face Seals Market Forecast

• Global market for mechanical face seals to jump from US$3.4 Bn in 2022 to US$5.6 Bn in 2030
• Mechanical face seals market size anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% during 2023 - 2030

Quick Report Digest

1. Due to the rising need for petroleum, the oil and gas industry is predicted to develop dramatically over the next few years. Recently, a number of new oil and gas deposits have been found, and governments are investing a sizable amount in these reserves.
2. The strict pollution and fuel efficiency rules, expanding demand for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and rising infrastructure operations in a number of sectors are predicted to be the main drivers of mechanical face seal demand.
3. The mechanical face seals' raw material costs' instability will restrain the market's expansion. Some potential customers might be turned off by mechanical face seals' high manufacturing and installation costs.
4. Over the course of the forecast period, opportunities are anticipated to arise in the global mechanical face seals market as a result of improvements in efficient production methods, intense focus on emission control strategies, and rising demand for light commercial vehicles.
5. In terms of type segmentation, the floating seal category led the market in 2022 and is predicted to do so again in the years to come. The expanding use of floating seals in many industrial sectors is responsible for the category's expansion.
6. With a market share of over 24% in 2022, the application segmentation category of tunnel boring machines led the market, and it is anticipated that this dominance would last throughout the projection period. The expanding use of mechanical face seals in infrastructure and building projects is responsible for the category expansion of tunnel boring machines.
7. The largest market share for mechanical face seals is projected to come from the Asia Pacific region. The rapidly expanding manufacturing industry in emerging nations like China, and India is to blame for Asia Pacific's market domination in mechanical face seals.
8. During the anticipated period, the mechanical face seals market will rise at a high rate in Europe. The booming chemical sector in the area, along with the expanding usage of mechanical face seals in the mining, marine, and aerospace industries, are both major contributors to the Europe's mechanical face seals market's quick growth.

A Look Back and a Look Forward - Comparative Analysis

Increasing infrastructure investments, a growth in the demand for light commercial vehicles, and strict government rules for fuel economy standards and pollution control are some of the causes that are driving up demand for mechanical face seals. Furthermore, the market is expanding as a result of the demand for these seals from expanding industries such food and beverage, manufacturing, and mining.

During the historical period of 2018-2022, the market had staggered growth. Manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and mining are just a few of the areas where the mechanical face seal industry has been steadily expanding. Additionally, mechanical face seals are frequently employed in large machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and industrial pumps. The market's growth was facilitated by the development of these sectors.

The volatility of raw material prices will limit the growth of the mechanical face seals market, but technological advancements that lead to more economical production methods, the high demand for LCVs, and a strong emphasis on emission control regulations are anticipated to create potential growth opportunities.

Key Growth Determinants

• Increasing Pace of Industrialisation

Global manufacturing and industrial sector expansion is the main driver of the market's expansion. Increased foreign investment regulations and supported global investment are to attributed for this trend. Furthermore, the mechanical face seals market's expansion is largely being driven by the rise in shale gas production in both developed and developing nations.

The development of the global market is accelerating due to new oil & gas exploration activities and significant investments in pipelines and refineries.

In addition, a significant factor driving the overall expansion of the global mechanical face seals market is the introduction of new technologies. The expansion within the global market is also anticipated to be aided in the next years by growing uses in the food and beverages sector, such as in food tanks.

• Rising Adoption in Heavy Machines and Equipment

Heavy machinery and equipment, including mining and construction trucks, are still in high demand worldwide and frequently require mechanical face seals. These sectors are expanding, increasing the demand for trustworthy sealing solutions. Several different industries use heavy machinery, such as industrial pumps, mining equipment, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment.

Excavation, material handling, and processing are all tasks that these machines do with great importance. For preventing contamination, maintaining lubrication, and extending equipment life, mechanical face seals are crucial parts in these devices.

Constant infrastructural developments prevail as economies expand, and urbanisation hastens. Heavy equipment is used extensively in road, bridge, building, and other construction operations. Mechanical face seals are in high demand in construction equipment as a result of this development.

• Development of Material Science

Mechanical face seals' performance level is strongly influenced by the caliber and standards of the raw materials utilised in their production. As a result, manufacturers of machine face seals are investing more in R&D to create the materials needed to make them. Due to the poor thermal conductivity of the alumina ceramic and the tribological characteristics of the materials, the application window for the face pair in the axial face seal was constrained.

Furthermore, the high elastic modulus of the tungsten carbide material, which makes it the perfect material for high-pressure applications, aids in preventing face distortion. In addition to these material advancements, there have been recent innovations in the production of coating materials that enable machine face seals to work better.

Major Growth Barriers

• High Costs Associated with Mechanical Face Seals

The market for mechanical face seals is severely hampered by the fluctuating cost of raw materials. Mechanical face seals are typically made of steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and carbon, among other materials. The inside casing of seals is made of steel.

Changes in the price of steel and its related materials will thus have an impact on the global market for mechanical face seals. These raw commodities' prices alter as a result of many macroeconomic factors, including changes in inflation, labour costs, and regulatory policies.

• Complex Design and Production

The market for mechanical face seals is significantly constrained by complex design and production. Since mechanical face seals are intricate machines, precise production is necessary to ensure their best performance.

Mechanical face seals are frequently constructed from a number of substances, including silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and carbon graphite. The characteristics of these materials, such as hardness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, are what led to their selection. They can, however, be challenging to machine and put together.

Key Trends and Opportunities to Look at

1. Increased Investments in Manufacturing Industries

The growth of the mechanical face seals market is being driven by the expansion of the industrial sector, particularly in emerging economies. In order to entice foreign investment in their manufacturing sector, the governments of these nations provide incentives like tax breaks in addition to encouraging technological improvements by enhancing infrastructure. Investments in cutting-edge industrial equipment and tools are likely to drive the market.

2. Increased Discovery of New Oil and Gas Reserves

Due to the rising need for petroleum, the oil and gas industry is predicted to develop dramatically over the next few years. Recently, a number of new oil and gas deposits have been found, and governments are investing a sizable amount in these reserves. In the recent years, a number of new oil and gas projects have been launched, which is predicted to increase demand for mechanical face seals.

3. Expanding Adoption of New Technologies

Numerous market prospects for mechanical face seals are emerging as a result of the expanding usage of new technologies. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are adopting new technologies like AI, and IoT at an increasing rate. This is encouraging the creation of fresh and creative uses for mechanical face seals. Aside from these particular technologies, new and developing sectors are also being created as a result of the increasing use of new technology.

How Does the Regulatory Scenario Shape this Industry?

The regulatory environment significantly influences the mechanical face seal market. Regulations have been put in place by governments all over the world to safeguard the environment, human health, and safety. These rules have an effect on the development, production, and application of mechanical face seals. The purpose of environmental rules is to prevent pollution and save the environment.

The materials used in mechanical face seals, as well as how they are produced and disposed of, may be affected by these rules. Additionally, workers are protected against risks by safety rules. Mechanical face seal design and production may be impacted by these restrictions. Furthermore, the purpose of laws governing food and beverage safety is to shield people from foodborne illnesses. Mechanical face seals used in the food and beverage sector can be affected by these rules in terms of their design and production.

Fairfield’s Ranking Board

Top Segments

1. Floating Seals Maintain Dominance over Tunnel Boring Category

The market category for floating seals is predicted to account for the greatest proportion. As they are pre-assembled at the factory and pressure tested, floating seals are very dependable and provide better performance. The two-piece construction of floating seals defines them. The first component is a stationary housing that is fastened to the machinery.The second component is a spinning seal ring that is held in place by a spring.

Moreover, the toric seals industry is anticipated to experience a consistent CAGR. A particular kind of mechanical face seal utilised in many industrial applications is the toric seal. These seals are essential for keeping lubricants or other fluids from leaking between two reciprocating or rotating parts.

Toric seals are only one of the many sealing options available in the mechanical face seals industry. Additionally, a variety of industries, including the automotive, industrial, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors, employ toric seals. Usually, they are used in machinery where a high level of sealing performance and dependability is necessary.

2. Agriculture Machines Remain the Key Application Area

In 2022, the agriculture machines dominated the market, and it is predicted to grow significantly over the course of the forecast period. The rising global need for food is predicted to create a large increase in the category of farm machines over the next few years. The increased use of cutting-edge technology like autonomous farming and precision agriculture is also fueling the expansion of this industry.

Furthermore, the axles category is expected to expand significantly. Axles are revolving shafts that distribute power to a vehicle's wheels. Axle ends are sealed with mechanical face seals, which also stop lubricant leaks. The difficult operating conditions of axles, such as high speeds, large loads, dirt, and debris, are intended to be withstood by axle mechanical face seals.

Regional Frontrunners

Mounting Foreign Investments to Justify Dominance of Asia Pacific in Global Market

The region with the biggest market share for mechanical face seals is expected to be Asia Pacific during that forecast period. Demand for products should be driven by the region's countries' expanding industrial sectors.

In many industrial applications, mechanical face seals are used. Moreover, the manufacturing sectors of the region's growing nations are receiving significant foreign investment, which is predicted to have an impact on the demand for these seals.

Furthermore, increasing manufacturing investment, rising demand from the regional construction, oil and gas, and marine industries, as well as fast-paced industrialisation, are some other significant factors. These include supporting government regulations as well as policy frameworks by numerous authorities across the Asia Pacific countries.

North America’s Gains Lie in Consistent Investments in Infrastructure

The market for mechanical face seals is expanding at the fastest rate in North America, which presents a significant opportunity for the industry due to the regions' continuing infrastructure investments. As manufacturing sectors like automotive and aerospace, energy sectors like oil and gas extraction, and high-tech services like computer software and computer system design, including health applications, become more prevalent, so does the demand for sealing solutions.

Additionally, it is anticipated that an increase in development projects and investments in public infrastructure will fuel the market expansion for mechanical face seals.

Fairfield’s Competitive Landscape Analysis

By collaborating with regional organisations, businesses in the mechanical face seals sector are concentrating on extending their geographic reach. Another important tactic used by manufacturers of mechanical face seals to hold onto market share is the introduction of new products.

Furthermore, a well-known key players are concentrating their research and development efforts to create a blend of metal, elastomer, and fibers that may provide the necessary characteristics and provide the needed performance under demanding circumstances.

Who are the Leaders in Global Mechanical Face Seals Space?

• Caterpillar
• Enduro Bearings Industrial
• FTL Technology
• Goetze
• SKF
• Timken AB
• Trostel
• SAP Parts
• Trelleborg Group
• ROC Carbon Company
• Morcor Limited
• Dover Corporation
• Tenneco Inc.
• Freudenberg SE
• Fenner Group Holdings Limited 

Significant Company Developments

New Product Launch

• May 2020: The patented Chesterton Matrix Rotary Seal was created by A.W. Chesterton Company, a pioneer in sealing technology, and uses two different material technologies to function well on huge run-out shafts and worn-out machinery.
• April 2019: Dover has unveiled the most recent Air Mizer design for the shaft seal of the AM Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association, which was specifically created for CEMA equipment and screw conveyors.
• March 2019: A new cartridge seal, the T4111, was introduced by John Crane. The Elastomer Bellows Cartridge Seal is a single-use seal that is made to seal centrifugal and rotary pumps as well as other rotating shaft devices.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• September 2021: US-based Carbon Point Solutions, a company that specialises in collection technology, was purchased by Caterpillar. The acquisition sought to reduce Caterpillar's greenhouse gas emissions while assisting clients in achieving their climatic goals.
• April 2019: The Advanced Diamond Technologies Engineering Division was bought by John Cranes, which improved the efficiency and dependability of mechanical seals produced by John Crane. the company's product line will be improved.

An Expert’s Eye

Market Demand and Future Growth

Mechanical face seals are becoming increasingly necessary as a result of the quickening industrial progress in emerging economies. Furthermore, stringent pollution and fuel efficiency standards are what are driving the global market for mechanical face seals.

Sales must be increased by making things more recognisable and alluring to customers. The market for mechanical face seals is also predicted to grow as a result of an increase in development projects and investments in public infrastructure.

Supply Side of the Market

According to our analysis, the mechanical face seal industry is entirely supplied by China. Mechanical face seals are mostly manufactured and exported from China. A significant number of producers, both small and large, make up the Chinese mechanical face seal market. Mechanical face seals for a variety of applications are produced by Chinese manufacturers in a wide range.

Additionally, the Chinese government offers a number of regulations and measures to help the mechanical face seal sector. Whereas, the US, Germany, and Japan are other top suppliers of mechanical face seals. These nations have a long history of producing mechanical face seals and are renowned for their high-calibre goods. Moreover, the mechanical face seal market in the US is known for its high level of innovation and quality. To satisfy their clients' expectations, US manufacturers are continually creating brand-new, cutting-edge mechanical face seal goods.

Global Mechanical Face Seals Market is Segmented as Below:

By Type

• Lifetime Seals
• Floating Seals
• Duo Cone Seals
• Toric Seals
• Heavy Duty Seals

By Application

• Tracked Vehicles
• Agriculture Machines
• Conveyor Systems
• Mining Machines
• Heavy Trucks
• Tunnel Boring Machines
• Axles
• Others

By Geographic Coverage:

• North America 
  • U.S. 
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• Middle East & Africa  
  • GCC 
  • South Africa
  • Egypt
  • Nigeria
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa