Overview of the welding equipment market

Continuing to review the various segments of the industrial equipment market, we would like to turn today to welding equipment. Consider the trends that have emerged in recent years and evaluate the newly opened prospects. We present you the latest data of 2022!

Traditionally, the market overview is divided into 3 main blocks: description and classification of the equipment in question; overview of global trends; acquaintance with key manufacturers in the world and in Russia.

To begin with, let's figure out what welding is? Welding is a process that leads to the formation of an integral joint between metal (usually, although not necessarily) parts. 

The welding process is used very widely in various fields. Welding equipment is necessary not only in industry, but also in various branches of human activity, in particular, during repair and construction.

There are the following main types of welding machines:

• T ransformers. A welding transformer is a device that converts the alternating voltage of the input network into an alternating voltage for electric welding. Its main node is a power transformer, with the help of which the mains voltage is reduced to the no-load voltage (secondary voltage), which is usually 50-60V. 

• Rectifiers. Welding rectifiers are devices that convert the alternating voltage of the network into a constant voltage of electric welding.

• Inverters. The word "inverter" in its original meaning means a device for converting direct current into alternating current.

• Semi-automatic machines. These are devices for welding in the environment of protective gases with a mechanized supply of welding wire. 

• Generators. These are welding machines with a gasoline or diesel electric generator;

• and other industrial devices.

Welding equipment by welding technology

Welding equipment is also divided into varieties depending on the technology of use. According to this classification, the equipment is divided into::

• Argon arc devices.

• Plasma cutting equipment.

• Manual arc equipment. Manual equipment is the simplest, but it is also used when performing ordinary household tasks and when carrying out complex repairs. The advantages of this type of apparatus is the ability to work in different planes, at different intensities, as well as in different atmospheric conditions. This category includes welding transformers and generators, as well as inverters and rectifiers.

• For semi–automatic welding - machines with a separate wire feed mechanism.

• For automatic welding.

• For contact welding.

• For electroslag welding – rail-type devices.

• For gas welding.

Finally, it is also possible to divide the types of work on welding equipment

There are more than 150 varieties of processes that we call welding.

According to the generally accepted classification, all types of welding work are divided into three main classes, depending on the type and form of energy that is used:

• thermal welding. This group includes a large number of processes that use arc, laser, beam, gas and similar types of energy;

• thermomechanical welding. This category includes all processes that use not only different types of energy, but also pressure – arc-press, contact, forge welding;

• 
  mechanical welding. The processes fully realize the use of various types of mechanical energy – friction, ultrasound, explosion.

Modern welding materials and equipment are manufactured taking into account the peculiarities of each type of welding work.

Global trends

The volume of the global welding market in 2020 amounted to 20.23 billion US dollars. The impact of COVID-19 on the regions was unexpected, as the demand for welding in the regions in the context of the pandemic was positive. According to the analysis, in 2020 the market showed moderate growth at 3.6%. The market is projected to grow from US$ 20.99 billion in 2021 to US$28.66 billion in 2028, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6% in the period 2021-2028. The steady average annual growth rate is explained by the fact that demand in this market returns to pre-pandemic levels after the end of the pandemic.

The welding industry has developed significantly over the past few years. The fields of application have expanded, due to advances in tools related to the welding process. In addition, the shortage of welders around the world is a major factor in the widespread introduction of robots in major industries. In addition, advances in methodologies have made it possible to integrate augmented reality, Internet connectivity, the ability to work without fasteners, intelligent sensors, etc., which allows manufacturers to increase efficiency, scalability and a quick return on investment. For example, in September 2019, Yaskawa Motoman introduced a new product called ArcWorld 50 series, known for its optimized advanced features such as process monitoring and verification.

The evolution of advanced technologies contributes to the growth of the market

com/L7Q1ccbqoGclR2RGZ2q1IXntO9RGTaG7rfW7il9oAurh6xNer7TnQSB6gRUYSJ88xR9yXc8Rp7WF0eKdkMsaDs5oVfXP9lCuuiYb0-nl2QM1Y76ANF9zrtBNd0nNp1RdCuS_Ajh6HBy5jA2VeQ " title="Arc Mate 100iD welder robot" class="library_img_margin" width="350" height="252" align="right">The growing trends towards the combination of heterogeneous and non-metallic materials, non-standard metal forms and structures, the emergence of various technologies, etc. bring a new wave of progress and restructuring of the industry. In such scenarios, the use of robotic welding is growing, as it reduces the operating time, ensures high welding accuracy and productivity in minimal time. In addition, the optimization of various intuitive technologies embedded in robotic solutions, such as Internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, cloud data and intelligent sensors, along with effective physical growth, reduces the number of accidents in the workplace. For example, in July 2017, Fanuc Corporation released the Arc Mate 100iD robot with a new graphical user interface and several intelligent functions, ideal for narrow workplaces, for jobs where stable quality is required, and for monitoring processes at every level of production.

Availability of equipment on lease terms to promote market growth

High initial costs have prompted suppliers to offer rental services or leasing schemes through various sales channels, thereby stimulating market growth. In addition, as part of the service contract, equipment suppliers and trade distributors can create additional value for customers by offering training, seminars and other types of useful information for self-execution, which serves a marketing purpose and serves to highlight the increased value of products for customers. Fulfilling such contracts can bring customers significantly more value than buying standard products.

The lack of qualified welders at the plant hinders the growth of the market

Currently, there are several problems in the industry, since engineers in different fields were aware of various precautions and discipline, but rarely received recommendations for conducting welding processes. In addition to this, these users usually learn welding while performing operations and are unlikely through apprenticeships or formal welder training. In such scenarios, there is a high risk of accidents, since the operator is poorly versed in factors such as the time required to heat metals, the supply of the required current, noise correction, and others.

Leading manufacturers in the world and Russia

Also, as part of the market review, we will traditionally consider the key players in Russia and the world.

Key global welding equipment companies:

• Lincoln Electric (USA)

• KOBE STEEL (Japan)

• ESAB (USA)

• ZULFI (Saudi Arabia)

• KISWEL (Korea)

• CS HOLDINGS (Korea)

• RME MIDDLE EAST (UAE)

• Voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl (Austria)

• Capilla (Germany)

• Tianjin Golden Bridge Welding Materials Group International Trading (China)

• Miller Electric Mfg (USA)

• BLUE WELD (Italy)

• FUBAG (Germany)

• EWM group (Germany)

• Kemppi (Finland)

Traditionally, we will consider the key Russian manufacturers of welding equipment and estimate their scale by gross profit for 2021//2020:

• RESANTA (LLC “CASCADE" 7727835943) 955.7 million ₽ // 640 million ₽, i.e. +49%.

• SVAROG (Insvarkom LLC) - 607.2 million rubles // 565.8 million rubles, i.e. +7%.

• TSS (LLC "GC TSS") - 503.8 million rubles // 410.3 million rubles, i.e. +22%.

• TurboJet (LLC GC RADOIL) - 125.4 million rubles // 94.3 million rubles, i.e. +33%.

• Altai Plant of aggregates (JSC "AZA") - 77.4 million rubles // 31.5 million rubles, i.e. +145%.

• Redirect 168” - 45 million ₽ // 41.1million ₽, i.e. +9%.

• Mechanical plant STEEL (LLC “STEEL") 21 million rubles // 16.5 million rubles, i.e. + 27%.

• TORUS (LLC “TOR") - 10.6 million rubles // 7 million rubles, i.e. +51%.

• Svarkajet - 1.2 million ₽ // 0.

• Welder (LLC "PTP "Charge") - 0.

• AURORA (LLC "GC "Aurora") - 0.

• ELITECH ("LIT Trading" - liquidated, new legal entity by trademark - 7718303614) - 0.

• CEDAR (LLC "RDS") - no data available

• Fast and Furious (JSC "GRPZ") - no data

The virtual exhibition Enex presents products of Russian and foreign manufacturers of welding equipment - view the catalog.