PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1927699
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1927699
Positive Material Identification Market size was valued at US$ 3,050.10 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.80% from 2025 to 2032.
Positive material identification (PMI) is a critical non-destructive testing (NDT) technique for ensuring that the materials provided meet the necessary standards and requirements. These are used to ensure that the chemical composition of metallic parts contains the proper proportion of essential elements, and that material properties such as corrosion resistance meet the criteria. The PMI is used in a variety of industries for quality control and safety compliance, and it is an essential component of production and asset management. A major driver is the increased enforcement of stringent safety, quality, and traceability regulations, particularly in high-risk industries where material failure can have serious operational and environmental consequences. The market is being reshaped by a shift toward portable, handheld PMI devices that are integrated with cloud connectivity and digital reporting, allowing for faster inspections and real-time data sharing on-site. Despite its benefits, the market faces significant constraints in the form of high equipment costs and the need for skilled operators to accurately interpret results. Nonetheless, the growing adoption of PMI in emerging economies and additive manufacturing presents an attractive opportunity, as precise material verification is critical for certifying complex, high-value components.
Positive Material Identification Market- Market Dynamics
The Automotive Industry's Surge Drives Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market Growth
Increasing demand from the automotive industry is expected to drive the positive material identification (PMI) market in the coming years. The automotive industry includes companies and organizations that design, develop, manufacture, market, and sell automobiles, towing vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds. The automobile industry employs PMI methodologies to ensure the quality of materials used during the manufacturing process. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency's annual Global Electric Vehicle Outlook report, more than 10 million electric vehicles were sold globally in 2022, with sales expected to increase by 35% to 14 million the following year. As a result, rising automotive demand is propelling the positive material identification industry forward.
The Global Positive Material Identification Market is segmented by Offering, End Use, Technique, Form Factor and Region.
According to the Offering, the equipment segment commands the market due to increased demand for handheld, benchtop, and integrated testing systems. Companies rely heavily on these tools to conduct accurate, on-site, real-time material analysis. In terms of installation and upgrade rates, XRF and LIBS analyzers are leading the way. Technological advances have improved the equipment's usability, compactness, and data integration. Industries with high-risk operations prioritize having in-house positive material identification devices for operational efficiency and safety assurance. The equipment segment, which serves as the backbone of the positive material identification process, is expected to grow steadily in the near future. For instance, in November 2023, SciAps Inc. has introduced the LIBS RT handheld analyzer, which is specifically designed for carbon analysis in steel applications. It addresses critical gaps in field-portable light element detection with measurement precision comparable to laboratory-grade optical emission spectroscopy systems.
By Form Factor, the handheld/portable segment currently dominates the market, with the largest share, and is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by its convenience and expanding field-based applications. Technicians can easily transport portable PMI devices to factories, construction sites, or pipelines for immediate material verification. Their rugged design, rapid analysis time, and wireless data transfer capabilities all contribute to their appeal. These tools are especially useful in the oil and gas, aerospace, and metal recycling sectors. Portable analyzers are increasingly replacing traditional lab testing in many cases due to improved battery life and user interfaces. They represent the future of mobile, effective quality control. In January 2024, AMETEK Inc. collaborated with Microsoft Azure to create cloud-based PMI data analytics platforms that enable predictive quality control and automated compliance reporting for large-scale manufacturing operations, with an initial deployment in automotive and aerospace customer installations.
Positive Material Identification Market- Geographical Insights
North America dominates the market, with the largest share due to its highly regulated industrial environment and early adoption of advanced technologies. It has stringent material validation standards in industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and nuclear energy. Major positive material identification device manufacturers and testing service providers are headquartered in the region, which promotes innovation and accessibility. The presence of a skilled workforce and established infrastructure helps to accelerate market maturity. Companies in North America are increasingly incorporating positive material identification into digital quality control systems to improve traceability and audit readiness. As ESG and safety compliance become more prominent, the regional demand for precise material verification remains high. For instance, in September 2024, Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Niton XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer, which features enhanced light-element detection and improved precision for alloy analysis in aerospace and automotive quality control, reflecting increased demand for advanced on-site material verification tools across North America.
United States Positive Material Identification Market- Country Insights
The United States is a significant contributor to regional market growth, driven by highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, and oil and gas. Organizations such as OSHA, ASME, and the FDA enforce stringent compliance standards, driving demand for accurate material verification. Manufacturers in the United States are among the first to adopt advanced technologies like handheld XRF and AI-integrated PMI tools. The country also has a robust network of third-party inspection services and certified labs that provide PMI solutions. Continuous innovation and a skilled workforce reinforce the United States' position as a global leader in the positive material identification (PMI) market. For instance, in June 2024, OLYMPUS Corporation introduced the Vanta Element-S portable XRF analyzer, which includes advanced connectivity features such as cloud-based data management and real-time quality monitoring integration, allowing for seamless workflow integration across global manufacturing and recycling facilities.
The Positive Material Identification (PMI) Market is moderately consolidated, with established analytical instrumentation companies and specialized inspection solution providers. Key players compete by constantly innovating new products, expanding the availability of portable and handheld PMI devices, and integrating digital data management and cloud-based reporting features. Companies are also focusing on strategic partnerships, service network expansion, and training solutions to boost customer adoption in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, power generation, and manufacturing. The market prioritizes accuracy, speed, and adherence to global safety standards, which drives investment in advanced X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) technologies. TUV SUD, Intertek Group, TSI Incorporated, and Metrohm are among the leading players, with large global footprints and diverse product portfolios.
In January 2022, Temasek, a Singapore-based investment management firm, purchased Element Materials Technology Group for an undisclosed sum. Temasek intends to expand its portfolio of material testing services by leveraging Element's existing strengths in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC). Element Materials Technology Group is a UK-based company that provides testing, inspection, and certification services for a wide range of products, materials, and technologies.
In January 2025, Evident has announced the launch of its next-generation Vanta Element handheld XRF analyzer series, which is designed for fast, accurate alloy identification in scrap sorting, metal manufacturing, and precious metal testing. The new series, which comes in two affordable models--the Vanta Element analyzer for basic alloy ID and the Vanta Element-S analyzer for alloy ID with light element analysis--provides increased comfort, speed, and ease of use to boost confidence in every alloy analysis.