Manual Cutting Equipment Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Technology, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Manual Cutting Equipment Market is accounted for $1.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The term "manual cutting equipment" describes the instruments and apparatus used to cut a variety of materials, including fabric, metal, wood, and plastic. These cutting tools do not need automated processes or power sources to function; they are operated manually. Additionally, the market caters to sectors like agriculture, where manual cutting tools are utilized for tasks such as pruning and harvesting crops. As advancements continue to enhance the precision and usability of manual cutting equipment, its importance in various industries remains steadfast, contributing to productivity, quality assurance, and craftsmanship in diverse applications.

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, raw steel production was 1.84 million net tons while the capability utilization rate was 83% in June 2021.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rise in infrastructure projects

As countries worldwide invest in upgrading and expanding their infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, railways, and buildings, the demand for manual cutting tools intensifies. Manual cutting equipment, including saws, torches, and plasma cutters, are essential for various construction tasks like metal fabrication, steel cutting, and concrete shaping. These tools enable workers to precisely cut and shape materials according to project specifications, ensuring structural integrity and quality. Moreover, as infrastructure projects often involve large-scale construction and maintenance activities, manual cutting equipment remains indispensable for professionals across various trades.

Restraint:

High initial investment

Manual cutting equipment, ranging from basic hand tools to more advanced machinery, often demands a substantial upfront financial commitment from businesses and individuals. This financial barrier can deter potential buyers, particularly small enterprises and hobbyists with limited budgets, from investing in manual cutting equipment. The cost of ancillary equipment, such as safety gear and maintenance tools, further adds to the overall investment. However, the high initial investment can also prolong the replacement cycle for outdated or inefficient equipment, inhibiting market growth as businesses may delay upgrading or expanding their cutting capabilities.

Opportunity:

Technological advancements

Continuous innovations in blade materials, ergonomic designs, and precision control mechanisms enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and usability of manual cutting tools. For instance, the development of high-performance blades with superior durability and cutting precision allows for smoother and more efficient cutting processes across various materials. Additionally, advancements in ergonomic designs aim to improve user comfort and reduce operator fatigue, leading to enhanced productivity and safety in the workplace. Moreover, integration of digital technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) systems and automation features further augment the capabilities of manual cutting equipment, enabling precise, repeatable cuts with minimal human intervention.

Threat:

Economic uncertainty

Fluctuations in the global economy, such as trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and economic downturns, can disrupt business investment decisions and overall demand for manual cutting equipment. Uncertainty surrounding factors like raw material prices, exchange rates, and government policies can make businesses hesitant to make capital expenditures in new equipment. In times of economic instability, companies may delay or scale back their expansion plans, leading to reduced demand for manual cutting equipment. However, uncertain economic conditions can impact consumer confidence and purchasing power, further dampening demand for products that rely on manual cutting processes.

Covid-19 Impact:

The widespread lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and economic downturns resulted in reduced industrial activity across many sectors, leading to decreased demand for manual cutting equipment. Manufacturing facilities faced closures or reduced operations, causing delays in capital expenditures and project implementations. Additionally, restrictions on movement and social distancing measures affected the availability of skilled labor for operating manual cutting equipment, further hampering production capacities. Uncertainty surrounding the duration and severity of the pandemic also prompted businesses to postpone investment decisions, impacting the market's growth trajectory.

The carbon arc cutting segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Carbon Arc Cutting segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. CAC offers a cost-effective and efficient method for cutting various materials, particularly metals, in industries ranging from construction to automotive. Its simplicity and versatility make it an attractive option for manual cutting operations, especially in settings where precision and speed are paramount. Additionally, the robustness and reliability of CAC equipment contribute to its growing popularity among operators seeking durable solutions for their cutting needs.

The heavy equipment fabrication segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Heavy Equipment Fabrication segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. As demand grows for heavy machinery and equipment across industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture, there's a corresponding need for precise and efficient cutting methods during fabrication processes. Manual cutting equipment, particularly plasma cutters and oxy-fuel cutting systems, play a pivotal role in shaping and assembling the structural components of heavy equipment. Their ability to accurately cut through thick metal plates and diverse materials while maintaining high productivity levels makes them indispensable tools in fabrication workshops.

Region with largest share:

Owing to an increasing demand for cutting equipment, the popularity of do-it-yourself trends, consumer preference for independent services, a labor scarcity, and high labor prices, North America region commanded the largest share of the market throughout the extrapolated period of time. Due to the increasing number of nuclear families in the United States currently, there is a greater need for manual cutting equipment for remodeling and gardening projects nationwide.

Region with highest CAGR:

Due to the rapid industrialization across countries like China, India, and Japan has led to increased demand for manual cutting tools in various manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, Asia Pacific region is poised to witness profitable growth over the projection period. Furthermore, favorable government initiatives supporting manufacturing and industrial growth, along with rising disposable incomes, have bolstered investments in manual cutting equipment.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Manual Cutting Equipment market include Air Liquide SA, Colfax Corporation, Fronius International GmbH, GCE Group AB, Genstar Technologies Company, Inc., Illinois Tool Works, Inc., Lincoln Electric Company, Linde Group, Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. and Messer Group GmbH.

Key Developments:

In September 2023, Enovis, the medical technology company headquartered in Wilmington's suburbs, has reached a deal to acquire global orthopedics technology company LimaCorporate for nearly $850 million.

In February 2022, Messer Cutting Systems acquired Flame Technologies, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of products in the oxyfuel sector. With Flame Tech, Messer Cutting Systems strengthens its position as an international solution provider of oxyfuel, steel mill, and pre-heating solutions.

Technologies Covered:

• Carbon Arc Cutting
• Oxy-fuel
• Plasma
• Other Technologies

Applications Covered:

• Automotive and Transportation
• Construction
• Heavy Equipment Fabrication
• Shipbuilding and Offshore
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances