PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1787959
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1787959
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Composite Tooling Market is accounted for $613.58 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $1,038.01 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. Composite tooling refers to the use of composite materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or epoxy resins, to create molds, fixtures, and tooling components used in the manufacturing of composite parts. These tools are essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine, where lightweight and high-strength components are required. Composite tooling offers benefits such as reduced weight, high dimensional stability, and resistance to corrosion and temperature fluctuations. It enables the efficient production of complex geometries and high-performance components. The tooling is typically produced through processes like hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, or autoclaving to ensure precision and durability during repeated use.
According to the European Commission's September 2021 data, the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program has approved funding for the new SEER project.
Rising Demand from Aerospace & Defense Sector
Rising demand from the aerospace and defense sector is significantly propelling the composite tooling market. The need for lightweight, high-strength materials in next-gen aircraft and military applications is driving adoption of advanced composite tooling solutions. This surge is fostering innovation in carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and hybrid tooling systems, enhancing precision and efficiency. As defense budgets expand and fuel efficiency regulations tighten, composite tooling becomes indispensable for manufacturing durable, high-performance components, positioning the market for sustained growth.
High Initial Costs of Composite Tooling
The high initial costs of composite tooling present a major barrier to market growth. Manufacturing composite tools requires advanced materials, skilled labor, and specialized equipment, resulting in substantial upfront investment. This cost factor deters small and medium-sized enterprises from adopting composite tooling, especially when compared to more affordable traditional metal tools. Consequently, it limits market expansion and slows the adoption of composite tooling across industries with tight budget constraints.
Growth in Automotive Light weighting Trends
The growing trend of automotive light weighting is accelerating demand in the composite tooling market. As manufacturers seek fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles, the shift to lightweight materials like carbon fiber and advanced polymers is driving tooling innovation. Composite tooling enables precise molding of complex, weight-saving components, reducing cycle times and enhancing production efficiency. With electric vehicles and sustainability goals gaining momentum, composite tooling becomes essential for scalable, high-performance part fabrication-positioning the market for robust growth across global automotive supply chains.
Limited Tool Life Compared to Metal Tooling
Limited tool life compared to traditional metal tooling poses a significant challenge to the growth of the composite tooling market. Composite tools often degrade faster under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, leading to frequent replacements and increased operational costs. This limitation reduces their cost-effectiveness in high-volume production settings, making manufacturers hesitant to adopt composite tooling for long-term use. As a result, it hinders broader market penetration, especially in cost-sensitive industries.
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the composite tooling market. Initially, disruptions in supply chains, labor shortages, and halted manufacturing activities led to project delays and reduced demand, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. However, the market gradually rebounded as industries adapted to new safety protocols and resumed operations. The pandemic also accelerated the shift toward automation and digitalization in tooling processes, fostering long-term growth opportunities.
The kirksite tooling segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The kirksite tooling segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its excellent castability, dimensional stability, and machinability enable faster turnaround and reduced lead times, especially in aerospace and automotive applications. The ability to replicate intricate geometries with minimal shrinkage enhances design flexibility, while its recyclability supports sustainability goals. As industries prioritize lightweight, high-performance tooling, kirksite's adaptability and affordability are driving its growing adoption across composite manufacturing workflows.
The carbon fiber segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the carbon fiber segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate due to its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, enabling high-performance tooling for automotive, and wind energy sectors. Its thermal stability and rigidity ensure precision in complex mold geometries, while lightweight properties reduce energy consumption during manufacturing. As industries demand durable, efficient, and sustainable solutions, carbon fiber's recyclability and compatibility with advanced resins make it a preferred choice. This segment's growth is further fueled by innovations in automated lay-up and out-of-autoclave processes.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to expanding aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors. Government initiatives like "Make in India" and rising investments in lightweight, high-performance materials are accelerating adoption. The region's cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and skilled labor pool support rapid tooling innovation. Additionally, increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions is fueling the need for advanced composite molds, positioning Asia Pacific as a strategic hub for global tooling production.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to increased demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in aircraft and electric vehicles has significantly boosted the adoption of composite tooling. Technological advancements, presence of key players, and supportive government initiatives toward sustainability and fuel efficiency are further propelling market expansion. Additionally, investments in R&D and automation in manufacturing processes are enhancing productivity and driving regional market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Composite Tooling Market include Hexcel Corporation, Gurit Holding AG, Janicki Industries, Solvay S.A., Airtech Advanced Materials Group, Teijin Limited, Sika AG, Toray Industries, Inc., Formtech Composites, Composite Tooling and Engineering Solutions, General Tool Company, Leadtime Technology, IDI Composites International, AIP Aerospace, Huntsman Corporation, Park Aerospace Corp., Shape Corp., Norco Composites & GRP, Trelleborg AB and Hexion Inc.
In June 2025, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Hexcel Corporation recently formalized a significant five year strategic partnership at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Under this long term agreement, Hexcel will supply its acclaimed HexWeb(R) engineered honeycombs and HexPly(R) prepregs to support Kongsberg's core defence and aerospace production programs.
In March 2025, Fairmat, has partnered with Hexcel Germany to combat the incineration of carbon fiber prepreg waste in Europe. Fairmat will lease a former Hexcel facility in Bouguenais, France, to recycle carbon fiber and resin offcuts using a low-energy, cold-treatment process. This initiative aims to repurpose most of Hexcel's European prepreg scrap into new composite panels-supporting industries like automotive, electronics, and sports.
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.