Surface Inspection: A Leading Process for Quality Assurance
The surface inspection market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.55% during the forecast period to reach US$5.911 billion by 2027, from US$3.792 billion in 2020.
Surface inspection is a process that involves the use of angled lighting, smart cameras, software, and equipment to detect and correct surface defects. This process involves surface examination, to find potential defects, flaws, or any irregularities in the product. Industries that thrive to achieve quality and perfection by detecting the flows in their end products are creating higher demand for surface inspection in the market. Surface inspections can support detecting impairment in functionality and component. Henceforth, this process aids in the optimization of production operations as part of quality assurance.
The central aspects driving the surface inspection market are quality assurance in the growing electronics sector, developments in the automotive sector, and innovative new launches.
The market is expanding due to the rising demand for surface inspection systems in the electronics industry. To meet quality standards in the electrical and electronics industries, high-performance and cutting-edge inspection systems are needed. In the electronics industry, surface inspection systems are used to find flaws in circuit boards, optical-line width management, wafer management, and other components. Over the anticipated time, the surface inspection market is expected to increase because of all these aspects and benefits.
Furthermore, the growing automotive industry is expected to propel the market for surface inspection in the forthcoming years. Owing to high consumer expectations and flawless surface experience in their newly bought cars, quality assurance, and surface inspection has become an important part of the automotive industry. Moreover, even minimal scratches or paint defects on the product or any add-on parts such as bumpers or B-pillars can lead to expensive complaints and deterioration of the company’s image. Further, faulty curved displays or mirrors can risk driving safety. Thus, surface inspection has become a dire necessity in the automotive industry. Additionally, these surface flaws, curves, or bumps are often extremely sensitive and therefore difficult to inspect or identify with just human vision. Henceforth, precise quality control inspections and surface inspections are essential for manufacturers in the automotive industry.
Moreover, the new launches in the surface inspection market are yet another factor driving the market during the forecast period. ISRA Vision, an innovative automation machinery manufacturer launched its next generation of camera-based inline inspection systems with new features and intelligent software tools in July 2022. Furthermore, in August 2021, OMRON launched the PCB inspection system ‘VT-S10 Series’ which features an industry-first imaging technique and AI for the high-precision inspection process.. Additionally, the worldwide leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced analytical, test, and measurement instrumentation company, Ametek, Inc. launched a range of expert system services to ensure optimum levels of operation for the lifetime of its inspections and monitoring products. The new launch was announced in October 2021, through AMETEK Surface Vision’s press release. These new performance services will benefit the customers by enhancing the inspection systems, reducing downtime, and maximizing return on investment claims the company. Henceforth, such key developments and innovative launches in the market are expected to further fuel the demand for the surface inspection market during the forecast period.
The surface inspection market for the automotive segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the anticipated period.
The highly effective surface inspection systems are increasingly used by the automotive sector to detect and prevent manufacturing defects, surface defects, and dents at different production stages. The newer and positive outlook of sustainability, through the introduction of futuristics sustainable electronics, electronic vehicle alternatives, etc. have paved the way for the growth of the automotive industry in the coming years. Furthermore, the use of surface inspection in the automotive industry for capturing various materials and production-induced defects has helped the automotive industry to achieve a significant positive outlook. For instance, the battery cell surface inspection helps in identifying various minor blemishes that are unsafe for the battery cells. As battery cells wrapped in a durable protective coating have flaws like bubbles and inclusions under the coating, scratches, inadequately applied coating, etc. these minor flaws in the battery cell can cause an electrical short or overheating, hence it is crucial to detect these defects while minimizing rejection of flawed but functional coating of the battery cells used in electric vehicle battery systems. Such widespread use of surface detection and emerging new benefits of surface inspection for the automotive industry is expected to propel the market for surface inspection techniques in the forthcoming years.
Analysts predict that the North American region has the biggest share of the surface inspection market.
Based on Geography, the surface inspection market is divided into North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. According to analysts, the North American region holds the biggest market share. The market growth can be largely attributed to the increasing advancements in automotive technology and the increasing electronics industry in this region. The leading automotive companies are fueling the growth of the automotive sector by introducing innovative technologies and solutions in this region. For instance, in December 2021, Tesla a known EV manufacturer launched Software V11.0 with customizable controls, safety features, and an all-new user-interface design. Through such advancement and technological upgradation, the North American region is expected to achieve lucrative growth in the automotive sector during the forecast period. Consequently, the growing automotive sector is expected to propel the market for surface inspection in this region.
COVID-19 Insights
The outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant impact on the surface inspection market. The strict lockdown measures in most countries resulted in partial or complete closure of businesses, manufacturing units, factories, etc. The focus of consumers shifted towards essential goods and services, hence the overall demand for the automotive and electronics sector was hindered for a short period. However, the economic recovery and reopening of manufacturing units and industries led to a positive recovery for the surface inspection market amid the pandemic. Furthermore, the demand for the electronics sector surged during this period to adopt the new working environment and e-learning practices globally, which led to the growth of the electronics sector. The positive demand from the end-user industry led to a subtle recovery and growth of the surface inspection market during the pandemic.
