Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Market Is Projected to Expand At A CAGR Of 6.1% Between 2023 And 2031. The diamond-like term reflects that the film (coating) contains some portion of sp3 (diamond) and sp2 (carbon) bonding. This bonding has mechanical properties of the film different to the properties of a diamond. The diamond-like carbon (DLC) is an amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of a diamond. It is a thin film coating deposited on other materials to impart essential properties of diamond such as hard, chemical & scratch resistant, and to provide surface lubrication to minimize friction amongst others. DLC coatings possess high thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity that makes it suitable for medical devices, micro-electronics, and automotive components applications. Protective coatings on displays, flexible semiconductors, and sensors are coated with DLC to increase the durability of the product and increase overall product life.

DLC coating is deposited on any material by ‘Plasma-enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD)’ process. Polymers are often known to have low melting point temperatures, therefore coated with DLC in order to improve their melting point temperatures and surface hardness. The polymers like PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is one of the major product coated with DLC in order to impart strength and have an extended product life. The structure and mechanical properties of DLC are based on the method of deposition and incorporation of additional elements like hydrogen, nitrogen, silicone, and other metal dopants. These additional elements controls the hardness of the resultant film, level of residual stress, and tri-biological properties. The DLC coating are chemically inert and can be used for number of materials like aluminum-silicon alloys, powder metallurgy, cylinders, pistons, balls, gates, actuators, crankshafts, ball bearings, rotors, and impellers amongst many others.  

Major restraining factor with the usage of DLC is that the coating thickness (5 µm and below) is limited. Since the film itself is under the influence of residual stresses, de-lamination failure can occur in-case of high film stress. Lower temperature degrades the DLC to graphite is another factor restraining the growth. The property of graphite is not similar to diamond and hence the coating may not be worthy enough to impart desired properties. In recent years there has been an increased focus to apply DLC films on the mass-produced mechanical components including medical components. This one of the major factor that is expected to propel the market growth for DLC coatings and its applications.

The Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) is segmented by product type into Hydrogen Free DLC (a-C), Hydrogenated DLC (a-C:H), tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon DLC (ta-C), Hydrogenated Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon (ta-C:H) and Others (Silicon DLC, Metal DLC, etc.). The DLC market by product type is driven by ta-C segment due to the fact that it is the purest form of DLC as it contains only sp3 bonded atoms. It has major applications in metal coatings. Based on the application, the market is segmented into medical products, thermal applications, packaging products, automotive, and others (Metal Forming, Tools & Tackles, Mechanical Seals, etc.). Automotive application led the market in 2017 due to DLC’s high wear resistance, friction resistance, and non-stick properties. It is considered as an ideal surfacing solution for automotive and other stressed components and tools.

In 2017, in terms of demand/consumption, globally, Asia Pacific was the major market for Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) closely followed by the Europe and North American regions. As of 2017, China was the largest market for DLC since, for the same year, it was the leading automotive manufacturing hub of the world. Other BRICS country like India with their ongoing “Make in India” program is expected to boost the manufacturing sector, especially automotive and electronics. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the largest market for medical, electrical, and automotive components for the forecast period.

Key players across the Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) Market value chain are:

IBC Coatings Technologies, Oerlikon Groups, Inc., Richter Precision Inc., Norseld Pty Ltd, Morgan Advanced Materials Plc, Wallwork Heat Treatment Ltd, Renishaw Advanced Materials Ltd, and Micromatter Technologies Inc

Historical & Forecast Period

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.

The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.

Research Methodology

The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market are as follows:

• Research and development budgets of manufacturers and government spending
• Revenues of key companies in the market segment
• Number of end users and consumption volume, price and value.
• Geographical revenues generate by countries considered in the report
• Micro and macro environment factors that are currently influencing the Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market and their expected impact during the forecast period.

Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.

Key questions answered in this report

• What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market?
• What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?
• Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2032.
• Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?
• Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?
• Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market?
• Which is the largest regional market for Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market?
• What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?
• Which are the key trends driving Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market growth?
• Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market worldwide?