SHEATH MATERIALS MARKET ANALYSIS

Sheath is basically covering material used for knives, cables and other electronic components. Sheath materials are also used for thermocouples which include 316 Stainless Steel, 316L Stainless Steel, 304 Stainless Steel, 304 Stainless Steel, 310 Stainless Steel, 321 Stainless Steel, 446 Stainless Steel, Inconel 600, Inconel 601, Inconel 800. Selection of these materials depends upon the requirement of different temperature conditions and the operating environment. Leather sheath is used for hunting knives.

Thermosetting materials include XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) which is an ideal material offering good chemical, moisture and weather resistant and is mainly used an external sheath material for “rugged” cables. PCP (Polychloroprene) offers excellent low temperature resistance, flame resistance, heat resistance, resistance to sunlight, oil and weathering, and abrasion resistance. Owing to its ruggedness, it is used extensively in the mining industry. Other commonly used sheath materials are Chloro-sulphanated Polyethylene and Ethylene Propylene Rubber.

Sheath Materials Market Taxonomy

On the basis of material, the global market is classified into:

• Wood
• Kydex
• Nylon
• Leather
• Lead,
• Plastic
• Aluminum,
• Titanium,
• Stainless steel

On the basis of product type, the global market is classified into:

• Thermosetting
• Thermoplastic

On the basis of applications, the global market is classified into:

• Electronics and Electrical
• Healthcare

Thermoplastic materials include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) used extensively due to its low cost, high physical strength, adequate oil resistance, good moisture resistance, good flame resistance and excellent resistance to weathering and soil environments. Most commonly used sheath material for LV cables. PE is available in low density in the range 0.91 – 0.925 g/cm3, medium density in the range 0.926 – 0.94 g/cm3, high density in the range 0.941 – 0.965 g/cm3. PE sheaths offer excellent moisture resistance, good physical strength, and good ageing properties. Other commonly used thermoplastic are Chlorinated Polyethylene, Nylon and Thermoplastic elastomers.

Sheath Materials Market Outlook – Increasing Demand for Electronics Application to be the Major Market Driver  

Asia Pacific is expected to be the most potential market for sheath materials manufacturers. Asia Pacific is projected to witness relatively high growth in terms of value over the forecast period. Rapidly growing electronics industry coupled with increased demand of consumer and commercial goods has augmented the growth of sheath materials market in developing countries such as India and China. According to IBEF, in the year 2020, the Indian electronics industry is expected to generate a revenue of USD 400 billion. This has attracted investors such as HMC MM, Qualcomm, Samsung, LG, GE, Jabil, Flextronics, Bosch, Magneti Marelli, Continental, Amphenol, Motherson Sumi system, Nidec, Delphi and others. This trend is expected to be followed over the forecast period. India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) is a Trust established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Government of India with the purpose of promoting and creating international awareness of goods manufactured in India.

Numerous uses of sheath materials in electronic industry is fueling the growth of sheath material market, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Highly fragmented market is expected to be one of the restraining factors for the growth of sheath material market over the forecast period. Product innovation and expansion in various geographies is a key strategy adopted by the major players in the sheath material market. In 2015 Teleflex Medical OEM expanded the production capacity for Fibers, Bioresorbable Sutures, and Resins.  The expansion involves increased production capacity, new customer support center, and added areas for research and development activities. Some of the major companies operating in the global Sheath Materials market include Gravita India Ltd. Steel will, Teltech, Ducab, Durex industries, Caledonian, SAB Bröckskes GmbH & Co. KG and Marttiini.