X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors by Component (Hardware, Software, Services, Consumables), Imaging Technique (Film-based Imaging, Digital Imaging), Dimension (2D X-ray, 3D X-ray), Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2029

The X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors is expected to reach a value of $772.8 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period 2022–2029.

Stringent government regulations for asset safety, increasing consumer awareness regarding quality standards, and the large-scale digitalization, automation, and miniaturization of electronic devices are driving the growth of the X-ray inspection systems market for electronics & semiconductors. Increasing automation of digital X-ray inspection systems, miniaturization of X-ray inspection systems for higher mobility, and the increasing user-friendliness of X-ray inspections systems due to technological advancements in hardware offer lucrative opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Some of the major trends that support the growth of this market are the increasing application of AI in X-ray inspection systems and the growing adoption of CT inspection for production line applications. However, the availability of substitute technologies and high equipment & maintenance costs are expected to restrain the market’s growth. The lack of qualified personnel is expected to remain a major challenge for the growth of this market.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted most industries globally. Some industries either shut down manufacturing operations following the directives issued by local governments or operated at minimal capacities to ensure social distancing and employee safety. The revenues of major companies decreased significantly due to halted operations. X-ray inspection is important for various industries, including electronics & semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, and oil & gas. Hence the X-ray inspection systems market for electronics & semiconductors was moderately impacted due to reduced economic activity and operations. In 2020, the electronics & semiconductors industry suffered considerable losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The semiconductor industry took a significant hit in 2020 due to acute raw material shortages and limitations on production, further impacting the electronics industry due to the decreased supply of semiconductor components. Also, the high demand for semiconductors across several industries coupled with disrupted supply chains and production shortages created a considerable demand-supply gap. The shortages were more severe in 2020, largely due to trade restrictions. Some companies reduced production and chip purchases due to fluctuations in the demand for end-use products. The demand for chips was very high and continues to rise among downstream sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, oil & gas, and industrial robotics. However, the global supply chain for semiconductors has not yet fully recovered; therefore, the shortages are expected to continue in the coming years.

PCB inspection, one of the major applications of X-ray inspection systems for electronics & semiconductors, witnessed a significant decrease in top-line revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disrupted supply chains and production losses also lowered the requirement for X-ray inspection services in the electronics & semiconductor industries. However, in response to the global semiconductor shortage, the semiconductor industry has optimized fabrication utilization surpassing the normal utilization level (80%). Front-end semiconductor fabrication facilities, or fabs, typically run above 80% capacity utilization, with some fabrication companies reaching even 90–100% capacity utilization. Over the past two years, the industry has steadily increased overall fab utilization and is estimated to further increase utilization during 2022 to meet the growing demand. Higher fab utilization to boost chip production is expected to increase the demand for X-ray inspection systems in semiconductor chip manufacturing during the forecast period.

In 2020, semiconductor sales fluctuated across almost all categories due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sales of computers and related accessories increased due to the mass adoption of remote working policies. Other markets, such as automotive, witnessed radical highs and lows throughout the year with negative overall annual growth. However, there was a slight increase in sales revenues during the first half of 2021. Innovation in semiconductors is expected to support transformative technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous electric vehicles, and the internet of things (IoT) which will, in turn, boost the utilization of X-ray inspection systems. Thus, the growing demand and supply of semiconductors and the penetration of transformative technologies across various end-use markets are expected to further increase the demand for semiconductor testing and inspection during the forecast period, driving the growth of the X-ray inspection systems market for electronics & semiconductors during the forecast period.

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Increasing Automation of Digital X-ray Inspection System

Industrial automation services and solutions are increasingly being adopted across industries to improve the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing operations. In recent years, there have been numerous advancements in X-ray inspection technologies, such as the automation of X-ray inspection systems. The complexity of X-ray inspection processes varies depending upon the requirements of every industry. For instance, next-generation X-ray inspection systems for the aerospace, electronics, and aviation industries can automate several inspection tasks mandated by governments and regulatory authorities. These automated systems can notify operators about parts and components that do not comply with the prescribed standards. Manufacturers’ growing concerns about enhancing product performance and quality, minimizing human intervention, and reducing the environmental impact of production have highlighted the need to automate digital X-ray inspection systems. Automating X-ray inspection systems eliminates the need for human interventions while providing advantages such as high-quality images for storage, intelligent analytics interfaces, and reduced decision-making time.

Industries use radiography, a non-destructive testing method, to analyze defects in metal parts and welds and ensure the safety and durability of products. The evolution of industrial imaging technologies has made digital radiography (DR)/X-ray inspection systems more mobile. The X-ray techniques used in this type of inspection are renowned for their accuracy and ability to identify even the smallest of imperfections or foreign bodies in products. Hence, the increasing automation of digital X-ray systems across various industries is expected to create significant opportunities for the growth of this market.

Key Findings of the Study:

The Software Segment to Grow Significantly During the Forecast Period

The software segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing use of X-ray inspection software in applications such as workflow management and image & signal processing.

The Digital Imaging Segment to Record High Growth

The digital imaging segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the advantages of digital imaging, such as the mitigation of chemical hazards associated with X-ray processes, lower radiation requirements for image production, enhanced image quality, faster processing time, quick image sharing & easy storage, and lower operation & maintenance costs.

The 3D X-ray Systems Segment to Witness Rapid Growth

The 3D X-ray systems segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand for 3D X-ray systems due to various factors, such as government regulations for security & safety, the rising demand for high-quality products, digitalization, and miniaturization of electronic devices.

The Solar Segment to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period

The solar segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the high adoption of X-ray inspection systems for accurately detecting defects in solar panels, as even minute defects can reduce the integrity of solar panels.

Asia-Pacific to Be the Fastest-growing Regional Market by Value

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market during the forecast period. The increasing demand for remote visual inspection of assets in the electronics industry and stringent government safety regulations are expected to drive the growth of this market.

Key Players

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategies adopted by the leading market players in the X-ray inspection systems market for electronics & semiconductors over the last four years. The key players profiled in this study are North Star Imaging Inc. (U.S.), Nikon Metrology, Inc. (U.S.), Nordson Corporation (U.S.), YXLON International GmbH (Germany), VJ Group, Inc. (U.S.), Mettler Toledo International Inc. (U.S.), Ametek, Inc. (U.S.), Viscom AG (Germany), ViTrox Corporation Berhad (Malaysia), Test Research, Inc. (Taiwan), Baker Hughes Company (U.S.), Saki Corporation (Japan), Shenzhen Unicomp Technology Co., Ltd. (China), GÖPEL electronic GmbH (Germany), and Scienscope International (U.S.).

Scope of the Report

X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors, by Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Services
• Consumables

X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors, by Imaging Technique

• Digital Imaging
  • Direct Radiography
  • Computed Radiography
  • Computed Tomography
• Film-based Imaging

X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors, by Dimension

• 2D X-ray Systems
• 3D X-ray Systems

X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors, by Application

• PCB Inspection
• Automated Optical Inspection
• Wafer Inspection & Packaging
  • Failure Analysis
  • Layer Analysis
  • Silicon QC
  • Impurity Analysis
• Solder Joint Inspection
• Advanced Logic & Memory
  • Crystalline Defect Inspection
  • Nanosheet Development
  • PCRAM Thickness and Composition
• Advanced Power (GAN & SIC)
  • GaN-on-SI Power Device Metrology
  • SiC Defect Detection
• Displays & Touch Panels
• Electronic Components Inspection
  • PCB Thickness and Composition
  • Restricted Materials Screening (ROHS)
• RF & OPTO LED Devices
• Solar
  • Shallow Impurities in Silicon
  • Thin Film Elemental Analysis
  • Silicon Quality Control
  • Passivation Layers
• Other Applications

X-ray Inspection Systems Market for Electronics & Semiconductors, by Geography

• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • ASEAN Countries
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe (RoE)
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Questions Answered in this Report: