OCTOBER 30--The motion-controls market experienced a cooling off period in 2005, following revenue growth of 20.0% in 2004. According to new data from IMS Research USA (Austin, TX, USA; www.imsresearch.com), the worldwide market for motion controls grew an estimated 6.2% in 2005, bringing the market to a value of $5.58 billion. Similar to the last few years, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the highest level of growth, with an estimated 11.5% in 2005. In contrast, revenue growth was well under 10% in EMEA, the Americas, and Japan.

The slowdown in growth is linked to a decline in the semiconductor machinery market in 2005. Worldwide semiconductor machinery production contracted by 10.0% in 2005, although it is forecast to rebound in 2006. Despite the slump in semiconductor machinery production, overall the motion controls market was able to maintain a healthy growth rate in 2005. This can be partly attributed to strong gains in the packaging machinery sector, most notably in the Asia-Pacific region.

By product type, servomotors are forecast to enjoy the highest growth for the foreseeable future. According to Steve Lam of IMS Research, "Replacement of hybrid steppers, which is being fueled by the wider availability of low-cost servos manufactured in countries with low-cost labor, is expected to contribute the most growth stimulus to the servo market." These servo products are introduced at the lower performance and price levels and are able to more effectively compete with stepper motors.

Mon Oct 30 16:41:00 CST 2006