Russian market of equipment and materials for welding and cutting metal: results of 2024, trends of 2025
In 2024, the demand for welding equipment has increased significantly, due to advances in automation and the implementation of AI. According to Mordor Intelligence experts, the global welding equipment market may exceed $850 million by 2026 due to the recovery of industrial and construction companies after the decline in the early 2020s. According to a report by Spherical Insights & Consulting, by 2032, the global welding equipment market will amount to $29.3 billion, and the average annual growth rate (CAGR) will reach 4.7%. In particular, the global arc welding equipment market will amount to $7.2 billion, growth will be due to increased demand for welding equipment in the energy, utilities, and automotive industries.
In terms of the metal cutting tools market size, it was valued at US$84.4 billion last year and is expected to reach US$178 billion by 2037, growing at a CAGR of six percent from 2025 to 2037. The main growth will come from large infrastructure projects and further development of manufacturing in Asia and Latin America.
Let's move on to the local situation. The electric welding equipment market in Russia shows steady growth - in 2024, its capacity was estimated in the range of 225-230 billion rubles. In general, the Russian market is seeing growing interest among customers in localized equipment, materials and technologies.
However, localization of production of "complex" welding materials, such as stainless, aluminum alloys, special materials, as well as electrodes for the oil and gas industry, is currently difficult due to an insufficient production base: the production of these materials requires re-equipment of the equipment fleet and more significant investments. Only in this way will Russian market players be able to fully compete with the current leaders.
One of the key trends, according to market representatives in the Russian Federation, is the desire of industrialists to automate and use more precise technologies. The demand for compact and energy-efficient systems is increasing. Enterprises are seeking to modernize production using laser devices that save resources and reduce equipment downtime.
The leading positions in demand for laser machines in the Russian metal cutting equipment market are worth mentioning separately. Today, demand in the Russian Federation is ahead of European countries and the American market. Manufacturers and suppliers provide manual laser welding machines, chillers, robotic systems for laser cutting, welding and surfacing for the Russian industry. Among the latest developments are cleaning systems with a single-beam laser source. They allow working with such contaminants as scale, as well as with film and powder paint.
In February of this year, the assembly of AEROMACHT laser machines for microprocessing and high-precision cutting of metal was partially localized. This is a major event for the domestic market, as the machines are in high demand in the electronics industry, jewelry, and precision engineering. Laser systems allow for a thin cut with a minimum heat-affected zone. Partial localization of assembly in the country makes it possible to reduce dependence on imported components, reduce logistics costs, speed up equipment delivery, and make service more accessible.
Today, companies are trying to compensate for the shortage of personnel and increase production capacity, and laser equipment is the most suitable solution - working with it does not require high qualifications from the operator.
Limiting factors for players in the market of equipment and materials for welding and cutting metal
Among the main problems faced by domestic companies remains the wear and tear of equipment in parks , which is relevant for a large proportion of manufacturers of welding units.
The second challenge is related to personnel. The personnel issue is especially acute for robotic welding systems. In addition, experts note the shortage of companies integrating automated equipment. At the same time, as industry leaders say, there is a shortage of specialized departments in universities. A systemic approach is important to solve the problem, including equipping educational institutions with modern equipment and global modernization of the educational program.
Another problem that market representatives emphasize is the high cost of production in the Russian Federation due to large investments in design, construction and launch of the plant, personnel and equipment. A number of domestic companies ultimately choose to organize production in China and other regions, while possessing intellectual property and circuit solutions.
Trends and Prospects in the Russian Market of Equipment and Materials for Welding and Cutting Metal
Localization and import substitution in the field of high-tech equipment . In the coming years, the professional community predicts an increase in the share of Russian components in the assembly of laser machines. At the same time, the high cost of products in comparison with arc welding solutions will remain a limiting factor relevant for commercial and domestic customers.
Digitalization of production , one example from market players is remote monitoring systems for the welding process, controlling gas and wire consumption.
The growth of the segment is due to the development of mechanical engineering, machine tool manufacturing, energy, and construction . Within the country, a large-scale project to modernize the public utility infrastructure is planned to be implemented by 2030, which will entail an increase in demand for both welding equipment and metal cutting products (including pipes).
- State support for the industry , including subsidies, tax incentives and development programs. Such steps will contribute to the development of the local market for welding and metal-cutting equipment and materials.
Why you should take part in Weldex 2025
The presence of unoccupied niches in the Russian market of equipment for welding and cutting metal opens up prospects for its new participants, both domestic and foreign. In order to consolidate and maintain the status of a reliable player in the industry, it is important to expand the circle of partners, discuss with them opportunities and growth points, learn market analytics and current needs of buyers. The International Exhibition of Welding Materials, Equipment and Technologies Weldex helps companies with this every year . The business event brings together manufacturers, suppliers and consumers of equipment for welding and cutting metal interested in profitable and long-term cooperation.
In 2024, Weldex was visited by 6,859 specialists. Most of them showed interest in welding equipment - 76% of visitors (3,984 specialists), 56% (2,911 specialists) - in welding materials, 39% (2,046 specialists) were interested in metal cutting equipment.
It should be noted that 93% of visitors influence decisions on equipment purchases. At the same time, 39% spend more than 20 million rubles a year on these needs. Following the Weldex exhibition, 81% of participants found new clients and partners, and 73% met with existing ones, strengthening their partnership.
You can present the equipment and materials for welding and cutting metal manufactured and sold by your company at the 24th International Exhibition of Welding Materials, Equipment and Technologies Weldex, which will be held from October 7 to 10, 2025 (Moscow, Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 1, Hall 4).