Automation and Increasing Investment in Research & Development to Accelerate the Densitometers and Profilometers Markets.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- The distinct shift from handheld densitometers to automated scanning densitometers currently drives the growth of the densitometers market. Meanwhile, evolving standards and a growing focus on quality control in various manufacturing industries drive the profilometers market. Increasing investment in materials research and nanotechnology will further strengthen the profilometers market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.test&measurement.frost.com), World Densitometers and Profilometers Markets, finds that the world densitometers market earned revenues of $88.0 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach $118.7 million in 2013, while the world market for profilometers garnered revenues of $274.7 million in 2006, and expects to reach $380.8 million in 2013.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the World Densitometers and Profilometers Markets, then send an e-mail to David Escalante, Corporate Communications, at [e-mail], your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

Automated versions provide significant benefits such as improving the productivity in a manufacturing environment and the rapid changes in technology with increasing automation have led to faster tools. This expects to augment growth in the densitometers market throughout the forecast period from 2007 to 2013. The opening up of printing industries in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe will further complement growth in this market.

"The essential need to test the surface quality characteristics of various materials is spurring the demand for profilometers irrespective of the technique used," observes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst S.Vidyasankar. "Many companies in North America receive government funding for nanotechnology initiatives and this, along with the increased academic investment in other new technologies such as Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), is expected to enhance the demand for profilometers in the future."

However, challenges do exist for participants in both markets. In the densitometers market, X-Rite Incorporated's acquisition of Amazys Holding AG, the parent company of GretagMacbeth, has limited the opportunities for smaller participants to grow in the market place. In the profilometers market, poor understanding of surface analysis measurements has challenged the vendors of profilometers.

X-Rite Inc. and its major competitor GretagMacbeth have been the dominant participants in the densitometers market for many years. However, in early 2006, X-Rite Inc. acquired Amazys Holding AG to exercise its dominance further in the densitometers market.

These disadvantaged participants must identify growth strategies and resort to specific niches within the densitometers market to compete and build their market share in this established space.

With regard to surface analysis measurements, research indicates that most end-users preferred to measure only the range average to determine surface finish. Market participants must elevate the awareness levels among these end-users and educate them on various techniques and measurements related to surface characterization.

"For participants in both markets seeking opportunities to grow their company's revenues, profitability, market share and brand name, competitive information is of primary importance to size the relevance of the opportunities offered and design the appropriate business development strategy," remarks Vidyasankar.

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World Densitometers and Profilometers Markets

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