Braiding Machine Market By Machine Type (Horizontal Braiding Machines, Vertical Braiding Machines, Circular Braiding Machines, Flat Braiding Machines); By Application (Automotive & Transportation, Medical Devices, Aerospace & Defense, Telecommunication & Power, Consumer Goods & Footwear); By Automation Level (Manual & Semi-Automated, Fully Automated); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Braiding Machine Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% , reaching USD 1.68 billion by 2030 from an estimated USD 1.13 billion in 2024 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Braiding machines are industrial systems that interlace yarns, wires, or filaments into cylindrical or flat braided structures. These systems serve as essential backbone tools across various verticals — including automotive, aerospace, medical, telecommunications, and industrial manufacturing. As these sectors modernize and push for lighter, stronger, and more customizable components, braiding machines are becoming strategically critical on the factory floor.

 

The shift toward lightweight composite materials is perhaps the most visible macro driver. From electric vehicles to next-gen aircraft, there’s a constant push to replace traditional metal parts with woven carbon- fiber reinforcements. Braiding technology allows for the production of uniform, multidirectional fiber structures, which improves strength without adding weight. In medical device manufacturing, catheter and stent production depends on ultra-precise micro-braiding — where programmable tension control and micron-scale accuracy are non-negotiable.

 

Also playing a role are broader trends in factory automation and labor efficiency. As workforce shortages grow across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, more contract manufacturers are automating legacy processes — including manual braiding. This opens the door for programmable, CNC-enabled braiders that integrate directly into digital production lines.

 

From a regulatory lens, standards in industries like aerospace and medtech are tightening. That’s pushing component manufacturers to adopt validated, digitally controlled machinery. Braiding equipment vendors that offer real-time quality monitoring, traceable production logs, and closed-loop control systems are seeing higher uptake.

 

The braiding machine ecosystem is unusually diverse. OEMs continue to lead machine development, but demand is driven by composite material suppliers, medical device companies, defense contractors, and telecom cable manufacturers. In parallel, system integrators are embedding braiding stations into modular production cells — often linked with robotics and real-time monitoring platforms.

 

To be honest, this market used to fly under the radar. But with high-value applications expanding and the need for precision manufacturing rising, braiding has quietly evolved into a foundational process across industries. The next five years may see it shift from niche equipment to mainstream industrial automation.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The braiding machine market cuts across several layers of industrial activity — from high-precision catheter production to rugged cable protection in defense systems. While the base technology may appear uniform, the actual use cases diverge sharply depending on what’s being braided, at what speed, and under what tolerances. This diversity is reflected in how the market is typically segmented.

By Machine Type

The most fundamental segmentation starts with machine design. These include:

• Horizontal braiding machines : Widely used in automotive, cable manufacturing, and textile reinforcement. Known for stability and scalability.

• Vertical braiding machines : Common in medical device and aerospace applications where compact layouts and tighter braiding angles are required.

• Circular braiding machines : Ideal for hollow tubular structures like fuel lines and catheter shafts.

• Flat braiding machines : Typically used in ribbon cable sheathing, protective sleeves, and EMI shielding tapes.

Of these, vertical braiding machines are seeing the fastest adoption due to their use in precision-driven sectors like medical tubing and smart textiles.

 

By Application

Application-based segmentation reflects end-user demand across industries:

• Automotive and Transportation : Covers hoses, wiring harnesses, carbon- fiber reinforcements in body panels, and seatbelt braids.

• Medical Devices : Microbraiding used in catheters, stents, and surgical cables — especially in cardiovascular and neurovascular devices.

• Aerospace and Defense : Structural braiding for composite panels, as well as EMI shielding and cable reinforcement.

• Telecommunication and Power : Fiber optic and coaxial cable sheathing, especially for high-durability or armored applications.

• Consumer Goods and Footwear : Includes shoelaces, cords, and technical textiles in sportswear and accessories.

In 2024, the medical device segment is expected to account for just under 24% of global revenue — driven by miniaturization trends and aging populations.

 

By Automation Level

Another emerging segmentation factor is the level of automation:

• Manual and semi-automatic braiders : Still in use in developing regions or for low-volume, custom jobs.

• Fully automated CNC braiding machines : Now mainstream in medtech , aerospace, and automotive composites. Programmable tension control, pattern design, and real-time quality checks are key features.

Automated machines are increasingly preferred, especially in high-regulation sectors that require traceable and repeatable production processes.

 

By Region

The standard regional breakdown includes:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Asia Pacific currently dominates in terms of manufacturing volume, especially due to strong activity in China and Japan. However, North America is gaining ground in value terms, especially in defense and medical applications.

 

Scope Note

While the segmentation seems mechanical, it’s becoming increasingly strategic. Vendors are offering not just machines, but modular platforms tailored to industry verticals — such as medical braiding systems with integrated cleanroom enclosures or aerospace-targeted braiders with composite pre- preg compatibility. What used to be a one-size-fits-all product is now shifting toward application-specific ecosystems.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Braiding machines, once considered niche hardware in the textile world, are now riding the tailwinds of some of the most critical innovation currents across manufacturing. From AI-driven automation to advanced composite integration, the braiding machine landscape is undergoing a subtle yet powerful transformation.

Automation Is No Longer Optional

The clearest trend is the acceleration toward fully automated, CNC-controlled braiding systems. Manufacturers aren’t just looking for machines that braid faster — they want systems that offer complete process control. Integrated tension sensors, programmable pattern configurations, and real-time diagnostics are now standard in mid-to-high-end machines.

Several OEMs have rolled out machines that can self-correct for irregularities in bobbin feed, wire twist, or yarn tension — minimizing downtime and scrap rates. This is particularly crucial for medical device manufacturing, where tolerances are tight and rework is expensive.

 

Composite Materials Are Driving Machine Redesign

With industries like aerospace and automotive leaning heavily into carbon fiber and aramid-reinforced composites, braiding machine manufacturers are being forced to rethink their core engineering. Machines now need to accommodate:

• Multi-filament feed systems

• Resin-compatible feedstock

• Variable braid angles on the fly

• Hybrid materials like metal-polymer mixes

One leading aerospace supplier recently shifted its entire reinforcement line to multi-axis braiders with pre- preg integration, enabling faster curing and reduced waste in carbon fiber components.

 

AI and Machine Vision Enter the Picture

Artificial intelligence and machine vision are beginning to make a real impact. Early versions of machine vision are being used to track braid patterns and identify inconsistencies in real time. This enables predictive maintenance and closed-loop quality control — features previously limited to high-end CNC lathes or injection molding systems.

AI models trained on historical production data can now optimize bobbin rotations or tension control depending on material type and final application. This shift may redefine operator roles in the next few years — moving from hands-on technicians to digital overseers.

 

Digital Twins and Simulation

As braiding becomes integral to structural and medical components, simulation is entering the fray. Some manufacturers are integrating digital twin technology to model braid performance before even touching the machine. This allows for:

• Faster design iterations

• Pre-production testing for failure points

• Better material utilization

This isn’t just a lab experiment. A European medtech firm recently used braid simulation to improve catheter flexibility and torque response without changing its supply chain.

 

Sustainability and Material Reuse

Sustainability is also creeping into the braiding space. Machines that can handle recycled polymer threads, natural fiber yarns, or bio-resins are gaining traction, especially in Europe. Manufacturers are also asking for lower-energy braiders that support factory-wide sustainability mandates.

One example: a footwear brand in Southeast Asia retrofitted its entire lacing system with energy-efficient flat braiders running on biodegradable yarn.

All this suggests that the braiding machine market is no longer about mechanical precision alone. It's becoming a testing ground for high-tech manufacturing — where hardware, software, and materials innovation intersect. Vendors that ignore this trend may find themselves locked out of high-growth verticals over the next five years.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The braiding machine market has traditionally been fragmented, with a mix of legacy European manufacturers, rising Asian OEMs, and a growing number of niche players catering to specialized applications. However, the competitive landscape is gradually tilting toward companies that are investing in automation, cross-industry customization, and integrated digital platforms.

HERZOG GmbH (Germany)

A long-established leader in the field, HERZOG continues to set the benchmark for high-precision braiding systems. Known for its presence across medical, composite, and cable applications, the company offers both standard and custom-configured braiders. It has invested heavily in CNC integration and closed-loop tension control systems, making its machines suitable for high-stakes applications like aerospace reinforcements and surgical tubing.

 

Mayer & Cie. (Germany)

While primarily known for circular knitting, Mayer & Cie. has diversified into technical braiding solutions. Its machines are often found in smart textile and industrial reinforcement production lines. What sets them apart is their modular machine architecture, which allows fast reconfiguration across materials and braid formats.

 

OMABRAID (Italy)

OMABRAID focuses on mid-to-high-end braiding solutions with a strong customer base in telecom cables and automotive tubing. The company has emphasized user-friendly design, enabling quick setup and pattern switching — especially valuable in low-to-mid volume production environments. Its recent entry into programmable flat braiders is gaining traction in smart textile R&D labs.

 

Shanghai Nanyang (China)

A dominant player in Asia-Pacific, especially in mass-market production of horizontal braiding machines. Shanghai Nanyang's strength lies in cost-competitive machines for applications like shoe laces, industrial hoses, and electrical sheathing. While it lags behind in automation depth, it’s aggressively upgrading its portfolio to include servo-driven systems.

 

Steeger USA (a Maschinenfabrik NIEHOFF company)

Steeger focuses almost exclusively on the medical and microbraiding segment. Their machines are the go-to option for catheter and stent production globally. Where others struggle with microtolerances , Steeger excels with tension accuracy and servo control, enabling consistent output even in extreme miniaturization.

 

Spirka Schnellflechter (Germany)

This company plays a strategic role in cable sheathing and EMI protection braiding. Its core strength lies in speed — offering some of the fastest horizontal braiders in the world — which makes it ideal for high-volume telecom and industrial electrical applications.

 

Yangzhou Rongtai (China)

Another emerging name, Rongtai has made inroads in the LATAM and Southeast Asian markets. It offers affordable yet sturdy circular and vertical braiders that appeal to mid-sized manufacturers. The company has recently begun integrating HMI touchscreens and basic digital monitoring features.

 

Competitive Shifts to Watch

• European players dominate in medtech and aerospace due to their engineering depth and regulatory alignment.

• Chinese manufacturers lead in unit sales, especially in textile and telecom applications.

• U.S. firms like Steeger are laser-focused on high-margin niches like micro-medical applications.

Going forward, the battle is likely to center around hybrid offerings — machines that are versatile enough to handle multiple braid types, yet smart enough to self-optimize across material classes. The winners will likely be those who invest not only in faster machines, but smarter ecosystems.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Adoption of braiding machines varies widely across global regions, shaped by industry presence, automation maturity, and regulatory environments. While Asia Pacific dominates in production volume, North America and Europe are setting the pace in high-value, precision-driven applications.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific holds the lion’s share of braiding machine installations — particularly in China , India , Japan , and South Korea . China leads in volume, largely due to its massive textile and cable manufacturing base. Most horizontal and circular braiders used in footwear, household appliances, and general industrial wiring are made — and used — in this region.

That said, there’s more to this region than just quantity. Japanese and South Korean firms have moved toward precision vertical braiding for carbon fiber composites and medical microtubing. A South Korean aerospace supplier, for example, recently invested in custom-configured CNC braiders for helicopter rotor component reinforcement.

India, while still reliant on semi-automatic equipment, is upgrading fast — especially in its defense and electric vehicle sectors, where braided cables and shielding are now standard.

 

North America

North America — particularly the United States — plays a leadership role in the application of braiding technology for medical devices , aerospace , and high-voltage cable systems . Here, the focus is less on quantity and more on precision, automation, and traceability. Manufacturers are adopting fully integrated braiding lines with real-time data capture, digital twins, and FDA-compliant process control.

Also, reshoring trends in U.S. manufacturing are driving fresh investment into braiding as part of end-to-end composite and catheter assembly. One example: a Midwest-based catheter OEM has recently transitioned its legacy microbraiders to AI-enabled systems capable of self-calibrating for different polymer tensions.

 

Europe

Europe — led by Germany , France , Italy , and the UK — serves as the innovation hub of the global market. German engineering firms dominate the design of high-end braiders used in advanced composites and EMI shielding. Italy contributes strongly to the fashion, smart textile, and technical cords segment.

There’s also a growing policy-driven push for sustainability in European factories. As a result, EU-based manufacturers are demanding machines compatible with recycled yarns , bio-based filaments , and low-energy consumption setups . One textile-tech consortium in Northern Europe is actively testing carbon-neutral braiding lines for use in outdoor gear manufacturing.

 

Latin America

In Latin America, adoption is still modest but growing. Brazil and Mexico are the largest consumers, mostly for automotive wiring harnesses and flexible tubing. Local suppliers tend to rely on imported Chinese machines for horizontal braiding, though demand is gradually shifting toward semi-automated systems for cost and labor efficiency.

There’s also rising interest in braided reinforcements for infrastructure applications like water hoses, structural cables, and geotextile systems, especially in Brazil’s expanding urban development zones.

 

Middle East and Africa

This region remains relatively underpenetrated. However, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are seeing demand from aerospace and defense investments. South Africa , meanwhile, is beginning to adopt braiding systems for telecom and renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbine cabling.

For now, most players in this region import machinery from Europe or Asia. However, incentives for local manufacturing hubs could create new opportunities for machine suppliers by the end of the decade.

Across regions, the common thread is clear: braiding machines are no longer just utility equipment — they are now strategic enablers of innovation. As industrial modernization spreads, so will the demand for smarter, region-specific braiding solutions.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The braiding machine market serves a wide spectrum of end users — from mass-market textile firms to aerospace suppliers working on carbon fiber fuselage components. What’s changing, though, is the level of sophistication these end users now expect. Rather than simply purchasing a machine, many are seeking vertically integrated solutions tailored to their product workflows, compliance requirements, and automation goals.

Medical Device Manufacturers

This is one of the most demanding user groups, requiring extreme precision in both material control and braid uniformity. Catheter and stent manufacturers, for instance, rely on microbraiding machines that can weave ultra-fine filaments without compromising radial strength or flexibility. Machines used in this segment often need programmable control for dwell time, braid angle, and wire tension — all while meeting FDA and ISO standards.

Use case: A cardiovascular device manufacturer in Minneapolis transitioned to closed-loop vertical braiders with automatic bobbin feeding and real-time vision monitoring. This reduced braid inconsistency by over 30% in its microcatheter production line, while meeting stringent clinical trial requirements for torque consistency.

 

Aerospace and Defense Contractors

End users in this segment need highly specialized braiding systems for fiber -reinforced composites. Components like helicopter blades, fuselage panels, and protective sheathing often use carbon, aramid, or hybrid braids for structural integrity. These users typically invest in multi-axis braiders integrated with resin-infusion lines or autoclave prep stations.

What makes them distinct is the emphasis on durability, traceability, and simulation — many defense applications require digital records of every braid batch for lifecycle analysis. Integration with CAD/CAM and digital twin systems is increasingly common.

 

Automotive Suppliers

Braiding systems are heavily used for wiring harnesses, fuel lines, seatbelt reinforcements, and even battery protection sleeves in electric vehicles. However, price sensitivity is high. Many suppliers still use horizontal braiders, but there’s rising demand for modular systems that can shift quickly between braid patterns depending on the vehicle platform.

In EVs, EMI shielding and weight reduction have pushed automakers to invest in new materials — and braiding machines must evolve to match. Some Tier 1 automotive suppliers are beginning to trial automated flat braiders for sensor cables and high-voltage harnesses.

 

Telecommunication and Energy Infrastructure Firms

As fiber optic deployments expand, especially in rural and undersea applications, demand for rugged cable sheathing has soared. These end users look for speed and scale — favoring high-speed horizontal braiders with bulk bobbin capacity and consistent outer sheath performance.

In some smart grid projects, braided cables are now required to withstand both physical stress and EMI interference. This has opened up new avenues for metal-plastic hybrid braids, requiring machines capable of handling multi-material inputs.

 

Textile and Footwear Brands

Still an important segment, especially in Asia. While these users don’t require the same level of automation or accuracy, they represent high volume and fast turnover. Braiding machines used in shoelaces, sportswear cords, and wearable textiles are typically basic in design but optimized for production speed and pattern variety.

Some brands are experimenting with sustainable braiding , using machines that can process recycled PET or plant-based yarns. These setups are more prevalent in Europe and Southeast Asia, where consumer expectations around green manufacturing are higher.

At its core, braiding machine adoption is no longer just about capability — it's about fit. Whether it’s a medical startup needing FDA-aligned microbraiders or a cable giant scaling up rural broadband, the value lies in customization, digital integration, and production continuity.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• HERZOG GmbH introduced a next-generation vertical braider equipped with adaptive tension control and IoT-enabled diagnostics, targeting aerospace and catheter applications. Source: https://www.herzog-online.com

• Steeger USA collaborated with a major U.S.-based medtech OEM to deliver AI-integrated microbraiding systems capable of auto-calibrating tension based on polymer type. Source: https://www.steegerusa.com

• Yangzhou Rongtai expanded its CNC braiding machine lineup with touch-screen HMI and predictive maintenance modules, aiming to compete in mid-range automation markets. Source: http://www.rongtaimachinery.com

• Mayer & Cie. announced R&D investment into hybrid textile braiding systems designed for smart clothing applications, combining flat and tubular braid capabilities. Source: https://www.mayercie.com

• Spirka Schnellflechter launched a high-speed cable braider capable of handling copper, Kevlar, and nylon yarns simultaneously, reducing changeover time by 40%. Source: https://www.spirka-schnellflechter.de

 

Opportunities

• Growing Demand in Medical Microbraiding
  Rising adoption of minimally invasive devices, especially in neurovascular and cardiovascular interventions, is accelerating the need for ultra-precise braiders with regulatory compliance features.

• Composite Reinforcement in Aerospace and EVs
  Surge in lightweight structural components is opening up new opportunities for advanced multi-axis braiders tailored to carbon fiber and aramid yarns.

• Integration with Digital Twins and AI
  OEMs that enable digital simulation and AI-based process optimization within braiding systems are well-positioned to serve high-accuracy sectors such as defense and telecom infrastructure.

 

Restraints

• High Initial Capital Cost
  Advanced CNC or AI-driven braiders require substantial upfront investment, limiting adoption among small and mid-sized manufacturers.

• Shortage of Skilled Operators and Programmers
  Despite automation, the complexity of setup and calibration still requires specialized technical staff — a constraint especially in emerging markets.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.13 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.68 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Machine Type, By Application, By Automation Level, By Geography
By Machine Type	Horizontal Braiding Machines, Vertical Braiding Machines, Circular Braiding Machines, Flat Braiding Machines
By Application	Automotive & Transportation, Medical Devices, Aerospace & Defense, Telecommunication & Power, Consumer Goods & Footwear
By Automation Level	Manual & Semi-Automated, Fully Automated
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Demand for lightweight composite materials - Growth in minimally invasive medical devices - Push for automation in manufacturing
Customization Option	Available upon request