Cobalt Based Amorphous Alloy Market By Product Type (Cobalt-Iron-Based Alloys, Cobalt-Nickel-Based Alloys, Others [Cobalt-Molybdenum and Hybrid Systems]); By Application (Electrical & Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Machinery, Energy & Power Systems, Biomedical Devices); By End User (Electrical Equipment Manufacturers, Aerospace & Defense Contractors, Industrial Tooling Companies, Research Institutes, Automotive OEMs); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Cobalt-Based Amorphous Alloy Market is projected to reach nearly USD 1.12 billion in 2024, expanding to around USD 1.73 billion by 2030, growing at an CAGR of 7.5%, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Cobalt-based amorphous alloys, also known as metallic glasses, are non-crystalline materials that blend exceptional hardness, magnetic strength, and corrosion resistance — properties that traditional crystalline alloys can’t match. These alloys are engineered through rapid solidification, producing a disordered atomic structure that results in remarkable magnetic and wear characteristics.

 

From an industrial standpoint, the next few years are pivotal. As energy efficiency, electric mobility, and miniaturization trends accelerate, amorphous alloys are becoming essential in transformer cores, sensors, wear-resistant coatings, and high-performance components used in aerospace and defense. Their magnetic properties are particularly relevant in reducing core losses in electrical devices, improving operational efficiency and sustainability in line with global decarbonization goals.

 

What’s driving this market shift? Three converging trends:

• The push for eco-efficient electrical materials in smart grids and renewable systems

• Rising demand for lightweight yet durable coatings in aerospace and automotive manufacturing

• Expansion of precision electronics and magnetic sensing technologies

Cobalt-based alloys are also finding a role in 3D printing and thin-film deposition, where their mechanical strength and oxidation stability outperform conventional ferrous or nickel-based materials.

 

Strategically, the market attracts a mix of stakeholders — from original material developers and component manufacturers to energy utilities, defense contractors, and research institutions exploring alloy compositions for niche applications like nuclear shielding and electric propulsion.

 

That said, cobalt’s price volatility and sourcing constraints remain structural challenges. With global efforts to diversify cobalt supply chains — including recycling from battery waste — amorphous alloys are expected to benefit from better material stewardship and sustainable sourcing frameworks.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The cobalt-based amorphous alloy market spreads across multiple industrial fronts — each shaped by performance demands, manufacturing innovation, and regulatory pressure for efficiency. Segmenting this market helps clarify how these alloys are being integrated into diverse applications and why certain areas are seeing faster adoption.

By Product Type

• Cobalt-Iron-Based Amorphous Alloys : Favored for their superior magnetic permeability and low core losses, especially in transformer and electrical applications.

• Cobalt-Nickel-Based Amorphous Alloys : Used where high corrosion resistance and thermal stability are critical — such as aerospace turbine coatings and marine components.

• Others (Cobalt-Molybdenum and Hybrid Systems) : Emerging compositions focused on enhancing wear resistance for tools and biomedical implants.

Among these, cobalt-iron-based alloys hold the largest share in 2024, roughly 42% of total revenue, given their strong positioning in the power and electronics sector. However, cobalt-nickel-based systems are expanding rapidly, driven by R&D in high-temperature stability and the shift toward electrified transportation components.

 

By Application

• Electrical and Electronics : Transformer cores, magnetic sensors, and inductors rely on amorphous alloys for energy-efficient magnetic response.

• Aerospace and Defense : Coatings and structural reinforcements benefit from the alloys’ resistance to oxidation and high-stress fatigue.

• Industrial Machinery : Used in tooling, wear-resistant bearings, and gears that operate in high-friction conditions.

• Energy and Power Systems : Gaining ground through amorphous magnetic ribbons in renewable energy transformers and smart grid networks.

• Biomedical Devices : Still niche, but growing as these alloys show biocompatibility and corrosion resistance in implantable components.

The energy and power segment is the fastest-growing, with global electrification and renewable energy integration boosting demand for high-efficiency transformer materials.

 

By End User

• Electrical Equipment Manufacturers

• Aerospace & Defense Contractors

• Industrial Tooling Companies

• Research Institutes and Universities

• Automotive OEMs (particularly in EV motors and sensors)

Electrical equipment manufacturers dominate the landscape, leveraging these alloys for reduced core losses and noise levels in next-generation power electronics. Meanwhile, research institutes play a key role in discovering new amorphous formulations to reduce reliance on cobalt or enhance its recyclability.

 

By Region

• North America : Strong adoption in advanced manufacturing and energy-efficient transformer production.

• Europe : Driven by aerospace and clean energy standards emphasizing material efficiency.

• Asia Pacific : The largest producer and consumer hub, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea — supported by expanding electronics and renewable sectors.

• LAMEA : Gradual adoption focused on industrial tooling and power infrastructure.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Innovation in cobalt-based amorphous alloys has moved beyond laboratory curiosity. It’s now about scalability — making these high-performance materials viable for mass industrial use without losing their magnetic or structural integrity. Over the last few years, the trends have centered on advanced processing, functional design, and integration into clean-tech systems.

Shift Toward Energy-Efficient Magnetic Materials
Utilities and electronics manufacturers are switching from silicon-steel cores to amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys for transformers. This isn’t just a technical preference — it’s an energy policy move. These alloys cut magnetic losses by up to 70%, translating into major efficiency gains in grid operations. Japan, South Korea, and the EU are leading this transition, supported by policies that favor low-loss magnetic materials in distribution networks.

 

Material Innovation: Hybrid Amorphous Structures
Researchers are developing hybrid cobalt-based alloys that blend amorphous and crystalline phases. This approach improves ductility while maintaining magnetic softness — solving one of the long-standing challenges of brittleness in amorphous materials. Such hybrids are being tested in high-frequency power converters and EV charging units.

One materials scientist from a German research institute put it simply: “The real innovation isn’t just in what the alloy is made of — it’s in how fast we can cool and shape it without losing its glassy structure.”

 

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Integration
Powder metallurgy and 3D printing have opened a new frontier. Manufacturers can now produce complex shapes using cobalt-based amorphous powders that retain non-crystalline properties after printing. These are being used in aerospace turbine blades, micro-springs, and miniature actuators. The ability to form parts directly from amorphous powder is reducing post-processing costs and waste — a game changer for small-batch, high-spec components.

 

AI-Guided Alloy Design
Artificial intelligence and computational modeling are being used to simulate alloy compositions and predict atomic behavior during cooling. This shortens the discovery cycle and allows custom alloys to be tuned for magnetic or mechanical goals. Predictive modeling has already led to the identification of cobalt alloys with higher glass-forming ability (GFA), which allows thicker ribbons and cast parts to be produced without crystallization.

 

Sustainability and Recycling Focus
Cobalt’s ethical sourcing has come under scrutiny due to mining practices and regional dependencies. As a result, recyclers and metallurgical innovators are developing processes to recover cobalt from end-of-life batteries and magnets, using it as feedstock for amorphous alloy production. The recycled variant shows promising parity in purity and performance compared to mined cobalt.

 

Thin-Film and Nano-Coating Breakthroughs
In electronics and micro-mechanical systems, thin-film cobalt-based amorphous coatings are emerging as wear-resistant and anti-corrosive layers. They offer strong adhesion on semiconductors and optical substrates. Companies in Japan and Taiwan are now embedding these coatings in next-gen sensors and micro-drives for electric vehicles and medical imaging.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

Competition in the cobalt-based amorphous alloy market is evolving quickly — not just among established materials companies but also across new entrants using AI, additive manufacturing, and green metallurgy to push the technology forward. Unlike mass-market metals, this segment rewards depth over scale. The leading players are those investing in both formulation science and process control.

 

Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
Hitachi remains one of the most consistent innovators in amorphous metals, especially for transformer cores and magnetic ribbons. Their cobalt-based product line integrates ultra-thin amorphous strips that deliver lower core losses than traditional Fe-based systems. The company’s edge lies in precision casting technology and strong partnerships with energy utilities across Japan and Southeast Asia. They’ve also been among the first to commercialize recyclable amorphous alloy ribbons.

 

VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH (VAC)
Germany’s VAC is a pioneer in amorphous and nanocrystalline materials. Their cobalt-iron alloys are used widely in high-frequency transformers, aerospace systems, and magnetic sensors. VAC’s competitive advantage comes from its integrated value chain — from alloy design and ribbon production to final core assembly. The company’s collaboration with European aerospace agencies positions it strongly for high-end mechanical applications.

 

Metglas , Inc.
A subsidiary of Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals America), Metglas focuses on large-scale amorphous metal production for industrial and defense use. Their cobalt-based variants are particularly optimized for shielding and vibration control. Metglas operates one of the most advanced rapid solidification lines globally, giving them unmatched consistency in ribbon thickness and composition.

 

Advanced Technology & Materials Co. Ltd. (AT&M)
China’s AT&M has emerged as a major player, supported by strong domestic demand and national initiatives for energy-efficient power grids. The company produces cobalt-based amorphous strips and cores under the AMAG brand and is expanding into nanocrystalline hybrids. Their advantage lies in cost competitiveness and government-backed research infrastructure.

 

Heraeus Group
Heraeus has recently expanded into cobalt-based amorphous coatings for high-temperature aerospace and biomedical uses. Their materials division focuses on applying amorphous films for wear and corrosion protection. While they are smaller in magnetic materials, their coatings expertise gives them a unique niche where performance under extreme environments matters most.

 

Liquidmetal Technologies
Though best known for zirconium-based amorphous alloys, Liquidmetal’s R&D division has explored cobalt blends for specialized mechanical components. Their approach — using injection molding to create near-net-shape amorphous parts — gives them agility in producing complex geometries without machining. Their licensing partnerships with defense and medical device firms indicate potential cross-application expansion.

Analysts note that while Japanese and German firms lead in technology, Chinese players are catching up fast through aggressive R&D funding and localization strategies. Meanwhile, Western firms are differentiating through sustainability — particularly in using recycled cobalt and low-emission production processes.

 

In benchmarking terms, the competitive hierarchy looks like this:

• Technology leaders : Hitachi Metals, VAC, Metglas

• Cost and scale leaders : AT&M, China Amorphous Technology

• Niche innovators : Heraeus, Liquidmetal

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The cobalt-based amorphous alloy market shows a sharp regional divide — driven by each region’s manufacturing maturity, energy infrastructure, and commitment to sustainable materials. While Asia Pacific leads production and volume, Europe and North America continue to define technological benchmarks and performance standards.

North America
North America has emerged as a high-value innovation hub, not a volume leader. The United States anchors this space through its defense, aerospace, and energy efficiency programs. Cobalt-based amorphous alloys are increasingly being used in precision sensors, advanced magnetic shielding, and lightweight wear-resistant components. Transformer modernization projects, especially those tied to renewable integration, are giving these alloys a foothold in the power grid sector.

U.S.-based material startups are collaborating with universities to enhance magnetic properties through data-driven alloy modeling. The Department of Energy’s recent funding for next-generation transformer materials includes cobalt-based amorphous compositions, underscoring their strategic importance in achieving grid efficiency goals. Canada, meanwhile, is strengthening its role in cobalt supply — both through mining and recycling — which may stabilize raw material availability for North American manufacturers over time.

 

Europe
Europe stands out for its precision and sustainability orientation. Germany, the UK, and France lead adoption, particularly in aerospace and renewable power equipment. The EU’s emphasis on eco-efficient materials under its Green Deal Industrial Plan has created a favorable regulatory environment for amorphous alloys that reduce energy loss.

Germany’s VACUUMSCHMELZE and France’s CNRS research groups are developing cobalt-based magnetic strips for wind turbine generators, where reduced core loss translates directly into efficiency gains. The region’s commitment to closed-loop cobalt supply — emphasizing recycling and traceability — makes it a model for sustainable alloy development.

However, European manufacturers face challenges with production cost and cobalt availability. To counter that, partnerships between alloy producers and universities have accelerated the exploration of hybrid cobalt-iron systems that use less cobalt while maintaining high magnetic performance.

 

Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific dominates both supply and demand. China, Japan, and South Korea collectively account for over 60% of the global cobalt-based amorphous alloy production capacity in 2024. China leads in volume through domestic energy grid expansion, while Japan and South Korea focus on high-precision magnetic materials for electronics, EVs, and robotics.

China’s Made in China 2025 initiative explicitly supports the development of amorphous and nanocrystalline materials for power applications. Local manufacturers like AT&M and Advanced Amorphous Technology are scaling production lines for high-frequency transformers. Japan’s Hitachi Metals continues to set global standards with its quality and magnetic consistency.

Analysts expect Asia Pacific to remain the core manufacturing and export hub through 2030, supported by strong downstream industries and robust public R&D incentives.

 

Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA)
This region represents early-stage adoption but with visible potential. Brazil and Mexico are the most active in Latin America, where industrial manufacturers are using cobalt-based amorphous coatings for wear resistance in oil and gas machinery. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s focus on high-efficiency energy infrastructure under Vision 2030 is spurring investments in advanced transformer materials.

Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, remains central to cobalt supply but lacks downstream processing capacity. Strategic alliances with European and Chinese alloy makers are being discussed to move the region higher up the materials value chain.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The demand for cobalt-based amorphous alloys is no longer concentrated within a narrow circle of specialized magnet manufacturers. The market has diversified, with end users spanning energy, aerospace, defense, and industrial automation. Each category of user approaches the material differently — prioritizing either magnetic performance, thermal stability, or wear resistance.

Electrical and Energy Equipment Manufacturers
This is the largest end-user segment by revenue. These manufacturers use cobalt-based amorphous alloys in distribution transformers, inductors, and power conversion units. The shift toward low-loss transformer cores has been a major adoption driver, particularly in Asia and Europe. Energy companies and grid operators are specifying amorphous materials to reduce system inefficiencies. Their needs are simple: consistent quality, reliable supply, and cost-effective performance over silicon steel.

 

Aerospace and Defense
In aerospace, amorphous alloys are valued for their high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance, and ability to perform under extreme temperature fluctuations. Defense contractors use cobalt-based amorphous coatings in turbine blades, guidance systems, and lightweight armor components. The material’s inherent damping properties help in vibration isolation — a feature critical for avionics and missile systems. These users are less price-sensitive and focus more on performance reliability and supplier stability.

 

Automotive and EV Manufacturers
Electric vehicle OEMs have started integrating cobalt-based amorphous alloys into electric motor cores and sensors. The alloys’ superior magnetic permeability translates into reduced energy losses and quieter operation. As EV architectures move toward higher power densities, amorphous cores and coatings will likely replace conventional laminated steel in select premium models.

 

Industrial Machinery and Tooling
Manufacturers in this sector use cobalt-based amorphous coatings to improve wear resistance in gears, drills, and bearings. These coatings extend the operational life of tools under friction-intensive conditions. The adoption curve here is steady, supported by the transition toward automated and precision manufacturing systems.

 

Research Institutions and Material Laboratories
While not large in spending, research organizations are vital end users. They test new alloy compositions, optimize production methods, and develop application prototypes. Their work often precedes commercialization by several years. Many breakthroughs in high-frequency magnetic materials and additive manufacturing techniques have originated from this segment.

 

Use Case Example
A notable application comes from a Japanese energy utility that partnered with Hitachi Metals to retrofit its medium-voltage transformers using cobalt-iron-based amorphous cores. The goal was to minimize core losses in urban distribution grids. The new cores reduced energy loss by nearly 60% compared to silicon-steel-based models, cutting annual operational costs significantly. Beyond efficiency, the quieter operation of amorphous transformers proved valuable in densely populated residential areas. The pilot’s success led to broader rollout across several prefectures within two years.

This case demonstrates the growing recognition that material innovation directly impacts energy efficiency targets — a connection that policymakers and grid operators are beginning to act on.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Hitachi Metals introduced a new cobalt-based amorphous alloy ribbon in late 2024, designed for ultra-low-loss transformer cores used in distributed renewable energy systems. The product features improved glass-forming ability, enabling larger and more efficient core fabrication.

• VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH (VAC) launched a hybrid amorphous-nanocrystalline material in 2023, combining the magnetic softness of cobalt-based amorphous alloys with enhanced mechanical stability for aerospace-grade components.

• Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd. (AT&M) announced the commissioning of a large-scale amorphous strip production line in China’s Hebei Province in early 2024, marking one of the region’s biggest expansions in magnetic materials manufacturing capacity.

• Heraeus Group began pilot production of cobalt-based amorphous coatings for high-temperature aerospace turbines in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2023.

• Liquidmetal Technologies filed new patents in 2024 for cobalt-containing amorphous compositions optimized for additive manufacturing and injection- molded micro-components.

 

Opportunities

• Energy-Efficient Transformer Expansion: The push toward renewable power integration and smart grids is driving utilities to replace conventional silicon-steel transformers with amorphous core alternatives. This shift directly favors cobalt-based alloys known for superior magnetic efficiency.

• Aerospace and Defense Growth: The demand for high-performance coatings and fatigue-resistant materials is opening new frontiers for cobalt-based amorphous alloys in turbine components and lightweight armor systems.

• Advancements in Additive Manufacturing: Powder-based 3D printing and injection molding are enabling cost-effective production of amorphous components. These techniques reduce waste and allow for complex geometries not possible with traditional casting.

• Recycling and Sustainable Sourcing: Increasing cobalt recovery from batteries and electronic scrap provides a secondary supply stream, supporting the alloy industry’s transition toward responsible sourcing and supply security.

 

Restraints

• High Material and Production Costs: Rapid solidification and precise composition control make cobalt-based amorphous alloys more expensive than conventional crystalline materials. This limits adoption in price-sensitive industrial applications.

• Cobalt Supply Risk and Ethical Sourcing Issues: Heavy reliance on cobalt mining from politically unstable regions poses long-term risks. Fluctuating supply and ethical scrutiny over extraction practices continue to impact procurement strategies.

• Manufacturing Complexity: Maintaining amorphous structure at scale requires advanced cooling systems and controlled environments. This restricts mass production and limits the availability of high-quality material in emerging markets.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.12 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.73 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.5% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	Cobalt-Iron-Based Alloys, Cobalt-Nickel-Based Alloys, Others (Cobalt-Molybdenum and Hybrid Systems)
By Application	Electrical & Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Machinery, Energy & Power Systems, Biomedical Devices
By End User	Electrical Equipment Manufacturers, Aerospace & Defense Contractors, Industrial Tooling Companies, Research Institutes, Automotive OEMs
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, France, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, Saudi Arabia
Market Drivers	- Rising demand for energy-efficient transformer materials - Increasing R&D in aerospace-grade amorphous coatings - Growing focus on sustainable cobalt sourcing and recycling
Customization Option	Available upon request