Metal Detectors - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Metal Detectors Market size is estimated at USD 1.65 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.54 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.05% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The metal detectors market refers to the industry that manufactures and sells metal detection devices for various purposes, such as security screening, industrial applications, archaeological exploration, and treasure hunting. Metal detectors are electronic devices that detect the presence of metallic objects with the use of electromagnetic fields.

Security threats and the need for public safety have become significant concerns globally. Metal detectors are crucial in enhancing security measures across various settings, including airports, seaports, government buildings, schools, public events, and entertainment venues. The rising awareness of security risks and the need for effective screening measures drive the demand for metal detectors.

The metal detectors industry has witnessed significant technological advancements. Manufacturers are continually improving detection accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability while introducing features like advanced target identification, wireless connectivity, and user-friendly interfaces. Technological innovations attract customers looking to upgrade their existing metal detectors or invest in advanced systems, contributing to market growth.

In September 2023, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) mentioned taking innovative strides toward mitigating environmental contamination by developing a portable, point-of-use tool that can detect heavy metals in soil and water with user-friendly features even for those without scientific training. Current high-end techniques like Inductively Combined Plasma and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) require complex laboratory and lengthy procedures, which are outside the needs of farmers.

Further, there have been increasing instances in school premises, majorly in the United States, where weapons and illegal substances are being brought. Hence, the government and school boards are implementing preventative measures where metal detectors play a significant role. For instance, in March 2023, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved a USD 8 million contract with Evolv Weapons Detection for installing metal detectors in all elementary and secondary schools within the district. Over four years, USD 8 million will be used to install the metal detectors on school premises. According to the agenda, Evolv uses sensors and artificial intelligence to screen students for weapons.

However, price sensitivity is a significant challenge in the metal detectors market. Customers choose cheaper metal detectors over advanced, higher-cost ones in price-sensitive industries such as educational institutions, events, and SMEs. This can lead to price pressures on producers, which may limit their profitability and affect R&D investments.

Metal Detectors Market Trends

Handheld Metal Detectors Expected to Hold Significant Market Share

• A handheld metal detector is a device that can detect metallic fragments and particles in objects or people's bodies. Handheld metal detectors have two parts, including a transmitter coil to create the electromagnetic field and a receiver coil to observe electromagnetism. The transmitter coil will produce a magnetic field about 20 cm away from the handheld metal detector, which helps identify the metal objects.
• These devices are more than helpful in detecting metal objects. They also help identify individuals who intend to bring banned items to an event, thereby increasing overall safety and making visitors feel more secure. In addition, handheld detecting devices are portable and can be swiftly and effectively used anywhere from the entry point to the conference hall itself.
• Further, increased passenger traffic at airports is driven by several factors, such as increased personal income and tourism, which lead to the increasing need for security measures, including efficient and accurate metal detectors, such as handheld detectors, to cope with this growth. There is an undeniable need for increasingly robust security measures to ensure the safety of passengers, air carriers, and airport infrastructure. According to the IATA, the airlines of the Asia-Pacific region accounted for about 31.7% of air passenger traffic during 2023.
• Owing to the increasing security threats worldwide, handheld metal detectors are widely utilized at airports, metro stations, and government offices for various security purposes. Such devices are intended to detect metal objects, such as weapons or other hazardous substances, hidden on a person. Security personnel can rapidly and efficiently detect possible threats before they enter a secure area through a handheld metal detector, neutralizing them.
• The ability and importance of the technology for security purposes have been demonstrated by the deployment of handheld detectors in surveillance, hospitality, and prison services. They are an essential element of security protocols in different industries due to their rapid and accurate detection of metallic objects. Therefore, increasing investments in reliable handheld detectors is paramount to organizations.

North America Expected to Hold Significant Market Share

• North America has been increasingly focused on security measures in recent years due to various factors, such as terrorism threats and concerns about public safety. Metal detectors enhance security in public spaces, airports, schools, stadiums, and other high-traffic areas. The growing emphasis on security measures drives the demand for metal detectors in the region.
• Governments across North American countries have implemented stringent regulations and standards to ensure public safety. These regulations often mandate using metal detectors in specific industries, such as transportation, defense, and law enforcement. Compliance with these regulations drives the demand for metal detectors in the region.
• North America is witnessing ongoing infrastructure development projects, including the construction of airports, seaports, and public transportation systems. According to the CAPA, construction projects are worth USD 110.7 billion, while the new airport construction budget is USD 1.6 billion. These projects often involve integrating advanced security systems, including metal detectors, to ensure infrastructural and user safety.
• Moreover, metal detectors have diverse applications across various industries, including manufacturing, mining, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. North American countries have a strong presence in these industries, which increasingly adopt metal detectors to ensure product quality control, prevent equipment damage, and comply with industry regulations.

Metal Detectors Industry Overview

The metal detectors market is significantly competitive due to several major players, such as Garrett Metal Detectors, CEIA SpA, Minelab, WIPOTEC GmbH, and Mettler Toledo. These companies have gained a competitive advantage by continually innovating their offerings through research and development. Through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions, these players have gained a strong footprint in the market and are expected to upgrade the detector technologies further.

July 2023: Garrett Metal Detectors announced that it would begin accepting orders for its newly released Paragon detector. Paragon is the new capstone for Garrett's line of walkthrough security screening products, with best-in-class 66 detection zones and revolutionary new features for ease of use, such as Zero Touch NFC and Ambiscan directional sensitivity. The company mentioned that Paragon is a culmination of 40 years of security achievements in the world of walkthrough metal detection, with plans for exciting future developments.

May 2023: Mettler Toledo announced the release of the upgraded version of its M30 R-Series metal detection systems. The M30 R-Series is the first of Mettler-Toledo's product family that has been created with cutting-edge SENSE software technology, empowering metal detection to achieve new heights of intelligence and creativity. In addition to providing a higher level of metal detection security and performance at a reasonable price, the highly innovative SENSE software meets a wide range of food safety requirements and standards that manufacturers worldwide use. Due to the improved software, the M30R series metal detectors can now interact seamlessly with ProdX data management software. This results in optimized procedures and automatic reporting of inspections, enabling easy and real-time data collection at the push of a button. This also simplifies data storage and makes it paperless while making information retrievals quick.

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