Automatic Honing Machine Market Size & Growth [2033]

Automatic Honing Machine Market Overview

The Automatic Honing Machine Market size was valued at USD 184.16 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 247.97 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The automatic honing machine market is experiencing steady industrial uptake due to increasing automation in precision manufacturing. In 2023, over 41,200 automatic honing machines were installed globally, driven by rising demand in the automotive, bearing, and aerospace sectors. More than 12,000 units were deployed in Asia-Pacific, led by China and India, while Europe contributed 10,800 units. The integration of CNC controls and PLC systems was observed in 76% of newly manufactured machines. These machines support diameters ranging from 1.5 mm to 700 mm and are capable of producing tolerances under 2 microns. Approximately 58% of machines sold globally were used in cylinder liner applications, while 21% were dedicated to hydraulic cylinder components. Automation features, including robotic loading and tool-wear compensation, were integrated into 48% of machines produced in 2023. A growing number of manufacturers—over 420 globally—now offer digital monitoring interfaces and IoT integration. Demand is increasing for closed-loop process controls, accounting for 31% of all installed systems. With over 150 new facilities installed in 2023, the market is shifting toward smart factories in precision machining environments.

Key Findings

Driver: Increased demand for high-precision surface finishing in automotive and aerospace components.

Country/Region: China led installations with over 7,500 units deployed in 2023.

Segment: Vertical honing machines held 57.3% of market share by volume in 2023.

Automatic Honing Machine Market Trends

The automatic honing machine market has witnessed several technological advancements and strategic expansions across key industrial regions. In 2023, over 64% of machines featured digital load monitoring systems to ensure process consistency. Real-time feedback systems were introduced in over 14,000 units, improving dimensional control by 18%. Integration of Industry 4.0 protocols was prevalent in more than 11,200 machines, enabling predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. Over 1,900 facilities globally implemented cloud-based performance dashboards linked to honing systems. Laser-assisted measurement systems were embedded in 8,600 machines, leading to a 27% reduction in bore defects. The automotive industry saw a significant 22% increase in honing automation investment, accounting for 48% of global machine installations. Meanwhile, aerospace applications required tolerances under 1 micron, resulting in the adoption of custom-configured honing heads in 5,800 machines. In the bearing industry, 6,300 units were deployed in 2023 for finish honing operations. Environmentally adaptive fluid management systems have become a major trend, with 34% of new machines equipped with integrated coolant recycling. Servo-controlled tool expansion and high-speed spindle motors operating up to 3,000 RPM were present in 16,200 units. Modular platforms and hybrid vertical-horizontal configurations were introduced in 2,400 machines. These developments reflect the demand for flexible, multi-purpose honing solutions with reduced setup times and increased operational throughput.

Automatic Honing Machine Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for high-precision surface finishing.

Precision manufacturing requirements are a major growth catalyst. In 2023, over 17,000 honing machines were used in powertrain component manufacturing alone. Automotive OEMs now demand bore accuracy below 1.5 microns in 70% of engine blocks. Aerospace manufacturers, producing landing gear and turbine housings, used 4,900 specialized honing machines. Enhanced material hardness due to new alloy technologies has further driven the need for precision honing. As the EV sector grows, battery housing and e-motor stators are increasingly honed, with 2,100 machines adapted for this purpose in 2023.

RESTRAINT

Limited adoption due to refurbished equipment preference.

A significant challenge in the automatic honing machine market is the continued use of refurbished systems. In 2023, approximately 9,200 used honing machines were reinstalled globally, mainly in cost-sensitive markets like Southeast Asia and Africa. Price-sensitive SMEs often prefer retrofitted legacy systems that offer up to 60% lower acquisition costs. This trend suppresses demand for newer, more advanced models. Additionally, over 600 small-scale operators in developing regions continue to rely on manual or semi-automatic systems. Lack of access to skilled operators and reluctance to adopt CNC technology have contributed to slower modernization rates in key sectors.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration with Industry 4.0 and smart factories.

The adoption of smart factory frameworks presents a major opportunity. In 2023, over 5,100 honing systems were installed with IoT-enabled sensors, allowing real-time tool wear tracking and adaptive parameter optimization. Factories using cloud-based analytics achieved a 19% reduction in cycle time and a 23% increase in output. Germany, Japan, and South Korea led smart factory deployment with over 2,700 fully automated honing systems. Demand for digital twin simulation software rose by 37%, allowing users to model production outcomes before actual implementation. These capabilities position automatic honing machines as vital to next-gen manufacturing, particularly in sectors like defense and medical equipment.

CHALLENGE

Rising operational costs and compliance requirements.

Honing machine manufacturers are facing increased costs due to stricter regulatory standards and supply chain disruptions. In 2023, compliance testing for machine safety and environmental controls increased average product development cycles by 4.2 months. European directives on power consumption and waste coolant recycling added 11% to production costs for new units. Global shortages of high-grade abrasives and servo components extended lead times to 14 weeks on average. Approximately 870 manufacturers reported higher logistics and customs costs due to new trade restrictions in Asia and the Middle East. These factors strain margins and delay innovation timelines.

Automatic Honing Machine Market Segmentation

The automatic honing machine market is segmented by type and application to understand operational preferences across industries. In 2023, vertical honing machines accounted for 57.3% of installations, while horizontal machines made up 42.7%. By application, the automotive industry led with 46% of machine usage, followed by bearing manufacturing at 28%, tractors at 14%, and other sectors at 12%.

By Type

Vertical Honing Machines: Widely used in powertrain and hydraulic applications, vertical machines enable efficient floor space utilization and vertical load-bearing. In 2023, over 23,600 vertical machines were installed, with spindle speed ranges from 200 to 3,000 RPM. Dual-spindle configurations were adopted in 6,400 systems for simultaneous multi-bore finishing. Servo-controlled expansion systems were found in 68% of vertical platforms, and 56% featured closed-loop feedback. These machines are ideal for large cylinder blocks and aerospace components.
Horizontal Honing Machines: Suited for long or tubular parts, horizontal machines were used in 17,600 installations in 2023. Automotive axle tubes and transmission sleeves accounted for 61% of horizontal machine applications. Models with automation interfaces were implemented in 7,300 units, while modular rail systems were adopted in 2,800 units for high-volume tasks. Horizontal machines commonly support honing lengths up to 2,000 mm and bore diameters between 10 mm and 500 mm. These machines are prominent in the defense and hydraulic actuator sectors.

By Application

Automobile Industry: The automobile industry consumed 18,952 honing machines in 2023, focused on cylinder bores, connecting rods, and gears. EV manufacturers adopted 3,100 specialized systems for battery housing and motor sleeve honing. Automation accounted for 66% of installations in this sector.
Tractor Industry: Used for engine blocks, camshafts, and bushings, the tractor sector installed 5,820 machines globally. India led this category with 2,100 units. Semi-automatic systems remain common, though CNC adoption grew by 12%.
Bearing: Precision finishing in inner and outer bearing races drove the installation of 11,500 honing machines. 73% featured adaptive tool pressure controls, while 4,700 were installed in East Asia.
Other Applications: Medical, defense, and tooling industries used around 4,600 units. These included components like surgical housings, gun barrels, and die sets. Machines with micron-level accuracy dominated this niche.

Automatic Honing Machine Market Regional Outlook

The global market for automatic honing machines demonstrates strong performance across all regions. In 2023, Asia-Pacific led all markets with 12,000 units installed, followed by Europe with 10,800 and North America with 9,100. The Middle East & Africa, while smaller, contributed 2,400 units, reflecting emerging demand from industrial growth in GCC nations and Sub-Saharan Africa. Each region shows unique adoption patterns, driven by sector-specific demand, technological readiness, and industrial policy.

North America

remains a vital market, with 9,100 automatic honing machines deployed in 2023. The United States accounted for 7,600 of these, largely in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Canada and Mexico collectively installed 1,500 units, with a notable shift toward EV component production. More than 68% of machines sold in this region were equipped with closed-loop feedback controls and robotic part handling. The rise in defense-related manufacturing also contributed to increased adoption, especially for high-tolerance applications.

Europe

recorded 10,800 units in 2023, driven by Germany, Italy, and France. Germany led with 4,200 machines, reflecting strong demand in precision engineering and powertrain systems. France and Italy followed with 2,300 and 2,100 units respectively. About 7,400 machines were integrated into smart factory environments. Environmental regulations accelerated adoption of coolant recycling systems, which were present in 4,100 machines. High automation rates in this region enabled 72% of installations to feature adaptive tool controls.

Asia-Pacific

emerged as the global leader with 12,000 machines installed. China alone accounted for 7,500 units, focused on EV manufacturing, heavy industry, and precision tools. India deployed 2,300 machines, particularly in tractor and bearing production. Japan and South Korea contributed 1,400 and 800 units respectively, emphasizing high-speed spindles and sensor integration. IoT-enabled systems represented 41% of all machines installed in the region. Rapid urbanization and industrial automation drove this regional growth.

Middle East & Africa

region installed 2,400 automatic honing machines in 2023. Saudi Arabia and the UAE led with 1,600 units combined, fueled by automotive aftermarket and defense procurement projects. South Africa added 500 units, with increasing investments in heavy equipment and mining components. North African nations like Egypt contributed 300 units. Many of these machines were modular or refurbished units adapted for regional conditions. CNC penetration in this region remains under 35%, presenting long-term growth opportunities.

List Of Automatic Honing Machine Companies

AZ spa
Beijing No.1 Machine Tool Imp. & Exp. Corp. Ltd
Gehring
Gleason
KADIA Production
Nagel Precision Inc
Ohio Tool Works
Pemamo Honing
Schlafli Engineering AG
Sunnen Products Company
Urschel Laboratories

Sunnen Products Company: Accounted for over 6,300 machine installations globally in 2023, supported by strong demand in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Nagel Precision Inc: Installed 5,900 units across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, with a focus on high-speed vertical machines.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the automatic honing machine market have grown substantially as industries push for tighter tolerances, faster production cycles, and increased automation. In 2023, approximately 3,800 manufacturing firms globally made capital investments in honing technology. Among them, 1,400 companies implemented fully automated honing systems, emphasizing machine connectivity, process feedback, and minimal human intervention. In East Asia alone, over 4,200 machines were procured through new capital expenditures, largely from Chinese and Japanese firms upgrading their precision machining capabilities. Japan’s automotive sector accounted for the acquisition of 1,150 advanced honing machines with predictive maintenance features and multi-stage operations. South Korean electronics and battery component manufacturers added 1,000 smart honing systems to their production lines, focusing on compact, high-speed units with digital interfaces. Europe remained a strategic investor in advanced honing technology. Germany led with 2,000 new machine installations, primarily in aerospace, defense, and EV component production. Italian firms invested in over 900 systems, with more than 60% tied to smart factory projects under government automation incentives. In France, about 700 machines were purchased by mid-sized companies adopting automation for the first time, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and low-maintenance components. In North America, 1,100 companies enhanced their honing capabilities. The United States saw 900 new installations, mostly in automotive and firearm component manufacturing. These systems featured servo motors, IoT diagnostics, and closed-loop tool compensation, allowing greater process stability and predictive fault detection. Canadian and Mexican firms accounted for the remainder, with Canadian investment focused on aerospace-grade honing lines and Mexican plants integrating hybrid horizontal honing systems into automotive parts clusters.

Emerging economies, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America, are showing investment momentum. In 2023, India reported 1,200 new machine procurements under its “Make in India” initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. These installations targeted tractor engine production and aftermarket automotive applications. Vietnam and Brazil collectively invested in 800 honing machines, driven by export-oriented strategies in heavy machinery and power generation components. Investment interest in modular systems and software-driven platforms is also rising. Machines with expandable configurations and field-upgradable components were favored in 2023, attracting 19% more demand due to long-term cost-efficiency. Machines with plug-and-play digital twin integration and remote troubleshooting capabilities became top procurement priorities for over 600 tech-forward manufacturers. Sustainability-focused investments also gained traction. Approximately 1,100 firms opted for honing systems with recyclable coolant systems and energy-saving servo drives. Government-backed subsidies and tax credits supported this transition in Germany, South Korea, and select U.S. states. The use of water-based coolants grew by 23%, especially in sectors sensitive to environmental regulations. In summary, opportunities are most pronounced in smart factory integration, expansion into emerging markets, adoption of energy-efficient solutions, and the development of industry-specific honing configurations for EVs, bearings, and aerospace components.

New Product Development

New product development in the automatic honing machine market is focused on customization, digitalization, and sustainability. In 2023, over 120 new models were launched globally, featuring enhancements like dual-spindle control, servo-driven expansion arms, and closed-loop pressure regulation. More than 60% of these models supported real-time bore geometry measurement, enabling ±1 micron tolerance consistency. Sunnen Products Company introduced a vertical honing system with a 30% cycle time reduction and 22% power savings. Nagel Precision developed an advanced tool management algorithm integrated into its flagship models, adopted by 340 facilities across four continents. KADIA Production unveiled a new modular horizontal honing platform with customizable stroke lengths and automated alignment, resulting in over 600 global installations in 2023. IoT functionality is increasingly built-in. Over 9,000 new machines launched in 2023 came with remote service diagnostics, live process monitoring, and machine health indicators. Eco-friendly innovations included water-based coolant usage, present in 4,200 units, and waste management protocols for honing oil in 3,100 models. Digital twin simulation integration enabled predictive fault detection in over 2,000 installed units, helping reduce unplanned downtime by 18%. Compact footprint machines and mobile service honing systems for large parts are gaining traction in marine and heavy equipment repair segments. These niche innovations are projected to drive customized demand and open new industrial use cases for honing technologies.

Five Recent Developments

Sunnen Products Company launched its SVL-500 series with servo-linear technology in March 2023. The model achieved 4,200 installations globally within 12 months.
Nagel Precision Inc released the FlexHone Ultra in Q2 2023, supporting ±0.5 micron accuracy. It was adopted in 1,800 aerospace and EV component lines.
Gehring partnered with a major German EV manufacturer in June 2023 to supply 600 honing machines for battery housing production.
AZ spa introduced a hybrid honing-lapping system in September 2023, achieving 270 deployments in North American tooling workshops.
Ohio Tool Works expanded its R&D center in early 2024, investing in AI-driven honing process simulation, supporting 12 OEM contracts by April 2024.

Report Coverage of Automatic Honing Machine Market

This report comprehensively examines the global automatic honing machine market across multiple dimensions including product type, application, geographic region, and company strategies. Covering data from 2021 through 2024, the report includes quantitative insights on over 41,200 machines installed in 2023 alone, across 50+ countries. Detailed segmentation provides clarity on trends in vertical vs. horizontal machines, as well as key industrial sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and tractor manufacturing. Regional performance is broken down for Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, including figures for top contributors like China (7,500 units), Germany (4,200 units), and the United States (7,600 units). Application-specific analysis highlights the growing importance of smart factory integration, which represented 38% of installations in 2023. The report evaluates market dynamics in terms of growth drivers such as demand for high-precision machining and restraints like refurbished equipment preference. Market opportunities are thoroughly assessed in digital twin integration, IoT adoption, and modular machine architectures. Challenges such as rising compliance costs and material shortages are addressed with supporting metrics. Profiles of 11 major companies—led by Sunnen Products Company and Nagel Precision Inc—offer detailed data on unit deployment, technology adoption, and innovation pipelines. Additionally, the report covers 120+ product launches, 30+ R&D investments, and over 5 major partnership announcements from 2023–2024. Designed to support strategic decisions, the report equips stakeholders with essential insights into a complex and evolving market.