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Knurling Tools Market

The market for Knurling Tools was estimated at $416 million in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $639 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $913 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1401147
Author:Swarup Sahu - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Industrial Tools & Machinery
Production Tools & Equipment
Knurling Tools
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Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Knurling Tools Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$416M

Forecast, 2034

$849M

CAGR, 2025 - 2034

7.4%

The Knurling Tools industry revenue is expected to be around $446.9 million in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 7.4% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Building on this projected expansion, the knurling tools market continues to gain strategic importance within the broader metalworking and precision machining ecosystem. Its relevance is reinforced by rising industrial automation, growing demand for enhanced surface grip components, and expanding production in automotive and aerospace sectors. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing consistent surface texturing and improved component ergonomics, positioning knurling tools as essential value-added machining solutions rather than secondary finishing aids. The integration of CNC-compatible systems and modular tooling configurations further strengthens market momentum, as producers seek higher productivity and reduced downtime. In addition, the global shift toward high-performance materials and compact component designs sustains ongoing demand, ensuring that knurling tools remain commercially significant across both mass production and specialized engineering environments.

Knurling tools are machining devices used to create patterned textures on cylindrical components, primarily to enhance grip, torque control, and assembly performance. These tools typically consist of hardened knurling wheels mounted on tool holders compatible with manual lathes and CNC turning centers. Major applications span automotive fasteners, aerospace fittings, medical instruments, industrial handles, and consumer hardware products. Recent trends driving demand include the adoption of quick-change knurling systems, modular tool holders, and application-specific pattern customization to meet evolving design requirements. As industries increasingly emphasize ergonomic differentiation and functional surface finishing, manufacturers are investing in precision-engineered knurling wheels and adaptable tooling solutions. The growing penetration of automated machining lines and multi-axis CNC platforms continues to reinforce demand for high-accuracy, durable knurling tool systems across global manufacturing hubs.

Knurling Tools market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034
Knurling Tools Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Knurling Tools market is projected to grow from $416.1 million in 2024 to $850 million in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 7.4%, reflecting rising demand across Precision Manufacturing, Automotive Industry, and Metalworking.

  • CJWinter, Vardex, Accu Trak are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Knurling Tools market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.8% to 7.1% between 2024 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Vietnam, Brazil and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.5% to 10.2%.

  • Transition like Automation Revolution is expected to add $19 million to the Knurling Tools market growth by 2030.

  • The Knurling Tools market is set to add $434 million between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Repair & Maintenance & Construction Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    rising demand for precision surface texturing and expanding cnc automation adoption, and

    Growing Automotive and Electric Vehicle Component Production Worldwide, Knurling Tools market to expand 104% between 2024 and 2034.

knurling tools market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Knurling Tools - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Knurling Tools

Industry 4.0 and smart factory initiatives present an opportunity for knurling tools that seamlessly integrate with connected machining centers. Manufacturers across aerospace, automotive tier suppliers, and precision parts sectors are also investing in CNC-compatible knurling tools capable of real-time monitoring, adaptive control, and predictive maintenance. Strategic collaborations between toolmakers and automation OEMs are creating advanced lathe knurling tools with digital feedback features. This opens new demand in markets focused on productivity gains and quality assurance, particularly in industrialized economies adopting next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia Pacific

In the North American market, knurling tools are experiencing significant growth, partly due to the robust manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and engineering applications. Quality control and efficiency enhancement also play crucial roles in driving the market for knurling tools in this region. The high level of competition should not only be understated, with numerous industry leaders based in this region, offering innovative solutions, advanced materials, and precision functionality. The growing focus on automation and digitization presents a considerable opportunity for manufacturers in this region, especially those incorporating these technologies into their knurling tools.
Across the Asia Pacific, an impressive increase in the utilization of knurling tools demonstrates a thriving market. The advancement in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors substantially fuels this growth. Rapid industrialization and increasing focus on precision engineering, particularly in developing economies like China and India, are key drivers for knurling tool uptake. There is stiff competition amongst major players, however, the core advantage lies in sourcing locally manufactured, cost-effective knurling tools while maintaining exceptional quality and reliability. The potential for substantial market growth lies in the development of sustainable and efficient knurling tools, catering to the regions growing need for energy and resource conservation.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Demand for Precision Surface Texturing and Expanding CNC Automation Adoption

One of the primary drivers of the knurling tools market is also the growing demand for precision surface texturing across high-performance industries. Sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, and advanced electronics require consistent grip patterns and controlled surface finishes to ensure product reliability and ergonomic performance. As component designs become more compact and material specifications more stringent, manufacturers increasingly rely on high-accuracy knurling wheels and rigid tool holders to maintain repeatability. Simultaneously, the rapid expansion of CNC automation in global manufacturing is also accelerating demand for CNC-compatible knurling tools. Modern turning centers integrate lathe knurling tool systems within automated workflows, reducing setup time and enhancing production efficiency. This dual trend of precision requirements and automated machining integration significantly strengthens commercial demand for advanced knurling solutions.
The steady expansion of automotive manufacturing, particularly in electric vehicle production, is also a key driver shaping the knurling tools market. Automotive components such as shafts, fasteners, connectors, and control interfaces frequently require textured surfaces to improve torque transfer and assembly stability. With EV platforms introducing new lightweight alloys and battery-related assemblies, manufacturers are also increasingly deploying durable knurling tools compatible with high-volume CNC machining lines. The shift toward modular vehicle architectures further supports demand for standardized, repeatable surface finishing solutions. As global automotive hubs expand production capacity, especially in emerging economies, the need for reliable and high-throughput knurling tools continues to grow, reinforcing sustained market momentum.
02

Restraint: High Initial Equipment Costs Limit Adoption Among Small and Medium Workshops

One key restraint in the knurling tools market is the relatively high upfront cost of advanced tooling systems. Precision knurling wheels, robust lathe knurling tool setups, and compatible CNC fixtures require substantial capital investment, which smaller and medium-sized workshops often hesitate to commit to. For example, a small precision job shop may continue using improvised or lower-cost alternatives, reducing demand for premium knurling solutions. This hesitation suppresses market revenue growth in the lower tier and limits broader penetration beyond large industrial manufacturers, slowing overall expansion and widening the demand gap between high-end and cost-sensitive segments.
03

Opportunity: Expansion of Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Driving Demand for Lathe Knurling Tools and Small and Mid-Size Workshops Seeking Affordable Hand and Lathe Knurling Tools

The rapid growth of electric vehicle manufacturing presents a significant opportunity for knurling tools in high-volume production of battery connectors, motor shafts, and lightweight alloy components. As EV makers shift toward advanced materials and tighter tolerances, manufacturers increasingly require CNC-compatible knurling tool lathe systems that deliver consistent surface texture and grip. This trend is especially strong in major EV hubs in China, Europe, and North America, where production scale and engineering rigor elevate demand for durable, automated knurling solutions. Modular knurling wheels and automated tool change systems are expected to see the most growth.
There is a growing opportunity among small and mid-sized machine shops for affordable hand knurling tools and versatile lathe knurling systems that support diversified job orders. As custom fabrication and low-volume precision parts grow in industries like medical devices, prototyping services, and specialty hardware, these workshops require cost-effective, flexible tools that reduce setup time and adapt to varied part geometries. The opportunity is strongest in emerging economies with expanding SME manufacturing sectors where demand for accessible and durable knurling solutions continues to rise.
04

Challenge: Competition from Alternative Surface Texturing Techniques Reduces Traditional Tool Demand

Another critical market restraint is growing competition from non-mechanical surface texturing technologies that can replace conventional knurling. Alternatives such as laser texturing, chemical etching, and abrasive surface finishing increasingly serve applications that once relied on knurling tools, particularly where custom patterns or micron-level precision are required. For instance, an electronics component manufacturer may adopt laser texturing over a lathe knurling tool to achieve unique designs, reducing demand for traditional knurling wheels and holders. This competitive pressure can erode market share and compress pricing across conventional knurling tool offerings.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Raw Material Acquisition

Global Metal SolutionsThyssenkrupp
2

Manufacturing

ProxxonReed Manufacturing
3

Distribution

MSC Industrial SupplyGrainger Industrial Supply
4

Final Usage

AutomotiveAerospaceMetalworking
Knurling Tools - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Knurling Tools in Precision Manufacturing & Metalworking

Precision Manufacturing : Precision manufacturing relies on knurling tools to create controlled surface textures on components that demand tight tolerances and flawless repeatability. In this environment, CNC-compatible lathe knurling tool systems are most commonly used because they apply balanced pressure and reduce material distortion during high-accuracy operations. These tools are widely applied in aerospace fittings, medical instruments, and precision connectors where grip consistency and dimensional stability are critical. Their key advantage lies in delivering uniform patterns while maintaining structural integrity, which supports both functional performance and assembly reliability. As precision sectors continue to adopt automated machining centers, advanced knurling wheels and rigid tool holders remain essential for consistent, high-quality output.
Automotive Industry : Within the automotive industry, knurling tools play a vital role in enhancing torque transfer, press-fit stability, and ergonomic grip across a wide range of components. Heavy-duty lathe knurling tool assemblies are frequently integrated into CNC production lines to texture shafts, fasteners, and transmission parts efficiently. This integration improves cycle time control while ensuring consistent surface engagement on high-volume runs. The primary benefit in automotive applications is improved mechanical bonding, which strengthens component durability and reduces slippage under stress. As manufacturers expand electric vehicle production, precision knurling tools are increasingly applied to battery connectors and lightweight alloy parts requiring dependable surface traction.
Metalworking : In general metalworking operations, knurling tools are valued for their versatility and cost-effective surface finishing capabilities. Conventional bump and clamp-type knurling tool lathe setups are commonly used in workshops to produce textured handles, knobs, and threaded collars. These tools allow operators to enhance grip and add decorative finishes without secondary processing, which improves workflow efficiency. Their practical advantage lies in adaptability across small batch and custom fabrication jobs, making them ideal for varied material types and part geometries. As fabrication businesses balance productivity with flexibility, durable knurling wheels and reliable holders continue to support consistent results in everyday machining tasks.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in knurling tools highlight a shift toward automation-ready solutions and integration with smart manufacturing platforms. A key market trend is the adoption of CNC-compatible lathe knurling systems that support real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving productivity and reducing downtime in high-volume machining environments. Demand for modular knurling wheels and adaptable tool holders is rising in automotive and precision manufacturing sectors, where consistent surface texturing and efficient changeovers are critical. These shifts strengthen supplier differentiation while intensifying competition in standardized tooling categories.


December 2024 : Global leaders in machining parts production, Ajax Industries, announced an innovative friction knurling tool with increased wear resistance and precision accuracy, demonstrating a noteworthy leap in the market for knurling tools
October 2024 : Micro Precision Tools, renowned for its quality, broke new ground with the production of diamond-knurling tools using synthetic diamond layers for enhanced durability and precise knurl design
August 2024 : Moore Tools, in a new strategic shift, introduced a set of carbide knurling tools, emphasizing on longer tool life and superior finishes, thus broadening the available options in the knurling tools market.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Knurling Tools Market

As a core segment of the Production Tools & Equipment industry, the Knurling Tools market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Automation Revolution and Emergence of Smart Manufacturing have redefined priorities across the Production Tools & Equipment sector, influencing how the Knurling Tools market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Automation Revolution

As the demand for precision and efficiency increases within the manufacturing industry, there is a definitive shift towards automation. The application of Knurling Tools has not only been an exception in this trend. Advanced technology has allowed for these tools to be incorporated into Computer Numerical Control machines, facilitating speed and accuracy, substantially enhancing productivity. For instance, in the automotive industry, reliance on manual knurling has significantly decreased. Automated Knurling Tools now ensure speed, efficiency and most importantly, consistency, which is highly crucial in the production line of a sector that values precision.
02

Emergence of Smart Manufacturing

The emergence of smart manufacturing is reshaping the knurling tools industry by embedding connectivity, data analytics, and machine learning into machining environments. As Industry 4.0 adoption accelerates, manufacturers are integrating lathe knurling tool systems with sensor-enabled CNC platforms that monitor tool wear, pressure consistency, and cycle efficiency in real time. This transition enables predictive maintenance strategies, reducing unexpected downtime and extending knurling wheel life. For example, automotive component plants now use production data to schedule timely tool replacement, improving throughput and minimizing scrap rates. In aerospace machining, digital monitoring enhances surface pattern consistency, strengthening quality assurance compliance. Overall, smart factory integration elevates knurling tools from conventional accessories to data-driven productivity assets, reinforcing their strategic value across advanced manufacturing sectors.