Superconducting Magnet Market for Non-Medical MRI Poised for High-Tech Growth
Superconducting Magnet Market for Non-Medical MRI Poised for High-Tech Growth
November 28, 2025 – The market for superconducting magnets used in non-medical applications is expected to see steady growth, driven by critical demand across advanced technology sectors including semiconductors, scientific instruments, and nuclear power.
Market Size and Growth Forecast
The global market for Superconducting Magnets for Non-Medical MRI is valued at $0.9–1.8 billion USD in 2025. Analysts project a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6%–12% through 2030, reflecting continuous investment in high-field magnet technology across various high-tech industries.
Key Applications Driving Demand
The core demand for these specialized magnets stems from three primary, high-value applications:
| Application Sector | Key Technology/Use | Core Function of Superconducting Magnet |
| Semiconductor | Magnetic Czochralski (MCZ) single crystal silicon growth | Provides strong, uniform magnetic field to suppress thermal convection and precisely control oxygen content, dramatically improving silicon wafer yield for ICs and power devices. |
| Scientific Instrument | Particle Accelerators, NMR, PPMS, Cryogenic STM | Separation, focusing, acceleration, and deflection of charged particles; providing high magnetic fields for advanced material and condensed matter research. |
| Nuclear Power | Magnetic Confinement Devices (Tokamak) | Forms the core Toroidal Field (TF), Poloidal Field (PF), and Central Solenoid (CS) coil systems, which confine the extremely high-temperature plasma for controlled nuclear fusion. |
Magnets are the single largest cost component of the ITER Tokamak fusion reactor, accounting for 28.0% of the total cost, underscoring their critical role in nuclear power development.
Leading Market Players and Expertise
The market features a mix of global technology conglomerates and specialized magnet manufacturers.
| Company/Region | Key Area of Expertise/Focus | Notable Projects/Products |
| Japan (Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo Heavy Industries) | Semiconductor (MCZ), Nuclear Fusion (ITER, JT-60SA), Accelerator systems | Sumitomo's MCZ magnets widely used by top-tier silicon wafer makers (Shin-Etsu, SUMCO). Mitsubishi is a key partner in ITER fusion magnet manufacturing. |
| Western (Oxford Instruments, Bruker, Cryomagnetics) | High-field research, NMR/MRS, Quantum/Cryogenic systems | Oxford Instruments specializes in solenoid, discrete coil, and vector magnets for quantum materials and physics research. Bruker leads in high-field, high-stability magnets. |
| China (Hefei Xihe, Suzhou Bama, Xi'an Superconducting) | MCZ, Nuclear Fusion, Strong Field Research, Industrial (Magnet Separation) | Suzhou Bama is China's first producer of MCZ superconducting magnets. Hefei Xihe (a spin-off of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center) developed an 18T all-superconducting magnet. |
Emerging and Specialized Applications
Beyond the core sectors, superconducting magnets are also key to several emerging and niche areas:
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Power: Current limiters, superconducting synchronous phase modifiers for Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) transmission.
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Industrial: Superconducting magnetic separation systems (for coal, clay, water treatment); Superconducting induction heating for non-ferromagnetic metals.
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Transportation: Superconducting levitation and propulsion systems (Maglev trains, aerospace launch, electromagnetic catapults).