Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Rivet Type (Solid, Blind, Semi-tubular), By End Use (OEM, MRO), By Equipment Type (Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electric), By Mobility (Fixed, Portable), By Technology (Automated, Manual), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 112.09 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.51%
Fastest Growing Segment	Automated
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 154.64 Million

Market Overview

The Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market will grow from USD 112.09 Million in 2025 to USD 154.64 Million by 2031 at a 5.51% CAGR. The Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market encompasses the specialized sector dedicated to providing machinery and tools used to join aircraft skin and structural components through fastener deformation. The market is primarily driven by the escalating production rates of commercial and military aircraft, which necessitates the adoption of high-speed automated fastening solutions to meet strict delivery schedules. Furthermore, the industry-wide shift toward advanced lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber composites, supports the demand for specialized riveting technologies capable of maintaining structural integrity without damaging delicate substrates.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the persistent supply chain volatility that disrupts aerospace manufacturing output and equipment integration. These logistical bottlenecks restrict the ability of original equipment manufacturers to ramp up assembly lines despite possessing record-high order backlogs. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, the aviation industry received only 1,254 aircraft deliveries, a figure that fell 30% short of initial predictions due to these severe supply chain constraints. Such delays hinder the immediate capital investment required for new riveting infrastructure, thereby slowing overall market momentum.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in global commercial aircraft production rates serves as a primary catalyst for the aerospace riveting equipment sector. As manufacturers strive to fulfill unprecedented order volumes, the requirement for fastening machinery that ensures structural rigidity and assembly speed has intensified. This pressure to accelerate throughput compels assembly lines to integrate advanced hydraulic and pneumatic riveting tools capable of continuous operation. According to Airbus, October 2024, in the 'Nine-Month 2024 Results', the consolidated order backlog amounted to 8,749 commercial aircraft, reflecting the immense production pressure that necessitates scalable riveting infrastructure.

The expansion of military aviation and defense expenditures further propels the procurement of specialized fastening systems designed for high-performance combat and transport vehicles. Increased geopolitical tensions have led nations to modernize their aerial fleets, resulting in contracts that require robust riveting solutions compatible with heavy-gauge alloys and radar-absorbent materials. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, April 2024, in the 'Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023' Fact Sheet, global military spending increased by 6.8% to reach $2443 billion, signaling a robust capital flow toward defense manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the broader market trajectory is supported by long-term fleet renewal projections; according to The Boeing Company, July 2024, in the 'Commercial Market Outlook 2024–2043', the aviation sector will require 43,975 new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years, reinforcing the sustained need for fastening equipment across both civil and defense domains.

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Key Market Challenges

Persistent supply chain volatility serves as a critical impediment to the growth of the Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market by disrupting the synchronization between aircraft orders and manufacturing output. When original equipment manufacturers encounter shortages of essential components—such as avionics, engines, or raw materials like titanium—assembly lines are forced to decelerate or pause regardless of the order backlog. This production stagnation directly hampers the market for riveting equipment, as the procurement of high-speed fastening machinery is inextricably linked to the successful expansion of assembly capacity. If manufacturers cannot stabilize their supply lines to meet current production rates, the capital investment scheduled for new riveting infrastructure is often deferred or cancelled to preserve liquidity for immediate operational firefighting.

The severity of this impact is reflected in recent industry performance data. According to the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, in 2024, the civil aeronautics sector was limited to a turnover growth of only 6%, a performance significantly constrained by widespread supply chain bottlenecks and workforce shortages. This restricted growth underscores the inability of manufacturers to ramp up production fully, which in turn reduces the immediate demand for new automated riveting installations and structural assembly tools.

Key Market Trends

The deployment of multi-axis robotic arms and automated fastening cells is accelerating to handle high-volume assembly tasks, significantly reducing cycle times and minimizing human error in complex fuselage and wing structures. This trend is fundamentally reshaping production lines as manufacturers move away from manual labor for repetitive, high-precision riveting operations, integrating systems that can perform continuous fastening on large-scale aerostructures. The shift towards this heavy automation is substantiated by substantial capital inflows into manufacturing technologies specifically within the sector. According to the Association for Manufacturing Technology, August 2025, in the 'U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report', the aerospace sector surpassed $300 million in total investment in the second half of 2024, reflecting a robust commitment to upgrading assembly infrastructure with automated solutions.

Concurrently, there is a distinct market shift toward all-electric and servo-driven riveting tools, which offer superior precision, energy efficiency, and programmable torque control compared to traditional pneumatic systems. This transition is driven by the need for "smart" tooling that can provide data logging and withstand the rigorous demands of modern aircraft assembly without the maintenance overhead of air-powered equipment. The growing financial performance of major tool providers highlights the increasing uptake of these advanced industrial fastening solutions. According to Atlas Copco Group, March 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the Industrial Technique business area achieved a 4% increase in revenues, reaching SEK 29.5 billion, a growth trajectory supported by the expanded adoption of sophisticated tightening and riveting technologies across high-precision industries.

Segmental Insights

According to authoritative market analysis, the Automated segment is the fastest-growing category in the Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market. This trend is principally driven by the intensified pressure on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to escalate production rates and meet substantial aircraft delivery backlogs. Automated riveting systems deliver exceptional repeatability and accuracy, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of airframes. Furthermore, the transition to automation addresses challenges related to skilled labor availability and reduces the risk of human error, thereby optimizing assembly cycle times and ensuring consistent quality in large-scale manufacturing operations.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, primarily driven by the extensive manufacturing activities of major Original Equipment Manufacturers and a robust defense sector. The region benefits from consistent demand for commercial and military aircraft, necessitating high-volume assembly operations. Furthermore, rigorous safety regulations enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compel manufacturers to utilize precise and compliant fastening technologies. This established industrial infrastructure, combined with continuous investment in production capabilities, ensures a steady requirement for riveting solutions across the regional supply chain.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Broetje-Automation showcased its latest generation of production systems at the Paris Air Show, focusing on scalable and digitally networked automation for the aerospace sector. The company presented new solutions for the "Factory of the Future," including advanced composite automation and smart fastening tools designed to support high-rate manufacturing programs. The exhibition highlighted the company's strategic shift towards fully connected production lines that synchronize workflows and provide process transparency, addressing the growing industry demand for robust and flexible automation in both commercial and defense aircraft assembly.
• In December 2024, Gemcor Production Solutions, a subsidiary of Ascent Aerospace, announced the delivery of an advanced factory integration package for its automated fastening systems. The new offering incorporates machine learning capabilities for enhanced visual quality inspection and built-in cycle time optimization, designed to support "lights-out" manufacturing operations. By integrating these digital technologies with their patented roller-screw riveting drive, the company aimed to provide airframers with a turnkey solution that increases production throughput and reduces operational costs while maintaining high standards of reliability and precision in aerostructure assembly.
• In July 2024, Airbus inaugurated a new automated structure assembly line for the A321XLR aircraft at its manufacturing site in Hamburg, Germany. The facility, located in Hangar 246, was designed to utilize state-of-the-art automation technologies, including systems supplied by Broetje-Automation, to join the center and aft fuselage sections. The line features automated crane systems and laser-controlled measurement tools to ensure precise component mating and riveting of the aircraft’s specialized Rear Centre Tank. This deployment highlights the integration of advanced ergonomics and digital production capabilities to support high-rate serial production of long-range single-aisle aircraft.
• In March 2024, Electroimpact published details regarding its newly developed Gantry Horizontal Slug Riveting System (E6000), a breakthrough in automated aerospace assembly. The system features a fully automated fixture with CNC-controlled posts that dynamically reposition to allow the machine unrestricted access to the wing panel, eliminating the need for manual tack fixtures. This innovation enables a horizontal squeeze process for installing slug rivets with high precision, utilizing a "dance move" sequence where the skin-side clamp retracts to prevent upset pressure absorption. The technology represents a significant step toward fully unattended, "lights-out" automation for wing panel fastening.

Key Market Players

• Atlas Copco AB
• Bollhoff Group
• Broetje-Automation GmbH
• Howmet Aerospace Inc
• LAS Aerospace Ltd
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• SFS Group Germany GmbH
• Ingersoll Rand
• Sumake Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Dassault Systemes SE

By Rivet Type	By End Use	By Equipment Type	By Mobility	By Technology	By Region
Solid Blind Semi-tubular	OEM MRO	Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric	Fixed Portable	Automated Manual	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By Rivet Type:

• Solid
• Blind
• Semi-tubular

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By End Use:

• OEM
• MRO

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By Equipment Type:

• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Electric

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By Mobility:

• Fixed
• Portable

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By Technology:

• Automated
• Manual

• Aerospace Riveting Equipment Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE