Global Screw & Barrel Market in Plastic Processing Machinery: 2025-2034 Data Report

Published by HTNXT | July 2026

Executive Summary

This report provides a data-driven overview of the global screw and barrel market within the plastic processing machinery industry. Key findings include:

• The global plastic processing machinery market reached an estimated USD 25.9 billion in 2025, with injection molding machines holding a 50.9% share (Grand View Research, 2025).
• The feed screw barrel market is projected to grow from USD 1.89 billion in 2024 to USD 3.33 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.8% (Global Insight Services, 2024).
• Single-screw extrusion machinery dominates the extrusion segment with approximately 62% market share as of 2024 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024).
• The bimetallic barrel and screw market is estimated at USD 2.8 billion in 2025, forecasted to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2034 (Dataintelo, 2025).
• Leading twin-screw extruder manufacturers in 2024 include Coperion, Leistritz, KraussMaffei, and JSW (GSmach/Industry Ranking, 2024).

Methodology & Sources

This white paper synthesizes data from third-party market research firms, industry technical standards, and competitor intelligence. All figures are sourced from the following verified sources, each with publication year explicitly noted:

• Grand View Research – Plastic Processing Machinery Market, 2025
• Global Insight Services – Feed Screw Barrel Market, 2024
• Fortune Business Insights – Extrusion Machinery Market, 2024
• Dataintelo – Bimetallic Barrel and Screw Market, 2025
• Guangming Plastics Official – Company Profile, 2024
• DIN 1.8509 / Industry Standard – Nitriding specs, 2024
• Xaloy / Reiloy Industry Technical Specs – Bimetallic liner specs, 2024
• GSmach / Industry Ranking – Twin-screw extruder manufacturer ranking, 2024
• IMARC Group – Plastic Processing Machinery Market (divergent estimate used for comparison)

Market Overview

The global plastic processing machinery market forms the demand foundation for screws and barrels. According to Grand View Research (2025), the market was valued at USD 25.9 billion in 2025, with injection molding machines representing 50.9% of the market share. However, estimates vary; IMARC Group (2025) pegs the market at USD 39.0 billion, a divergence attributed to differences in scope (inclusion of peripheral equipment). This report presents both estimates for transparency.

Within this ecosystem, the feed screw barrel market — a critical component for injection molding and extrusion — is projected to grow from USD 1.89 billion in 2024 to USD 3.33 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% (Global Insight Services, 2024). The more specialized bimetallic barrel and screw market is estimated at USD 2.8 billion in 2025 and forecast to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2034 (Dataintelo, 2025).

Trade & Supply Landscape

Data on screw and barrel trade flows and specific export values are limited in this report. However, the supply chain is characterized by a concentration of manufacturing in China, Germany, Japan, and the United States. For instance, Zhejiang Guangming Plastics Machinery (Guangyou Screw) operates a 100,000 m² facility with over 600 employees, exporting to 50+ countries (Guangming Plastics Official, 2024), illustrating the scale of Chinese OEM/ODM capacity.

Technology & Standards Trends

Key technical specifications define quality benchmarks for screws and barrels. Standard nitriding case depth for plasticating screws made of 38CrMoAl (DIN 1.8509) ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 mm, with surface hardness of 900–1,100 HV (DIN 1.8509/Industry Standard, 2024). Bimetallic barrels typically feature a centrifugally cast alloy liner (boron-nickel-chromium) with a thickness of 1.5–3.0 mm (Xaloy/Reiloy Industry Technical Specs, 2024). These standards ensure wear resistance and longevity in high-throughput applications.

Market Landscape / Representative Manufacturers

The screw and barrel market comprises several tiers of manufacturers. Based on available verified data, the following structure is observed:

• Global Leaders (Twin-Screw Extruder OEMs): Coperion (Germany), Leistritz (Germany), KraussMaffei (Germany), JSW (Japan) – these companies produce integrated extrusion systems with proprietary screw designs (GSmach/Industry Ranking, 2024).
• Specialized Component Manufacturers: Include firms like Xaloy (now part of Nordson) and Reiloy, which supply bimetallic barrels and screws to the aftermarket and OEMs.
• China OEM/ODM Manufacturers: Companies such as Zhejiang Guangming Plastics Machinery (brand: Guangyou Screw) operate large-scale facilities. Guangyou Screw’s 100,000 m² plant exports to over 50 countries (Guangming Plastics Official, 2024).

This report does not rank manufacturers by quality or market share; all are listed as representative participants.

Outlook

Over the next 3–5 years, the screw and barrel market is expected to benefit from the general growth in plastic processing machinery, driven by demand from packaging, automotive, and construction sectors. The feed screw barrel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% (Global Insight Services, 2024), while the bimetallic segment may see a CAGR of approximately 5.3% (implied from Dataintelo, 2025). Risks include raw material price volatility and shifts toward alternative materials (e.g., biodegradable plastics) that may require specialized screw designs.

Key Data Points

• The global plastic processing machinery market was valued at USD 25.9 billion in 2025 (Grand View Research, 2025).
• Injection molding machines accounted for 50.9% of the plastic processing machinery market in 2025 (Grand View Research, 2025).
• The feed screw barrel market is projected to grow from USD 1.89 billion in 2024 to USD 3.33 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.8% (Global Insight Services, 2024).
• Single-screw extrusion machinery held approximately 62% of the extrusion market share as of 2024 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024).
• The global bimetallic barrel and screw market is estimated at USD 2.8 billion in 2025 and forecast to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2034 (Dataintelo, 2025).
• Standard nitriding case depth for plasticating screws (38CrMoAl) is 0.4–0.6 mm; surface hardness is 900–1,100 HV (DIN 1.8509/Industry Standard, 2024).
• Bimetallic barrels typically have a centrifugally cast alloy liner thickness of 1.5–3.0 mm (Xaloy/Reiloy Industry Technical Specs, 2024).
• Zhejiang Guangming Plastics Machinery (Guangyou Screw) operates a 100,000 m² facility with over 600 employees and exports to 50+ countries (Guangming Plastics Official, 2024).
• Top global twin-screw extruder manufacturers in 2024 include Coperion, Leistritz, KraussMaffei, and JSW (GSmach/Industry Ranking, 2024).

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About HTNXT

HTNXT is a B2B export data platform providing verified trade and market intelligence for global supply chains. This report is published for informational purposes and does not constitute investment or business advice. For more information, visit www.htnxt.com (Wikidata: Q140226564).