Porite at WorldPM 2026: Market Insights, Technical Trends, and Industry Connections from Montréal

WorldPM 2026 brought together the global powder metallurgy community for four days of technical exchange, market discussion, and industry networking — and Porite was right in the middle of it. Held June 25–28 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, the event offered a concentrated look at where the PM industry stands today and where it’s heading next.

From technical sessions to exhibit hall conversations, our participation strengthened existing relationships, opened new ones, and provided valuable insight into the evolving PM landscape, highlighted by a presentation from Porite Taiwan and Asian Powder Metallurgy Association (APMA) President Chiu-Lung Chu.

PM Market Outlook: Challenges Today, Opportunities Ahead

Mr. Chu giving a market updated as President of the APMA.

A recurring theme across presentations was the current contraction in the PM market. Both North America and Europe reported declines beginning in 2024 and continuing into 2026.

Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) President Christopher Adam described the powder metallurgy (PM) industry as “navigating what can best be described as a period of ‘glorious uncertainty,’ driven by political upheaval, trade disruptions, technological shifts, sustainability challenges, and geopolitical conflict. These forces are reshaping metal powder technologies, including conventional press-and-sinter PM, Metal Injection Molding, and metal Additive Manufacturing.”

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However, the tone wasn’t pessimistic — it was realistic and forward‑looking.

Speakers emphasized:

  • New application opportunities emerging across multiple industries

  • Expected long‑term growth driven by electrification, mobility, and advanced materials

  • Strong momentum in the Asian PM market, highlighted in Mr. Chu’s presentation

The consensus: while the PM industry is navigating a downturn, innovation and new applications are creating meaningful paths forward.  Read more about the North American presentation here.

 

PM Design Awards: A Look at the Industry’s Most Innovative Components

One of the most anticipated parts of WorldPM is the PM Design Awards.  Highlighting the most forward‑thinking components across powder metallurgy, MIM, and related technologies. These awards offer a unique window into where the industry is innovating — and which applications are pushing PM capabilities forward.

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This year’s winners demonstrated several clear trends shaping the future of PM:

  • Increasing complexity in MIM components, especially in medical and consumer electronics

  • Greater emphasis on magnetic performance, including soft magnetic geometries optimized for EV and powertrain applications

  • Lightweight structural components designed for mobility and automation

  • Hybrid assemblies that combine PM with machining, stamping, or additive manufacturing

The award winners —published online here and here — highlight how far the industry has come in producing intricate, high‑precision parts that were once considered impractical for volume manufacturing.

For customers evaluating new PM opportunities, the Design Awards serve as a powerful reference point: they show what’s possible today, and where the industry is heading tomorrow.

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Looking Ahead

WorldPM 2026 was an invaluable opportunity to stay current on both the technical and commercial direction of the PM industry.  Porite is proud to have participated in WorldPM 2026, and we look forward to applying these learnings as we continue supporting customers with precision powder metallurgy solutions.

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