The Global High Nitrogen Steels (HNS) Market was valued at USD 1.52 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.31 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is primarily driven by escalating demand from the aerospace, medical implant, and defense sectors, where the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance, and outstanding biocompatibility of HNS are indispensable.

As industries worldwide push the boundaries of material science for enhanced performance and sustainability, the focus intensifies on the pioneering manufacturers developing advanced High Nitrogen Steel alloys. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the High Nitrogen Steels Industry—a group of global steel giants and specialized metallurgy firms shaping the future of high-performance materials.

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🔟 1. Carpenter Technology Corporation

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Premium High Nitrogen Stainless Steels, Custom Alloys

Carpenter Technology is a globally recognized leader in the development and production of high-performance specialty alloys, including a comprehensive portfolio of High Nitrogen Steels. Their products are critical for applications demanding extreme durability and resistance, such as aerospace components, medical devices, and chemical processing equipment.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Advanced melting technologies (e.g., Pressurized Electro-Slag Remelting – PESR) for precise nitrogen control

• Development of bio-compatible HNS grades for surgical instruments and implants

• Strong focus on supply chain integration for critical aerospace and defense contracts

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9️⃣ 2. OUTOKUMPU

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Forta HNS Series, Duplex and Austenitic Stainless Steels

Outokumpu, a foremost stainless-steel producer, offers advanced High Nitrogen Steel solutions under its Forta brand. These alloys are engineered for applications where standard stainless steels fall short, particularly in aggressive corrosive environments and high-stress structural applications.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Leading producer of nitrogen-alloyed duplex stainless steels

• Commitment to circular economy principles with high recycled content in production

• Extensive global distribution network serving diverse industrial sectors

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8️⃣ 3. Swiss Steel Group

Headquarters: Emmenbrücke, Switzerland
Key Offering: Tool Steels, High-Speed Steels, Nitrogen-Enhanced Specialty Steels

The Swiss Steel Group, with its renowned brands like Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, is a key player in the European market for high-quality engineering steels. They produce nitrogen-alloyed grades that offer improved wear resistance and hardness for tooling and high-performance components.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Specialization in high-purity steel production for critical applications

• R&D in martensitic HNS for cutting tools and plastic molds

• Focus on sustainability through energy-efficient electric arc furnace (EAF) processes

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7️⃣ 4. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel)

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Broad range of Stainless Steels, including Nitrogen-Enhanced Grades

As a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group, the world’s largest steel producer, Baosteel is a dominant force in the Asian HNS market. The company invests significantly in R&D to produce advanced steel grades that meet the demanding specifications of domestic and international customers in automotive, construction, and industrial machinery.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Large-scale production capabilities for cost-effective HNS supply

• Government-backed research initiatives for material science advancement

• Expansion of high-value product portfolio to capture growing domestic demand

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6️⃣ 5. VDM Metals (Acerinox Group)

Headquarters: Alucro, Germany
Key Offering: Nickel Alloys and Special Stainless Steels with High Nitrogen Content

VDM Metals, part of the Acerinox Group, specializes in high-performance alloys, including a range of High Nitrogen Stainless Steels. Their products are essential for the most challenging environments in the chemical processing, oil & gas, and pollution control industries.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Expertise in creating tailored alloys for specific corrosive media and temperatures

• Strong focus on customer-specific technical support and alloy development

• Global logistic hubs to ensure timely delivery of specialized materials

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5️⃣ 6. GKN Powder Metallurgy (Now part of Piper Private Equity)

Headquarters: Radevormwald, Germany
Key Offering: Metal Powder-Based HNS Components, Sinter-HIP Technology

GKN Powder Metallurgy is a pioneer in manufacturing near-net-shape components using metal powder technologies. Their expertise includes producing complex parts from High Nitrogen Steel powders, offering design freedom and material efficiency for automotive and industrial applications.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Leadership in Powder Metallurgy (PM) and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) for HNS

• Development of sintering processes that retain high nitrogen content in finished parts

• Focus on lightweighting solutions for the automotive and consumer electronics sectors

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4️⃣ 7. ThyssenKrupp Materials AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Comprehensive portfolio of High-Performance Materials, including HNS

ThyssenKrupp is a German industrial giant with a significant materials division that supplies high-grade steels worldwide. They provide various nitrogen-strengthened stainless steels known for their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Production of high-strength HNS for lightweight automotive structures and chassis systems

• Investment in digitalization for optimized material processing and supply chain management

• Commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of steel production through innovative technologies

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3️⃣ 8. Aubert & Duval

Headquarters: Les Ancizes-Comps, France
Key Offering: High-Performance Alloys, Superalloys, and Nitrogen-Enhanced Steels for Aerospace

A subsidiary of the Eramet Group, Aubert & Duval specializes in high-performance metals for the most demanding sectors, particularly aerospace, energy, and defense. Their HNS offerings are critical for engine parts, landing gear components, and other safety-critical applications.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Deep expertise in metallurgy for aerospace certification standards (e.g., Airbus, Safran, GE)

• Development of ultra-high-strength HNS grades that withstand extreme temperatures and pressures

• Strong vertical integration from melting to finished forged or rolled products

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2️⃣ 9. Böhler Edelstahl (voestalpine Group)

Headquarters: Kapfenberg, Austria
Key Offering: Tool Steels, High-Speed Steels, Special Carburizing Steels with Nitrogen

Böhler Edelstahl, part of the voestalpine High Performance Metals Division, is a world-leading producer of specialty steels. Their product range includes nitrogen-alloyed grades that provide superior performance in tooling, mold-making, and precision engineering applications.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Focus on “industry 4.0” and smart manufacturing for consistent high quality

• R&D in PM (Powder Metallurgy) tool steels with enhanced nitrogen content for longer service life

• Global service and distribution network providing technical support and processing services

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1️⃣ 10. Hitchcock Industries Inc. (Pioneer Metal Finishing)

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Precision Machined Components from Specialty Alloys, including HNS

While primarily a precision machining and finishing specialist, Hitchcock Industries is a significant downstream consumer and processor of High Nitrogen Steels. They work closely with primary producers to fabricate complex components for the medical, aerospace, and semiconductor industries, highlighting the importance of specialized manufacturing in the HNS value chain.

Innovation and R&D Focus:

• Expertise in machining difficult-to-process HNS alloys to tight tolerances

• Development of specialized cutting tools and parameters for nitrogen-strengthened steels

• Value-added services like heat treatment and surface finishing tailored for HNS properties

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High Nitrogen Steels (HNS) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of High Nitrogen Steels is High-Performance and Sustainable

The High Nitrogen Steels market is on a steady growth trajectory, driven by the relentless pursuit of stronger, lighter, and more durable materials across advanced industries. While traditional applications dominate current consumption, new frontiers in additive manufacturing and green technology are opening up significant opportunities.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerating adoption in additive manufacturing (3D printing) using HNS metal powders for complex aerospace and medical parts.

• Growing demand from the renewable energy sector (e.g., corrosion-resistant components for offshore wind turbines).

• Increased R&D into low-nickel or nickel-free HNS to reduce cost and reliance on volatile raw material prices.

• Stringent regulatory and performance standards in the medical device industry fueling the need for premium bio-compatible alloys.

The companies profiled are not just supplying a material; they are enabling technological progress by providing the foundational strength for next-generation innovations across the globe.

Read Full Report:
High Nitrogen Steels (HNS) Market – View in Detailed Research Report