Success Through Early Involvement: How We Collaborated with Elekta at BKB Precision
A Challenge That Required Early Involvement
For Elekta, the challenge lay not only in developing a new product, but also in establishing a stable and reproducible production process. As is customary in the medical sector, quality, precision, and reliability were of crucial importance. In addition to these functional requirements, high standards were also set for the visual quality of the final product, in line with what is expected of a precision medical device. Furthermore, the entire production process had to meet the strict quality standards that apply within the medical sector. Because the project was still in the development phase, design choices had to be constantly weighed against manufacturability, quality, and future scalability. This called for a partner who not only manufactures but also actively contributes ideas on the best path to a successful end product. It’s no wonder, then, that customers often view us as a PEP Partner.
Working Together from the Start
In this project, BKB Precision played a role that went beyond mere manufacturing. By combining expertise from engineering, manufacturing, and quality, we worked closely with Elekta to help evaluate design choices early on, so that potential risks could be identified and resolved before they became costly. The collaboration was characterized by open communication, short lines of communication, and a shared focus on the end result. Thanks to this approach, design changes could be implemented quickly, and the project continued to progress efficiently
A Meticulous, Quality-Driven Approach
A key part of the project was developing a stable, well-controlled production process. The combination of high functional and visual standards, as expected in the medical sector, called for a meticulous approach in which every detail was validated.
As a result, the bar was set high across every stage of the process. Through careful testing and validation, BKB Precision arrived at a reproducible process that met both technical and aesthetic requirements.
The Result of Early Involvement
The collaboration resulted in a stable, reproducible production process. By focusing on manufacturability, quality, and process control from an early stage, risks were mitigated in a timely manner, laying a solid foundation for the road ahead.
The project underscores the value of a partner who not only manufactures but also actively contributes ideas during the development of new products. Curious about how our knowledge and expertise can benefit your project?
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CNC Milling vs. CNC Turning of plastic: The differences at a glance
What is CNC milling of plastic?
In CNC milling, the tool rotates while the workpiece is securely clamped in place or moves in a controlled manner along multiple axes. A rotating milling cutter removes material from a plastic block or sheet, creating flat surfaces, recesses, contours, and complex 3D geometries. Depending on the complexity of the part, milling is performed using 3, 4, or 5 axes simultaneously. With 5-axis milling, the part can be machined from multiple angles in a single setup, which improves both accuracy and efficiency.
For large plastic sheets, we at BKB Precision use gantry milling machines, which allow even large components to be machined with an accuracy of up to several thousand millimeters.
What is CNC turning of plastic?
In CNC turning, it’s actually the other way around: the workpiece rotates at high speed around its axis, while a stationary cutting tool removes material. This technique is almost always applied to round bar stock and is ideally suited for cylindrical and conical parts such as shafts, bushings, flanges, and threaded parts.
One point to note that is specific to plastics: due to the clamping forces during turning, some materials may dent slightly. After unclamping, plastic partially recovers elastically, which affects the final roundness and fit. That is why at BKB Precision we work with controlled clamping forces and cutting conditions tailored to the material, ensuring that the desired dimensions are maintained.
The Differences Between Milling and Turning
The key consideration when choosing between milling and turning is almost always the same question: Is the part rotationally symmetric or not?
- Turning is the preferred technique for anything with a centerline: shafts, bushings, rings, conical shapes, and threads.
- Milling is the preferred technique for anything that isn’t round: flat surfaces, recesses, slots, multiple machining surfaces, and complex 3D contours.
Many parts combine both characteristics, such as a cylindrical part with a keyway slot. In that case, a combination of both techniques is necessary, something we’ll discuss in more detail in the decision guide below.
Milling and turning start with different forms of material, which directly affects material usage and waste:
- Turning almost always starts with round bar stock. This is efficient for cylindrical parts, but less suitable when non-circular features are required.
- Milling is more versatile in terms of material form: it uses block or sheet material. This is particularly important when working with sheets, as large plastic sheets are machined on gantry milling machines.
The effectiveness of both techniques varies depending on the production volume:
- For single pieces and prototypes, both techniques offer flexibility, although turning generally requires less setup work for simple round shapes.
- For small to medium-sized production runs (the area where we at BKB Precision excel—complex parts in low to medium volumes), the choice remains primarily geometry-driven: round and repeatable shapes lend themselves to turning, while complex and versatile shapes are better suited for milling.
- For larger runs of round parts, turning becomes relatively more efficient due to shorter cycle times per part. For larger runs of complex, non-round parts, milling remains the preferred method, possibly with setup aids to minimize setup time per clamping operation.
Both techniques are capable of highly precise manufacturing: at BKB Precision, we work with manufacturing tolerances as tight as ± 3 µm, thanks to a climate-controlled manufacturing environment, 5-axis machining centers, and automated processes.
When working with plastics, certain factors play a greater role than when working with metal:
- Heat buildup during machining can lead to minor dimensional changes more quickly in plastics than in metal.
- Clamping forces and elastic recovery primarily affect roundness during turning, as described above.
- Chip removal is important during milling: if chips become lodged, local heat builds up and dimensional accuracy deteriorates.
We address these factors by tailoring the cutting speed, feed rate, and machining strategy to the specific plastic.
The cost of a plastic part is determined by several factors, which vary depending on the machining technique:
- Setup and programming costs: Milling complex geometries typically requires more programming and setup work than turning a simple round part.
- Number of setups: Each additional setup takes time and increases the risk of dimensional deviations. 5-axis milling or a turn-mill combination can reduce the number of setups.
- Cycle time: For round parts, turning is generally faster per piece, which provides a direct cost advantage for larger production runs.
- Material waste: The choice between bar stock and block or sheet material determines how much scrap material remains.
For you, a well-considered choice of manufacturing technique upfront means: a shorter lead time, less rework, and a more predictable cost per part.
A Comparison of Milling and Turning
| Characteristics | CNC Milling | CNC Turning |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | The tool rotates; the workpiece is (largely) stationary | The workpiece rotates; the tool remains stationary |
| Suitable shapes | Flat, angular, and complex 3D geometries | Rotationally symmetric shapes (shafts, bushings, rings) |
| Material Form | Block or sheet material | Round bar stock |
| Batch Size | Single pieces to medium-sized batches; flexible in terms of complexity | Efficient for larger batches of round parts |
| Accuracy | Up to ± 3 µm; sensitive to chip removal and heat build-up | Up to ± 3 µm; sensitive to clamping force and elastic recovery |
| Typical cost considerations | More setup and programming work for complex shapes | Shorter cycle time per part for simple round shapes |
| Combination | Turning-milling combination possible for parts with both features in a single setup | Turning-milling combination possible for parts with both features in a single setup |
Decision Guide: Which Technology Is Right for Your Component?
- If your part is a shaft, bushing, flange, or has threads → choose CNC turning. This is the most efficient and precise way to produce rotationally symmetric shapes.
- If your part has flat sides, recesses, or a complex contour → choose CNC milling. With 3- to 5-axis milling, even the most complex geometries can be produced in just a few setups.
- If your part is round but also has a slot, hole, or flat side → a combination of processes is needed. For small quantities, this is typically done in two setups (turning first, then milling); for larger production runs or higher precision requirements, a turn-mill combination offers a solution, with both operations performed in a single setup. This reduces the number of setups and, consequently, the risk of dimensional deviations.
- Your part is a large plastic sheet requiring complex machining → CNC milling on a gantry milling machine is the recommended approach.
- You’re unsure about the right type of plastic for your application → the choice between milling and turning is closely tied to the material. Review the properties of engineering and high-performance plastics or contact us for material advice.
Still unsure which machining method is best suited for your part? Submit your drawing via a quote request, and we’ll provide you with no-obligation advice on the most efficient and precise approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
CNC milling is the best choice when a part is not rotationally symmetric: for flat surfaces, recesses, slots, or parts that need to be machined from multiple sides. CNC turning is more efficient for parts with a centerline, such as shafts and bushings.
Yes. Parts that are mostly round but also have a non-round feature, such as a slot or a flat side, are often turned first and then milled. For larger production runs or higher precision requirements, this can be done in a single setup on a turn-mill combination machine.
For simple, rotationally symmetric parts, turning is generally more cost-effective due to shorter setup and cycle times. For complex geometries, this comparison is not relevant, because turning is simply not the right technique in those cases. The final cost depends on the geometry, material, batch size, and the number of setups required.
Most of the engineering and high-performance plastics that BKB Precision processes, such as POM, PEEK, PMMA, PTFE, and PEI, can be both milled and turned. The choice of a specific material depends on mechanical stress, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and the desired precision.
A turning-milling combination machine performs both turning and milling operations in a single setup. This is particularly relevant for parts that have both rotationally symmetric and non-circular features, as it reduces the number of setups. Fewer setups mean a lower risk of dimensional deviations and often a shorter turnaround time.
Yes. For large plates, BKB Precision uses gantry milling machines, which can machine even large components with an accuracy of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
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BKB Precision is investing in the future of quality with the new ZEISS Smartzoom 100
Every detail in sharp focus
Whereas carefully inspecting and checking products during post-processing used to take a lot of time and effort, the Zeiss Smartzoom 100 now makes this process faster and more precise. The microscope offers up to 25x optical zoom and ample workspace to maintain a clear view of the details even during deburring. The autofocus ensures a razor-sharp image at all times, and thanks to the 4K live feed, our specialists can see exactly what’s happening in real time, without any delay. The result: more efficient inspections and greater control over quality, down to the smallest detail.
From Customer Requirement to Work Instruction
At BKB Precision, we use this microscope particularly for very high-quality and complex products where customers have specific requirements for a burr-free finish under magnification.
Thanks to its sharp image quality, even the smallest deviations become visible—deviations that were previously difficult or even impossible to assess with the naked eye. In addition, we can use the microscope to take photos directly and add them to our work instructions. This allows us to clearly define acceptance and rejection criteria, ensuring greater consistency in on-the-shop-floor assessments.
Assurance for the most critical products
This investment makes a significant difference, especially for customers in the analytical, semiconductor, or medical sectors, where accuracy is not a preference but a requirement. Because we can monitor quality more precisely and better demonstrate how that monitoring is conducted, we provide greater assurance and reduce the risk of deviations. It is precisely this combination of higher quality and demonstrable assurance that customers immediately notice.
Investing in Specialization
This investment aligns perfectly with BKB Precision’s ambition to focus even more strongly on complex and critical plastic products.
With the ZEISS Smartzoom 100, we are strengthening our position as the leading specialist in high-quality plastic machining and continuing to develop reliable solutions for customers with the most demanding requirements.
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Why are transparent prototypes essential for complex plastic parts?
The Challenge of Internal Channels
With complex manifolds, the greatest risk often lies in the least visible place: the internal channel structure. These channels must not only run correctly but also fully comply with the specified requirements and tolerances. Because many manifolds are ultimately manufactured from high-performance plastics such as PEEK, these internal details are no longer visible after production. As a result, inspecting the internal geometry poses a significant challenge within the manufacturing process.
The Step Between Design and Final Product
The solution lies in the transparency of PMMA. Because all internal channels are visible, we can accurately assess whether the manifold is being produced as intended. We verify that the channel structures run correctly, meet the specified tolerances, and are neatly finished.
Any deviations become immediately apparent and can be corrected before the part goes into production. The most important benefit of this is not a shorter lead time or lower costs, but certainty. Once the PMMA prototype fully meets the customer’s requirements and specifications, the part is produced in the final material. This allows us to minimize risks and deliver a product whose quality has been proven in advance.
The Right Plastic at the Right Time
Within this process, PMMA and PEEK each play their own role. Thanks to its transparency, PMMA allows for the complete inspection and validation of internal channel structures. PEEK is then used because of its excellent performance under high temperatures, chemical exposure, and demanding operating conditions. By first ensuring quality with PMMA and then manufacturing with PEEK, we combine the best of both materials and can optimally guarantee the quality of the final product.
Working Together to Deliver a Reliable Final Product
At BKB Precision, we believe that quality begins before a product is actually put into use. That is why, when it comes to new manifolds, we make a conscious decision to validate first and then produce. By fully mapping out internal structures in advance, we ensure maximum control during the development process and minimize risks during final production. This way, we not only deliver a part that matches the drawing, but more importantly, we provide the assurance that the part will function as intended.
Do you face a challenge involving complex plastic components or manifolds? Contact our specialists. We’d be happy to discuss how we can translate your design into a reliable, high-quality end product.
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BKB Precision Group as a partner in complex flywheel technology for the defense sector
The role of flywheel technology in high-end energy storage
For high-end applications in energy storage, Quinteq develops flywheel-based systems that combine performance and safety. A flywheel is a kinetic battery that uses a spinning rotor to store and deliver energy, ideal for applications that require instantaneous power delivery, from milliseconds to several minutes. The flywheel can reduce peak power demands by up to 80%.
Precision plays a key role in these systems: small deviations can have a major impact on performance and reliability. In this context, precision and reliability are inextricably linked to the success of the overall solution.
A technical challenge with no standard solution
This application has strict requirements in terms of dimensions, reproducibility, and mechanical stability. It involves a component where deviations directly affect the performance of the entire system.
It is precisely this combination of complexity and precision that fits seamlessly with the expertise of BKB Precision Group. Curious about what we can do for you within the defense industry?
From specification to realization
Within this project, BKB Precision Group played a key role in translating complex requirements into a reproducible and reliable product. The collaboration with Quinteq was characterized by short lines of communication and technical coordination. With the successful first deliveries, an important milestone has been reached.
Quinteq agrees: “BKB Precision Group understands the complexity of our systems and supplies components with the precision and reliability that are crucial for our critical applications. The collaboration is running smoothly and strengthens confidence in every phase of the project.”
The power of effective collaboration
The collaboration with Quinteq underscores the role of BKB Precision Group as a partner in complex, high-end projects for customers in the defense industry. Both parties look back on the first phase with confidence and see it as a solid foundation for further collaboration in future developments. Curious to learn why BKB Precision Group is the ideal partner for high-quality plastic solutions in the defense industry?
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Trends and developments for 2026 in the plastic machining market
Looking back: trends and developments in plastic machining in 2025
In 2025, it became clear that the plastic machining market was entering a phase of maturity. This was evident from, among other things, the arrival of various new entrants and the growth of specialisms. However, innovations in the field of bonding, the continued development from metal to plastic, digitization, and sustainability also ensured that existing companies in this market continued to innovate. This resulted in more opportunities with regard to plastic processing. These trends are explained in more detail in our blog article on the trends and developments of 2025 and form an important basis for developments towards 2026.
Trend 1: Specialization & extra value-added services
By 2026, the role of plastic machining companies will shift even further and more frequently from supplier to chain partner. Customers expect not only accurately milled or turned parts, but complete solutions that go beyond the machining process alone.
The integration of bonding, assembly, and other preparatory processes within a single chain is becoming increasingly common. At the same time, there is also increasing demand for hybrid production methods, in which machining is combined with additive manufacturing, for example. This is easier said than done. Discover how we at BKB Precision recently achieved this with extreme precision for a high-end customer in the high-tech industry.
Trend 2: Increased use of high-performance plastics in the defense industry
By 2026, the defense industry will have developed into an important growth market for high-performance plastics. Due to stricter requirements in terms of weight, durability, and functionality, metal components are increasingly being replaced by high-quality plastics such as PEEK and PEI. These materials not only offer technical advantages, but also contribute to design freedom and functional integration.
For plastics machining companies, this means an increasing need for in-depth material expertise, process reliability, and quality assurance in order to meet the high demands of this sector.
Trend 3: AI and smart machining are in their infancy
Although AI and smart machining will not yet be commonplace in the plastics machining market in 2026, they do mark the beginning of a fundamental change. Current applications focus primarily on insight and support, but already demonstrate the potential of this technology for process control and quality.
As systems mature, AI-driven processes will play an increasingly important role in efficient and scalable production. The use of AI is also increasing creativity in the machining process. Early adoption and experimentation are therefore an important step towards future-proof machining.
Trend 4: Sustainability and circular machining
Sustainability and circular machining will continue to play a role in 2026. Within the market, this will certainly remain a key pillar in the coming years, with increasing demand for demonstrable sustainability, requiring organizations to be able to substantiate their CO₂ impact per product and process. This development makes sustainability a distinguishing factor and a strategic competitive advantage.
Circular thinking is no longer limited to the choice of materials, but extends across the entire production process. The structural reuse of plastic waste streams, investment in energy-efficient machines, and the use of minimal or dry machining are important developments in this regard.
At BKB Precision, we have also been working on this for a number of years and will be publishing our third sustainability report in Q2, which will detail exactly where we stand on this issue. It will also outline the steps we still need to take and will be taking to become even more sustainable.
In 2025, we will also have set up a reuse process for a single customer, but for multiple items, whereby we reassess, repair, and clean the items we produce for a new round of use.
Trend 5: International expansion and scalability
International diversification will become an increasingly important building block for sustainable growth in 2026. The establishment of a branch in Malaysia is therefore an important step in the international growth strategy of the BKB Precision group. This expansion contributes to risk diversification and increases the agility of the organization.
At the same time, there will be a strong focus on more intensive collaboration within the group in the coming year. By making better use of capacity, knowledge, and resources across the various locations, the different branches within the group will be able to provide their customers with even better support in terms of flexibility, delivery reliability, and scalability. Manufacturing the product where the price-quality ratio is optimal for the customer.
Ready for the future of plastic machining
As we approach 2026, it is becoming clear that success in the plastic machining market requires more than just technical expertise. Sustainability, specialization, smart technology, and international cooperation together form the building blocks for further growth. Would you like to discover how BKB Precision is leveraging these trends to optimize your production processes? Contact us and talk to our specialists.
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Plastics machining as a key technology in the medical manufacturing industry
Why plastic? The real advantages for medical applications
Medical innovators don’t choose plastic just because. They do so because it offers solutions that are simply not feasible with metal or glass.
- Lightweight and strong
Ideal for portable equipment and ergonomic instruments. - Chemically and thermally resistant
Resistant to intensive cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. - Design freedom
Complex geometries, microchannels, and optical surfaces are possible—opening the door to new product concepts. - Cost and process advantages
Plastics can be processed extremely quickly, with excellent reproducibility.
The critical factor: precision
In the medical world, “close enough” is simply not good enough.
A deviation of just a few micrometers can lead to leaks in microfluidics, inaccurate sample analysis, or mechanical failure.
Modern CNC plastic machining makes tolerances achievable that were previously considered impossible. Combined with advanced measurement methods and ISO-compliant production, this creates a manufacturing process that focuses on traceability, stability, and certainty.
Innovation & sustainability: the new standard
The medical sector demands sustainable, traceable production. Recycled and bio-based plastics are becoming increasingly easier to machine and are increasingly being approved for use in medical equipment.
Materials that were considered “too unstable” five years ago are now of sufficient quality for precision machining. This is giving rise to a new generation of components that are both technically and ecologically future-proof. If you would like to know more about the applications and possibilities of plastics, please feel free to contact us.
Material selection and applications: what works where?
The right plastic directly determines the performance of medical equipment. An overview of the most commonly used materials and their typical applications:
- PEEK
Strong, biocompatible, sterilizable → suitable for surgical components, support structures, and high-end analyzers. - POM
Low friction, highly dimensionally stable → ideal for valves, bearings, gears, and other moving parts. - PET
Extremely dimensionally stable → suitable for flow cells, optical chambers, measuring modules, and precision housings. - HMPE
Wear-resistant and self-lubricating → used for slide guides, guide plates, and moving laboratory parts.
By linking the application to the right material during the design phase, you can prevent problems such as stress cracks, deformation, or inaccurate measurements—and increase the reliability of the entire system.
Plastics machining is more than just a production technique
It is a strategic technology that determines how innovative, precise, and future-proof medical equipment can be. Choosing the right plastics, the right processing technique, and the right partner who understands the market gives you a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.
Would you like advice on material selection, precision processing, or sustainable alternatives? Feel free to contact us without obligation.
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High-quality plastic components for the defense sector
What makes plastic machining in defense so demanding?
Plastic machining in the defense sector is demanding due to the exceptional conditions in which components must perform and the strict requirements they must meet. Plastic parts must, often for years, function perfectly without any margin for deviation. From material selection and dimensional stability to resistance against impact and chemicals: every detail matters. The margin for error? Simply does not exist.
At BKB Precision we have experience in producing plastic components for defense and we know better than anyone that this industry demands absolute precision, in-depth material knowledge and a fully reliable production process within a well-secured working environment. We not only supply separate components but also complete products, applying techniques such as inserting inserts, gluing, laser marking and welding. This way we ensure a complete end result that is immediately deployable.
The role of plastic in defense applications
Plastics play an increasingly important role in various defense applications. Think of precision parts for communication systems, housings for electronic equipment, wear-resistant components in vehicles or lightweight structures for portable equipment. Due to their versatility, high-performance plastics can be machined into complex shapes with minimal tolerances, maximum reliability and a reduction in weight
This is why defense increasingly chooses plastic strategically
Plastics repeatedly prove their value in the defense industry. Thanks to their low weight, high strength and excellent resistance to extreme environmental influences they increasingly prove their added value over metal components. Even a small weight reduction in equipment or material can make a significant difference in the mobility of military personnel without compromising reliability or durability.
At BKB Precision we see that more and more parties in the defense sector are consciously choosing plastic as a strategic material and BKB Precision as a reliable partner. Curious how we can support your organization with high-quality plastic solutions?
Customer case from the defense sector: precision work under high expectations
For various international defense companies we supply complex plastic components within extremely tight tolerances. As a supplier for Airbus and Thales we know what is required in this demanding sector: speed, creativity and absolute precision.
“Their credo ‘making the almost impossible possible with plastic’ has in my opinion been realized. You do not call on their creativity in vain when you search for solutions with them. They know a lot about and can do a lot with plastic.” according to Geert van de Merwe, Purchasing Manager at Thales Netherlands. Thanks to our climate-controlled production environment and specialist knowledge we remain a reliable partner for innovative applications within defense.
Defense demands high standards and so do we
In the defense sector quality is not an option but an absolute requirement. Components must function flawlessly under the most extreme conditions and that starts with a meticulous production process with strict quality control. At BKB Precision quality is central to everything we do, from material selection and machining accuracy to cleaning, packaging and documentation. Our processes are set up to meet the strict requirements of defense customers who leave nothing to chance.
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Most frequently asked questions in the industry
Think of high-performance plastics such as PEEK, PPSU, PTFE, POM, PEI (Ultem) and glass or carbon fiber reinforced materials but also foam materials such as Airex or Rohacel. These offer strength, chemical resistance, dimensional stability and temperature resistance.
Our processes are designed for stability, precision and reliability. Because all our products are custom made and we handle customer information and designs discreetly our working method and quality standards seamlessly match the expectations within the defense sector. Customers in this field can count on a safe professional and committed cooperation.
Through NDAs, closed production environments, controlled access procedures and secure data processing. Discretion is an integral part of our working method. In addition all employees sign a code of conduct.
Absolutely. We are happy to collaborate with engineers to optimize material selection, manufacturability and tolerances at an early stage of the design. As an early supplier involvement partner, we actively think along from the first design phase so that the final product is technically feasible, efficiently manufacturable and of consistent quality.
Depending on the material and machining method, we can achieve tolerances of up to ±0.001 mm, which meets the requirements in many defense applications.
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Plastic Instead of Metal: When Is It the Best Choice?
Plastic versus Metal: The Key Differences
When developing an engineering component, metal is often the first material that comes to mind. However, plastic proves to be an excellent alternative in many applications. The choice depends on factors such as weight, load-bearing capacity, chemical resistance, temperature, and cost.
The question, therefore, is not so much which material is better, but which material best meets the functional requirements of the application.
| Property | Plastic | Metaal |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Often requires additional protection |
| Electrical insolution | Good | Conductive |
| Chemical resistance | Often excellent | Depends on the alloy |
| Temperature resistance | Depends on the material | Often higher |
| Maintenance | Limited | May require coating or protection |
| Machinability | Easily machinable | Easily machinable |
| Cost | Often cost-effective for complex parts | Depends on the type of material |
The History and Rise of Plastics
For many years, metal has been the undisputed standard in the manufacturing industry, but that status is now under pressure. In recent years, plastics have made an impressive advance as an alternative. While they were once used primarily as inexpensive substitutes for everyday applications, we now have access to a wide range of engineering and high-performance plastics.
Thanks to new production methods and a growing understanding of material properties, engineers are increasingly using plastics for demanding applications. Particularly in precision sectors such as the semiconductor and analytical industries, where margins for error are minimal, plastics are increasingly proving to be a smarter and better alternative to metal.
When should you choose plastic over metal?
Plastic is often chosen when one or more of the following properties are important.
Weight reduction
Plastics are significantly lighter than metals. This can offer advantages for moving parts, machine construction, and applications where transport weight is a factor.
Preventing Corrosion
In humid or chemically aggressive environments, plastic often offers a longer service life than steel or aluminum.
Electrical insulation
Many plastics have excellent insulating properties and are therefore widely used in high-tech equipment and electronics.
Chemical Resistance
Materials such as PTFE, PEEK, and PEI are resistant to aggressive chemicals and cleaning processes.
Manufacturing Complex Parts
With modern CNC machining techniques, complex plastic parts can be manufactured with a high degree of precision.
The Advantages of Plastic Over Metal
The decision to use plastic is increasingly based on technical and economic considerations rather than on assumptions. The advantages speak for themselves:
- Lower weight without loss of strength
- Corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance
- High dimensional stability with precise machining
- Low coefficient of friction
- Saves costs on materials, transportation, and production
With the wide variety of plastics with unique properties available on the market today, there is always a plastic that suits your application.
From Metal to Plastic: Here’s What That Looks Like in Practice
Sometimes the difference lies in the details. A customer in the semiconductor sector faced a choice: continue working with metal, or make the switch to plastic. Together with BKB Precision, they explored the possibilities. By cleverly redesigning the component in plastic, each unit became more than half a kilo lighter. That savings translated into lower material costs, reduced shipping weight, and a more stable process.
BKB Precision was involved from the start of this transition project: from material advice and machining techniques to cleaning and assembly. Thanks to our knowledge and experience, we were able to adapt quickly and work together to achieve an optimal end product.
We have since successfully guided multiple customers—including those in the semiconductor, analytical, and other industries—through similar material transitions. Find out how the entire project unfolded or contact us for further assistance with your project.
In which industries is plastic being used more and more, and why?
In the semiconductor industry, cleanliness, dimensional stability, and low outgassing play a crucial role. Plastics such as PEEK, PTFE, and PEI offer excellent properties for these applications.
Plastic is widely used in medical devices because of its combination of sterilizability, precision, and chemical resistance.
Weight reduction and reliability are making plastic an increasingly attractive option for defense applications.
Plastics are used in laboratory and analytical equipment because of their dimensional stability and chemical resistance.
From Metal to Eco-Friendly: How Plastics Contribute to Sustainability
In many applications, plastics prove to be not only more practical but also more sustainable than metal. They are lighter, resistant to corrosion—which means they last longer—and require less energy to produce and use. Furthermore, less mass also means fewer emissions during transportation, and reuse and recycling are possible in an increasing number of cases.
At BKB Precision, we take our responsibility seriously. We publish our annual progress report on sustainability and are constantly working to make our processes and decisions even more sustainable.
How do you determine which material is best suited?
The choice between plastic and metal is determined by several factors:
- Mechanical load
- Temperature
- Chemical resistance
- Desired tolerances
- Service life
- Weight
- Cleanability
- Certification requirements
- Cost
By considering these factors early in the design process, significant benefits can often be realized
Future Outlook: What Can We Expect?
The shift from metal to plastic is still in its infancy. But thanks to ongoing innovations in materials, more advanced machining techniques, and growing expertise among engineers, the potential applications of plastics will continue to expand. Think of lighter machines, smarter designs, and more sustainable production processes.
At BKB Precision, we push the technical boundaries every day. We continuously invest in knowledge, machinery, and collaboration to get the most out of plastic processing, and we’ll continue to do so. What’s groundbreaking today could be the new standard tomorrow.
Curious about how we can support you with your next project?
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Metals are often stronger under high loads. However, some high-performance plastics can be an excellent alternative in specific applications.
That depends on the application. Thanks to its lighter weight, lower maintenance requirements, and efficient production, plastic can often offer an attractive total-cost solution.
These include semiconductors, medical technology, analytical equipment, defense, and high-tech mechanical engineering, among others.
No. Plastics do not corrode like steel or other metals.
When high temperatures, chemical exposure, extreme precision, or specific certifications are a factor.
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The power of PEEK – the high-performance material for precision applications
The strength of PEEK
What exactly makes PEEK so unique? This high-performance polymer combines the strength and wear resistance of metals with the flexibility and light weight of plastics. Whereas traditional plastics like PVC or PP deform quickly at high temperatures, PEEK retains its strength and structural integrity even under extreme conditions
Compared to metals, PEEK offers not only weight savings, but also better resistance to corrosion and chemical attack. This combination of properties makes it an indispensable material in high-tech applications where precision and durability are paramount.
Precision in PEEK machining: complex, but our expertise
Machining PEEK seems simple at first glance, but it presents specific challenges. Due to its toughness and wear resistance, high friction occurs during turning and milling, which can lead to heat generation and deformation. This requires precise cutting parameters and special tools to keep the machining process stable.
To achieve tolerances down to the hundredth of a millimeter, a perfectly balanced process is essential. Finishing also plays a crucial role: the wrong milling strategy can lead to a rough or damaged surface.
How do we tackle this? At BKB Precision, we combine advanced machinery, specialist knowledge and strict process control and ensure an optimal end result every time.
Advanced machinery with specialist knowledge and process control for a perfect end result. Not for nothing is PEEK the most frequently machined material in our workshop.
Why choose PEEK? The most important advantages
PEEK is a material that has proven itself in demanding industries. The main advantages for choosing this material are:
- High temperature resistance up to approximately 280 °C
- High wear resistance
- Despite the strength of the material, it is lighter than many metals
- Resistant to many corrosive substances
- Biocompatible
PEEK in the world of high-tech applications
PEEK is a crucial material, especially for the medical and semicon industries, where reliability and precision are vital. In the medical industry, PEEK is widely used for implants and surgical instruments, increasingly replacing metals. This is because PEEK is more body-friendly and more resistant to wear.
In the semicon industry, PEEK is an ideal choice for applications that operate under extreme conditions. Among other applications, the material is used for connectors and insulators where thermal stability and chemical resistance are essential. PEEK offers reliable performance in the production of semiconductor components that have high demands for accuracy and reliability.
View several practical examples to the right or feel free to contact us with any questions!
