Plastics and the defense industry
Big, heavy and seemingly impenetrable
Whereas defense equipment used to be mainly big, heavy and seemingly impenetrable, that image has now changed considerably. Of course, there are still impressive armored vehicles, fighter planes and naval vessels. But modern warfare is increasingly about small units, speed, movability, invisibility and lightweight equipment.
Stronger through innovation. Lighter through plastic.
The new role of plastics in the defense industry
It should come as no surprise that plastics, previously hardly used in defense applications, are now playing an indispensable role. From drones and vehicles to advanced combat clothing, plastic components are being used everywhere, replacing metals or other materials.
Weight and material properties are often decisive in material selection. Even a small reduction in weight can make a big difference in the mobility and effectiveness of military personnel.
In short, where plastics used to be thought to “not make a dent in a packet of butter,” they are now indispensable in today’s defense industry. New tactics and strategic principles make plastics – as in other industries – a key component in innovation. Indeed, thanks to the use of plastics, there are more possibilities because of the diverse material properties.
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BKB Precision and ERIKS join forces to reduce their carbon footprint
Strong cooperation as the basis for sustainable steps
Strong collaboration is the key to progress. This has been the case for 35 years in our collaboration with ERIKS, which has developed into a close partnership centered on flexibility and innovation. Thanks to open communication and a shared focus on quality and efficiency, we continue to challenge each other to improve further. This same collaboration has now led to an important decision that will not only benefit our efficiency but also have a positive impact on the future.
The sustainable initiative of BKB Precision and ERIKS in action
In a joint effort, we and ERIKS decided to replace cardboard boxes with reusable crates, which not only reduces packaging waste but also improves logistics efficiency. This choice results in a saving of 2,500 packages per year, which reduces both costs and CO2 emissions. The initiative is a good example of how smart collaboration and forward thinking can lead to concrete improvements with a positive impact on the future.
Sustainable choices in practice
According to Tineke Metzemaekers, Tactical Purchaser at BKB Precision, the collaboration with ERIKS has always focused on innovation and efficiency: “This initiative is perfectly in line with our values. It is a strategic choice that offers both short-term and long-term benefits for both the operation and the environment.”
Han Reker, Application Engineer at ERIKS, adds: “It’s great to see how our long-term collaboration is now having such a direct and lasting impact. This step is not only good for the environment, but also contributes to our joint efficiency improvement and deepens our relationship.”
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Trends and developments in plastic machining: What will 2025 bring?
1. Development in bonding
The market is making increasingly high demands for high-quality and durable bonding of plastics, particularly in sectors such as medical technology. At BKB Precision, we are investing heavily in the optimization of our bonding processes in 2025. With the purchase of a plasma treatment device, a dispensing device and an XYZ robot (planned for Q1 2025), we are taking our precision and efficiency to a new level.
These innovations will enable us to meet our customers’ increasingly stringent expectations and maintain a competitive edge. Once these new techniques are fully integrated into our processes, we will elaborate on their operation and the benefits they offer to our customers and markets in a future blog.
2. Sustainability
Sustainability will remain a spearhead for BKB Precision in 2025. As we did in 2024, we are again committed to various sustainability initiatives this year to further minimize our impact on the environment and achieve our stated goals. We are currently busy preparing our 2024 sustainability report and working on further specifying our climate awareness to meet the strictest regulations within the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
At BKB Precision, we are convinced that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessary basis for long-term success and a better world. This is why we like to be at the forefront of this field within the plastics processing industry! Check out our sustainability activities now via the button below.
3. Further development from metal to plastic
We notice that customers are increasingly developing their products from metal to plastic, and we expect this trend to continue in 2025. This shift is not without reason: plastic offers numerous advantages over metal, such as lower weight, corrosion resistance and greater design freedom. Moreover, plastic machining processes often enable more efficient and cost-effective production without sacrificing precision and durability.
Thanks to continuous technological advances, more and more high-performance plastics are being developed that can match or even exceed the properties of metal. A good example of this is PEEK, an extremely strong and wear-resistant plastic. The product you see here shows how one of our customers successfully made the transition from metal to plastic. Read how this transition led to a better and more sustainable end product via the button below.
4. Digitization
As in 2024, digitization will remain a key theme within the manufacturing industry in 2025. Partly due to the rise of AI, this theme also continues to develop at a rapid pace. The more efficient, faster and more reliable exchange of data between companies contributes to higher productivity and shorter lead times. In an industry where pressure is high and delivery times are under stress, digital optimization is becoming increasingly crucial to remain competitive.
At BKB Precision, we therefore continue to invest in digitalization. Whereas in 2024 we already took steps in this area, in 2025 we will take further steps to optimize our processes. The integration of AI and advanced digital systems will help us cooperate even more efficiently with customers and partners, reduce error margins and shorten production times. Digitalization is no longer an option, but a necessity for companies that want to remain future-proof.
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BKB Precision Holding moves into new office building
BKB Precision Holding’s new office building.
Our new building, located at Science Park Eindhoven 5210 and right next to our production building at Science Park Eindhoven 5208, features modern facilities that promote more efficient collaboration and innovation and provides more space for our teams.
Getting the new premises ready
Recently, a team has been working hard to renovate our new office building so that our colleagues there can perform optimally for our customers. Since last week, the first colleagues have finally moved in and an efficient internal communication line has been set up, making consultations easy and smooth.
As previously mentioned, the new office building is located right next to the production building, so colleagues can still easily drop in on each other when needed.
What next?
After the relocation of departments such as Holding Management, Sales, HRM, ICT, Finance and Marketing to the new office building, we will soon start renovations and redesigns in our production building as well. This will create additional space for new machines and allow us to facilitate our growth even better. More information will follow soon!
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BKB Precision appoints Marc Peeters as new branch director
Peeters about his new position:
”I am pleased with the opportunity to lead BKB Precision at this stage of its development. My focus will be on providing optimal support to our customers. I look forward to working with the team to realize our goals, grow even further and create more value for our customers, employees and stakeholders.”
This expansion of the management team allows Mannes Westhuis, CEO of the BKB Precision Group and formerly branch director at BKB Precision, to focus more on strategic matters and long-term development within the BKB Precision Group. “The arrival of Peeters allows for more focus and attention to a balanced development of the BKB Precision Group. With Peeters in our midst, we hope to expand our position as the plastics machining company for the high-tech industry and deepen customer relationships.”
With the arrival of Marc Peeters as branch director, BKB Precision underlines its ambition to continue to grow as the specialist in plastic machining for the high-tech industry. The company continues to focus on innovation, customer satisfaction and growth, with a strengthened team ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future.
BKB Precision: info@bkbprecision.com
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Innovation in plastics machining: BKB Precision introduces ultrasonic inserts placing
Ultrasonic insert placement
Ultrasonic inserts placement is an advanced technique that uses sound waves with a frequency as high as 20,000 megahertz or higher to integrate inserts into plastic products. These ultrasonic vibrations generate localized heat, which fuses the plastic material where the insert is inserted. This anchors it quickly and securely without the need for additional threading or bonding.
Ultrasonic insert placement has many advantages over normal insert placement. The biggest advantage is that this technique allows inserts to be placed in plastic products with thin wall thicknesses, a process that is often difficult or risky with traditional methods because of the risk of cracking or deformation. In addition, the results are more consistent and reliable, contributing to the overall quality and strength of the final product.
Nexus Ultrasonic Servo Welding machine
The Nexus Ultrasonic Servo Welding machine allows us to place inserts with unprecedented precision and reliability. With features such as advanced control over pressure, temperature and positioning, this machine offers consistency and quality even with complex designs and thin wall thicknesses. The benefits? Faster processing time, firm anchoring without material damage and a finished product that meets the highest standards for durability and performance.
Find out all about the benefits of ultrasonic insert placement
At BKB Precision, we are happy to share our knowledge and experience about the new ultrasonic inserts placement technique. Whether you are working with thin plastic wall thicknesses or looking for a more efficient way to place inserts, this new technology can add significant value to your products. Contact us to find out what we can do for your specific project.
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Revamping the Logistics Department with an Eye on the Future!
Why are we investing in our logistics department?
With the growth of the company, we are shipping more products than ever before. This growth has led to a greater need for space and efficiency in our logistics processes. In the old situation, various logistics processes were handled manually, which is time-consuming and increases the risk of errors. In the new situation, where processes have been redefined and reorganized, we are making efficiency gains by applying as much automation as possible.
In addition to redefining our processes, we have been working on the physical layout of the warehouse. To make optimal use of the square footage and apply high-quality inventory management, three warehouse systems will be installed, suitable for the wide variety of products that need to be stored.
Future-oriented logistics department
The creation of the plan was entirely realized from within the logistics department. The various wishes, requirements, and needs of both internal and external stakeholders were included in this plan. The team presented the plans on the shop floor to the Management Team, who then approved the implementation.
With this inclusive approach, the logistics team is working on as careful a transition as possible, minimizing the impact on ongoing operations. Currently, in addition to daily operations, we are working hard on preparations for the installation of the warehouse systems and the reorganization for, among other things, the new packing tables.
Logistics renovation in progress: planning and transition phases
After the release and training of the new processes, the warehouse will be closed in week 42 for the transition of inventory to the new warehouse locations. During this period, operations will continue as much as possible. Any deviations will be promptly communicated to customers and suppliers. Curious about what this means for you? Please contact us!
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Sustainability in Manufacturing: BKB Group Releases Sustainability Report
The Importance of Sustainability in Manufacturing
Amidst escalating climate change and resource scarcity, it’s imperative for manufacturing companies to shoulder their responsibility. Sustainability isn’t merely a trend; it’s a necessity for environmental preservation and fostering future growth. Moreover, a focus on sustainability drives innovation and differentiation, enabling companies to stand out in this sector.
BKB Group’s Sustainability Report
We are thrilled to present BKB Group’s inaugural sustainability report. Over the past year, we’ve been actively engaged in various sustainability initiatives and measuring our carbon footprint within the group. This culminates in BKB Group’s sustainability report, marking an auspicious first step toward numerous sustainability endeavors in the future. Explore our report via the button below!
Towards a Greener Future
Following the report’s publication, it’s prudent to continue our sustainability efforts without delay. At BKB Group, we have a dedicated sustainability team tirelessly working on enhancing and greening our operations. This team identifies new sustainability opportunities, implements innovative solutions, and monitors our progress in this realm.
While we’ve made significant strides in our sustainability endeavors, we acknowledge there’s ample room for improvement. We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact, shrinking our ecological footprint, and amplifying our positive contributions to society!
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Data exchange in the supply chain
Smart Connected Supplier Network
SCSN focuses specifically on supply chains in the manufacturing industry. SCSN simplifies data sharing in the chain by enabling SCSN messages to be automatically processed in the ERP system of a connected company. It is the fastest-growing network for data exchange, facilitating faster and more reliable information exchange.
Communicating in the supply chain
In collaboration with Supply Drive and Scherpthe, we can now effortlessly and efficiently exchange data via SCSN. This collaboration opens doors to improved operational processes and increased productivity for all parties involved.
Onwards and upwards!
Our collaboration with ERIKS is an exceptionally successful case, and we are excited to expand such collaborations to multiple clients. Are you interested or already a member of SCSN? Feel free to contact us. Together, we can take further steps in the digitization process and enhance our collaboration even more!
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BKB Precision Embraces Sustainable Future with Participation in Circular Innovation Program
Circular Innovation Program
Throughout the four-day program by ImpactX, spanning over a period of three months, we follow a systematic process tailored within the context of the circular economy to stimulate new innovations within BKB Precision and the high-tech chain. We closely collaborate with experts in this field to provide us with the best and curated knowledge, coaching, and materials.
The Benefits of the Circular Innovation Program
Participating in the circular innovation program brings various benefits. Some examples include:
- Understanding chain challenges towards the circular economy
- Creating awareness about the sustainability of our organization
- Strengthening collaborations in the field of circular economy
- Building competencies and knowledge together
Sustainability within BKB Precision
With our participation in the Circular Innovation Program, we take another step towards a sustainable future. By participating in this initiative, we push our boundaries and lay the groundwork for new innovations. We are committed to continuing our efforts and taking further steps towards a circular future. Discover our other sustainability efforts through the button below.