BKB Precision works with High QA
The purchase was necessary because we wanted to continue meeting the evolving quality standards of our customers. This means we can provide high-quality products in the high-mix, low-volume, high-complexity segment at a competitive price.
With High QA, we can:
- extract information from 2D drawings and automated ballooning. With this information, we can create a complete list of properties for the component;
- generate inspection plans automatically using the extracted data. This applies to both the ongoing process and the final inspection;
- automatically extract the measured values generated and add them manually if necessary;
- analyse results in real time and monitor control limits;
- do most of the internal quality control process automatically and share the resulting data with customers and partners in our supply chain.
Benefits of High QA
In time, measurements obtained using High QA will be made digitally available to the company and customers anytime and anywhere. Data from the automated quality control process can therefore be easily shared with partners in the supply chain, which will minimize manual, labour-intensive tasks.
The measurements can also be analysed, so that developments and performance issues can be anticipated in time and errors avoided or eliminated.
BKB Precision is at the forefront of this trend in generating measurements digitally in the plastics machining industry.
Statistical Process Control will become increasingly important in the future
To monitor the quality of the production process in the industry, Shewhart developed various statistical methods which led to the development of the SPC field.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) instruments are indispensable for the manufacturing industry because they enable the prompt monitoring of the process, which makes it possible to continuously implement improvements to eliminate anticipated disruptions.
The challenge within the high-mix, low-volume, high-complexity market is to obtain enough accurate measurements for reliable statistics. High QA can help us with that in the future.
Benefits to our customers
Quality is our top priority. And a lot happens behind the scenes to maintain that high level of quality. High QA software is an important tool when it comes to quality assurance for our customers.
An important aspect of being a supplier to the high-tech industry is for our customers to have certainty about what we supply. It helps us to be transparent about our skills and performance and makes us an important pillar of our customers’ market position.
After all, they must be able to count on the reliability and consistent capacity of their suppliers. BKB Precision knows that and has made another great step with High QA.
Need advice or more information?
5 advantages of (technical) plastics for high-tech applications
1. Lightweight
One of the biggest advantages of plastic over other materials such as metal is its low weight. This makes it possible for manufacturers to make their products even more energy-efficient, sustainable, useful, and environmentally friendly. Being made at the lowest possible weight can be a precondition for vehicle or aviation parts, housings, packaging materials, tank components, or medical devices. Machines which have housings made of plastic are easier to handle and transport.
2. Maximal strength of high-performance plastics
Different high-performance plastics have been developed to ensure excellent performance under extreme conditions. One example is PEEK, a very strong type of plastic with excellent tensile and flexural durability under varying loads and temperatures. Like PEEK, polyetherimide – or PEI – is one of the high-performance plastics. This type of plastic is widely used for aircraft components, partly because of its high mechanical strength. PAI (Polyamide-imide) also has excellent mechanical properties and is used for manufacturing parts which might be subjected to heavy loads.
3. Ideal for high precision machining
With the right expertise and advanced machinery, high-quality technical plastics can be processed very precisely. This makes plastic highly suitable for the manufacture of applications such as precision instruments. We do this by means of 3-axis milling, 4-axis milling or 5-axis simultaneous milling, a process in which all machining axes can be controlled simultaneously. At BKB Precision, we have 6 machines in our machine park in a climate-controlled environment, including robots. These machines make it possible to keep production going 24/7.
In addition, we specialise in:
- CNC turning
- CNC machining
- Plastic assembly
- Plastic cleaning
- Polishing or sanding
4. Long lifespan for technical plastics
Technical plastics have a longer lifespan than traditional materials. That makes these plastics highly suitable for applications where reliability and safety are of paramount importance. Examples include protective tubes for electricity and telecom cables, sewage systems, gas and water pipes, but also laboratory components and machine parts for the food industry.
Above all, a long lifespan results in lower maintenance costs, which means that increasingly more companies at home and abroad are looking to BKB Precision for the manufacture of high-quality plastic components for various high-tech applications.
5. Resistance to external influences
In many high-tech sectors, it is essential that the materials used are resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and radiation. These are properties which can be found in various technical and high-performance plastics. We are happy to advise our customers on the right type of plastic to use for specific high-tech purposes.
Thanks to our expertise and years of experience in various market segments, we know exactly which engineering plastics are best suited for the desired purposes and outcomes.
We not only look at chemical and temperature resistance, but also at weight, dimensional stability, maximum strength, resistance to wear-and-tear, hydrolysis resistance, and, last but not least, processing options.
Need advice or more information?
What is ISO 9001? Explanation of our strict policy on quality
ISO 9001: the standard in the field of quality management
ISO 9001 is well-known in the field of quality management. This internationally recognised standard can be seen as an important measure of transparency and reliability. A company which is ISO 9001 certified can demonstrate that it is constantly improving quality in order to increase customer satisfaction. A company or organisation can decide for itself how this will be carried out. ISO 9001 is therefore a generally applicable standard, independent of a specific sector or type of organisation.
The ISO 9001 standard therefore covers the entire work process: from advising customers and drawing up specifications to production, assembly, and (cleanroom) cleaning, right up to final delivery. In short, from customer demand to customer satisfaction. Checks are made to ensure that:
- The company can meet the wishes and requirements of customers and other stakeholders;
- All applicable laws and regulations are complied with;
- All processes and systems are aimed at continuously improving customer satisfaction.
BKB Precision: ISO certified for years
Since 1997, BKB Precision has had a certificate of quality which conforms to the ISO 9000 and later the ISO 9001 standard. Our customers and employees can see this in our high-quality plastic processing, the products we supply, and in the open working atmosphere that enables us to continuously improve ourselves.
We initiate improvement projects based on market developments or customer requirements. Improvements we make are recorded and regularly checked for effectiveness.
By communicating openly and effectively with employees, customers and other stakeholders, we keep in touch with what is going on in the market and with our customers. We also invest in training, state-of-the-art machines, and the latest production methods.
High-quality plastic processing thanks to a strict policy on quality
Without our strict policy on quality, we could never have developed into the reliable partner and specialist in high-quality plastic processing that we are today.
We understand better than anyone that the high-tech market segments we serve with custom-made plastics make strict demands on the durability and reliability of these complex, high-performance products.
As a link in the chain, we are well equipped to meet those demands. We do this, for example, by supplying various measurement reports and certificates. Whether plastics need to be machined, moulded, assembled or (cleanroom) cleaned, our well-trained, motivated staff are ready daily to meet every challenge and deliver products of great precision and high quality.
Need advice or more information?
Plastics milling: What are the trends in high-tech markets?
Trend 1: CNC milling
The way we mill plastics is rapidly changing thanks to technological developments. Where not so long ago it was skilled handwork, nowadays it is computer controlled. We call this CNC milling, where CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. This means you can work faster and more accurately. For example, our advanced turning-milling machines can accurately process plastics of up to 3μm.
Moreover, computer-controlled milling makes it possible to carry out more complex procedures. This trend seamlessly meets the market’s need for innovative high-tech plastic products made to the highest possible quality requirements, and which are also manufactured with the greatest possible precision. In addition, CNC milling also means one can get a clear picture of complex designs at an early stage so that engineers still have the freedom to develop them further.
Trend 2: 5-axis simultaneous milling
Another technological feat we know everything about at BKB Precision is 5-axis simultaneous milling. This is the most advanced method of machining, in which all machining axes can be controlled simultaneously. It’s not for nothing that this technique is often used in the manufacture of highly complex products.
We have six such machines in our air-conditioned production hall, which includes robots. Thanks to robot loading, we can work even more efficiently and accurately. Trends and developments in this field are also advancing rapidly. The first robots to use self-learning algorithms are already on show at trade fairs. Of course, we keep close track of these developments.
Trend 3: Manufacturing plastic manifolds from high quality plastic
A plastic manifold has several branches or pipes. An important trend within the professional market is to have such a product manufactured from high-quality plastic. This is a highly future-proof solution at a relatively low cost.
In addition, plastic offers more design freedom and very high chemical resistance. High performance plastics such as PEEK or PEI in particular are excellent alternatives to metal components. Their low weight also means that highly dynamic systems perform even better.
Trend 4: High performance plastics milling
Another trend we cannot ignore is the growing demand for high performance plastics. These are plastics which perform well under extreme conditions, with qualities such as a high degree of temperature and chemical resistance. This makes such plastics ideal for the high-tech industry.
Consider applications in the aerospace industry, medical industry and semicon industry. Some high performance plastics can even be used as an alternative to steel. Thanks to our many years of experience in milling high performance plastics, we know all about its possibilities and can offer our customers the best advice in the field. You can also have your prototypes developed with us.
Need advice or more information?
Successful management buyout of BKB Precision
A new future
‘Selling the business to Mannes Westhuis means the company has an ambitious and enthusiastic new owner. He has quickly managed to familiarise himself with the plastics machining sector and he enjoys the trust of the personnel. Thanks to his extensive experience, I am confident that he will be able to take the company forward in the future’, said Erwin Claassen.
BKB Precision is the trade name of Van den Berg Kunststofbewerking BV, a company that was established in 1982. That’s when the company took its first steps in the manufacturing industry. In 2008, Erwin Claassen acquired the company from Gerard van den Berg, who passed away recently. Within a few years he succeeded in achieving significant growth.
It is Mannes Westhuis’s wish to see the company’s proven success continue further.
Need advice or more information?
BKB Precision expands machinery with new Okuma Multus B200II
High pressure cooling and multi-tool
The stable construction ensures high accuracy with the most complex applications and at different temperatures. The construction of the machine prevents vibrations while being in operation. The machine also has high pressure cooling that allows deep hole drilling; drill holes that are 10 times deeper than the original diameter. With the multi-tool up to 4 tools automatically can loaded and used.
The extensive editing capabilities ensure that a more effective production of parts can take place which is beneficial to the quality of the product. The Okuma Multus B200II is equipped with six programmable axes that ensure 5-axis modification simultaneously.
“Due to the growth of the company, the capacity of the current machines was no longer sufficient. An additional advantage is that we can continue to produce at a high level and guarantee quality, “says Mannes Westhuis, Managing Director.
Need advice or more information?
BKB Precision is your partner in plastics machining for the semiconductor industry
Knowledge and a hightech machinepark
We share our knowledge with engineers by developing and designing narrow specified plastic parts. From prototyping and individual pieces to production of smaller series as well. We produce on the latest CNC controlled machining centres, up to 7 axes. We clean (class 7) and assembly, if needed under cleanroom conditions.
Various plastics
BKB Precision works with plastics that demonstrates the utmost precision and maximum reliability throughout every stage involved in the complex and accurate machining of the parts. We only machine (milling and turning) plastics and no metals. Because of the danger of metal ion contamination, we exclude any contact with metal materials during production.
Stringent requirements
BKB Precision works with High Performance Plastics that comply with stringent requirements, like:
- High thermo-mechanical strength
- Minimal thermal expansion
- Low particle generation in bearing and wear applications
- Good chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, greases and solvents, hydrogen peroxide, demineralised water, hot steam
- Good plasma resistance
- Minimal outgassing under vacuum
- Minimal extraneous ion content
- Good electrical insulating properties and defined static conductivity
- And last but not least: the plastics should comply with strict cleanroom production standards
Diverse applications
BKB Precision is experienced in machining parts for Semicon products/applications like:
- Wafer cleaning equipment
- Wafer etching equipment
- Wafer carriers
- Chemical tanks
- Turntables
- High Purity Piping systems
- Microelectronics
- Vacuum chucks
- Tubes and fittings
- Lined tanks
- Circuit boards
- Filtration and diffusion equipment
- Static control applications
Need advice or more information?
2017 | 35 years BKB Precision: specialist in high performance plastics machining
The start
It all started in May 1982 when Van den Berg Kunststof Bewerking BV was founded in Geldrop. The focus was on traditional milling, drilling, turning, gluing and sawing. In 1996, the company moved to business area Science Park Ekkersrijt in Son where it is still located nowadays.
Meanwhile, the company has become a specialist in high performance plastics machining and engineering plastics machining and active in various market segments: high-tech, semiconductor, medical, food, defense, aerospace and chemistry.
In addition to the machining the company is still using craft techniques to achieve an optimal combination between assembly and complex plastic machining. “Nowadays, there are many kinds of plastic with so many possibilities,” said Mannes Westhuis, Managing Director.
International reputation
The last years , the international reputation of BKB Precision has grown in for example countries such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, China and the United States. Due to the growth of the company, a new production hall was built in 2008.
“Further automation with robots could take place and we are able to serve our customers 24/7. This can only be achieved by continuing to innovate and invest in skilled personnel and processes,”says Mannes Westhuis.
The future
With 35 years experience, we know that there are still many challenges for us in the market and together with our international customers we focus on the future. BKB Precision would like to make further growth in the chain.
Need advice or more information?
BKB Precision attended royal trade mission to Germany
Explore the market
The mission provided a good opportunity for Dutch companies to explore the market in Germany and meet existing and potential customers.
Because of our recent activities in Germany we were happy to join this economic mission,” says Mannes Westhuis.
Need advice or more information?
