Precision machining for machine manufacturing
In modern mechanical engineering, high-quality engineering plastics are used that often outperform metal components in terms of performance.
When materials are required to be wear-resistant, chemically resistant, temperature-resistant, food-grade, impact-resistant, flexible or lightweight, plastics often provide a better and frequently more sustainable alternative than traditional materials.
The use of plastics mainly focuses on the following four product categories:
1. Moving and friction-sensitive components
This is the most important group. Many engineering plastics (such as POM, PA6 and UHMW-PE) have wear-resistant and self-lubricating properties, making them ideal for components that are constantly in motion.
Gears and sprockets: quieter than metal versions and often do not require external lubrication.
Bearings and bushings: plastic bearings are corrosion-resistant and can operate in dirty or humid environments where metal bearings might seize.
Guide profiles, guide strips and wear plates: used in conveyor systems to minimize friction and prevent wear on the machine itself.
2. Guards and safety components
For operator safety and the protection of the machine itself, transparent and impact-resistant plastics are essential.
Machine guards and windows: polycarbonate (PC) is almost always used because it is extremely impact-resistant (virtually unbreakable) and crystal clear.
3. Product handling and format parts
Especially in the packaging and food industries, machines must be quickly adjustable to different products (for example a different bottle or box size).
Star wheels and feed screws: these components guide products through a machine. Plastic damages the product (such as glass or labels) less quickly than metal.
4. Structural and insulating components
Electrical insulators: plastics are used in switch cabinets or near motors because of their dielectric properties.
Chemically resistant machine parts: in machines that work with aggressive liquids, plastics such as PTFE (Teflon) or PVC are used because they do not corrode.
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Food-safe; Food grade
Machine components used in the food industry are subject to strict requirements. If materials come into contact (or may come into contact) with food, public health must never be put at risk.
For this reason, European legislation provides a strict regulatory framework: the Plastics Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011.
This regulation contains a “positive list” of all substances (monomers and additives) that may be used in the production of plastics. A central element is the concept of migration limits: the regulation precisely determines how much of a substance may migrate (“leak”) into food.
The manufacturer, processor and machine builder must provide a written declaration stating that the plastic product complies with this regulation.
In addition, there is the Good Manufacturing Practice Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 (GMP). This regulation concerns good manufacturing practices. It is not sufficient for the raw material itself to be safe; the production process must also be clean and fully controllable.
Traceability is also essential and required. If something goes wrong, the material must be traceable throughout the entire chain - from the end user back to the raw material.
Important update (2025/2026)
Since early 2025, legislation has been further tightened. The use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in almost all food contact materials within the EU has been banned, and the rules regarding recycled plastics used in food contact applications have become stricter through Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
A machine component can only truly be considered “food grade” if it complies with the general requirements of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, the specific material requirements of EU 10/2011, and is produced according to EC 2023/2006.
We closely monitor regulatory developments and supply the correct materials with official European food contact approvals.
The required documentation (C.O.C. and D.O.C.) is included, ensuring full traceability of the material throughout the supply chain and demonstrating that the material complies with all applicable requirements and has been processed correctly.
Total supplier
For the mechanical engineering industry, we can provide the complete range of plastic products required. In this way, we build close collaborations and partnerships. Components no longer need to be purchased from multiple suppliers, as the entire plastics requirement is handled by a single specialist.
The complete package from one reliable partner: technical advice, material selection advice, semi-finished products, wear-resistant moving parts, guide components, as well as constructions, transparent guards, windows and, for example, walkway gratings.
Our starting point is to relieve our customers of concerns and to align seamlessly with their processes. Providing technical advice and supporting customers in selecting the right materials is therefore self-evident.
We are your “plastic components department.”
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