Plastics are playing an increasingly important role in the production of industrial machinery and agricultural vehicles. Whereas steel or aluminium were mainly used in the past, we are now seeing more and more components made from engineering plastics such as polyethylene, polycarbonate or polypropylene. This is no coincidence; plastics combine high performance with durability, cost advantages and lower weight.

From metal to plastic: an evolution in industry

Much has changed in mechanical engineering and agricultural technology in recent decades. Plastics are no longer just a "cheap" alternative, but a fully-fledged technical solution. They offer designers and manufacturers the opportunity to develop lighter, more economical and more sustainable machines. This not only improves performance, but also reduces operating and maintenance costs.

Why choose plastic components?

Weight and fuel consumption

Plastics are up to 80% lighter than traditional materials such as steel. And lighter materials mean lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing operating costs. In addition, the machines and vehicles also become lighter, making them easier to transport between workshops or project locations.

Weight plays a major role in the agricultural sector, as lighter vehicles and machines cause less damage to the soil, which contributes to healthier crop growth. For industrial machines, too, the use of plastic reduces the load on transport and infrastructure, improving both safety and efficiency.

Less maintenance, longer service life

Plastics offer unique advantages in terms of durability and resistance. Unlike metals, they are not susceptible to corrosion and retain their shape and strength even when exposed to moisture, chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides or extreme weather conditions. This makes plastic components ideal for demanding environments where reliability is crucial.

Many engineering plastics also require less maintenance thanks to their self-lubricating properties. Moving parts wear less quickly, reducing maintenance costs and minimising downtime. For sectors where continuity and efficiency are essential, this translates directly into lower operating costs and a longer service life for equipment.

Flexible production

Plastic components offer unprecedented possibilities in terms of production design and efficiency. Unlike metal parts, plastics can easily take on more complex shapes, allowing multiple functions to be integrated into a single component. This reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies assembly processes and lowers overall production costs.

This flexibility in design allows products to be adapted more quickly to specific wishes or changing market requirements. Prototyping and customisation projects are therefore easier to carry out, while lead times remain shorter.  

In addition, the flexibility of plastic opens the door to innovative production methods that would be difficult or costly with metal parts. This combination of flexibility, cost efficiency and rapid adaptability makes plastic ideal for industries where customisation, speed and operational efficiency are key.

Applications in heavy machinery and agricultural vehicles

• Wear-resistant bearings: reduce friction and extend service life.
• Protective covers and shields: impact-resistant, transparent and safe for operators.
• Fluid pipes and reservoirs: resistant to chemicals and temperature fluctuations.
• Cladding and floor protection: protect vehicles and machinery against wear and tear. ​

Sustainability and recycling

The end of the life cycle of plastic components remains a significant challenge. Whereas metals can often be relatively easily melted down and reused, plastics require specific recycling processes. More and more manufacturers are therefore investing in the development of materials that are fully recyclable or that fit into closed material cycles, in which old components serve as raw materials for new products.

In addition, we are seeing a strong rise in bio-based plastics. These materials combine the technical advantages of traditional plastics with a smaller ecological footprint. Chemical recycling is also gaining ground: this technique allows plastics to be broken down into their original building blocks and then reused for high-quality applications.

Thanks to these innovations, plastic is increasingly becoming a sustainable choice, not only during its use phase, but also in the way it can be given a second life after years of intensive use.

The future of plastics in industrial applications

The role of plastics in industrial machinery and agricultural vehicles will only continue to grow. With new materials that are even stronger, smarter and more sustainable, plastic components will replace traditional materials in more and more applications.

At Metaplex, we are happy to advise you on the right plastic for your application. From impact-resistant protective covers to wear-resistant machine parts: we deliver "just in time" throughout Europe, directly to our customers' production lines.