Based on examples, the challenging task of construction using combined materials is presented in this article. First, recommendations for the correct design methodology are specified to meet the particular requirements for using combined materials. This is followed by examples out of the area of process engineering machines that represented the starting point for the specific methodology development. The advantage of using plastic deformation for an increasing load-bearing capacity is described in detail, it is proved that a combination of composites and metal leads to an optimisation of products, and the usage of ceramics for ventilators used under extreme conditions is presented.