Food & Beverage Packaging
TBI self-lubricating TMS modules for carton forming, pouch filling, and labeling machines. NSF H1 food-grade lubricant eliminates product contamination risk. IP65 sealed aluminum housing for washdown environments.
About TBI MOTION
TBI MOTION Technology Co., Ltd., headquartered in Taiwan, has established a distinct competitive position in the global linear motion market through its focus on self-lubricating, maintenance-free ball screw technology. While competitors optimize for speed, load, or accuracy, TBI MOTION's core innovation addresses a fundamental pain point in linear motion: the persistent need for manual re-lubrication and the contamination risk it introduces.
TBI's proprietary self-lubricating nut design integrates a fiber-reinforced solid lubricant reservoir directly into the ball nut body. During operation, a micro-thin lubricant film is continuously transferred to the ball circulation path — eliminating the need for grease re-lubrication for up to 20,000 km of travel. This technology has made TBI the preferred brand for cleanroom, food processing, medical device, and vacuum applications where grease contamination is unacceptable.
Core Product Lines
SFI / SFU / SFK / SFT / SFE
Precision Ball Screws
Comprehensive ball screw family from standard rolled (SFU, C7) to precision ground (SFI, C3/C5). Available with self-lubricating nut, double nut preloaded, and high-lead configurations.
Applications: CNC retrofit, 3D printers, medical pumps, cleanroom automation
TRH / TRS / TRV / TSP
Linear Guides
Ball-type and roller-type linear guides in sizes 15-65. Interchangeable with industry-standard profiled rails. Self-lubricating end seal options available.
Applications: Automation, packaging, semiconductor auxiliary equipment
TMS / TMG / TSL
Self-Lubricating Linear Modules
Integrated modules combining TBI self-lubricating ball screw and guide. Factory-sealed with lifetime lubrication. Aluminum base with T-slot mounting.
Applications: Food packaging lines, pharmaceutical dispensing, cleanroom handling
Custom Cleanroom Ball Screws
Vacuum & Cleanroom Specials
Custom ball screw assemblies with PFPE lubricants, stainless steel construction, and certified low-particle emission for ISO Class 5 (Class 100) and vacuum environments.
Applications: Semiconductor wafer handling, OLED deposition, thin-film coating
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Accuracy Grade (JIS B 1192) | C3 / C5 / C7 |
| Maintenance-Free Travel (Self-Lube) | Up to 20,000 km |
| Screw Diameter Range | 6 mm - 80 mm |
| Lead Range | 1 mm - 50 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C - +100°C |
| Cleanroom Compatibility (Best) | ISO Class 5 |
Key Applications & Operating Conditions
Medical & Surgical Devices
SFI precision ball screws with self-lube nuts for infusion pumps, surgical robot end-effectors, and CT scanner patient tables. Zero grease leakage into sterile fields. ISO 13485 quality system compliance available.
Cleanroom Automation (ISO Class 5/100)
Custom TBI ball screws with PFPE vacuum grease for wafer handling robots, FOUP load ports, and reticle transfer systems. Certified particle emission below 0.1 particles/cm³ at 0.1 µm during continuous operation.
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
SFU rolled ball screws for FDM printer Z-axes. The self-lubricating option eliminates the periodic maintenance requirement that plagues open-frame 3D printers, improving print consistency over the machine lifetime.
Cross-Brand Compatibility Reference
TBI MOTION's self-lubricating ball screw technology has no direct equivalent from THK, NSK, or HIWIN — those brands offer external lubrication units (e.g., THK QZ) that achieve similar results but add bulk and cost. For standard rolled ball screws (C7, SFU series), TBI is directly interchangeable with HIWIN R1 series and PMI FDI-C7 series. TBI linear guides (TRH) follow ISO 12090-1 and are dimensionally compatible with HIWIN HG in sizes 15-45.
Common Faults & Maintenance
- Self-lubricating nut film depletion (early indication): Monitor the ball screw operating temperature — a gradual temperature increase of 5-10°C above baseline indicates lubricant film thinning. TBI's solid lubricant inserts can be replaced as a kit without disassembling the entire nut. Order replacement insert kits through Xianhuihui Technology.
- Ball screw noise in food packaging environment: Washdown chemicals (peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide) can degrade standard nitrile return tube seals. For CIP/SIP-compatible machines, specify TBI's EPDM or FFKM (Kalrez-equivalent) seal material. Inspect return tubes for chemical etching or swelling quarterly.
- Cleanroom particle count exceeding specification: For ISO Class 5 environments, verify that the ball screw end seals are intact and the wiper orientation is correct. TBI cleanroom screws use a triple-seal configuration (wiper + inner seal + dust seal). If particle counts rise, the wiper is typically the first seal to wear and should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does TBI's self-lubricating technology work?
TBI integrates a fiber-reinforced solid lubricant (oil-impregnated polymer) into the ball nut body. As balls circulate through the nut, they lightly contact this lubricant reservoir, picking up a microscopic oil film that is transferred to the raceways. The system delivers consistent lubrication for up to 20,000 km without any external grease application.
Q2: Is TBI's self-lubricating ball screw truly maintenance-free?
For the specified service life (20,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first), the ball screw requires zero re-lubrication under normal operating conditions. The solid lubricant inserts are consumable and can be replaced after depletion. Visual inspection of the nut condition is recommended annually.
Q3: Can TBI ball screws be used in vacuum environments?
Yes. TBI offers vacuum-rated ball screws with PFPE-based lubricants and low-outgassing materials rated for 10⁻⁵ Pa. The self-lubricating option is particularly advantageous in vacuum as it eliminates the vacuum incompatibility of hydrocarbon greases.
Q4: What is the cost premium for TBI's self-lubricating option?
The self-lubricating nut adds approximately 15-25% to the base ball screw cost. When factoring in the eliminated grease, labor, and downtime for manual re-lubrication over a 5-year period, the total cost of ownership is typically lower — especially in cleanroom and food-grade applications where re-lubrication requires production stoppage.