In-depth Analysis of Ball Screw Technology Application in Global Injection Molding Machine Brands: From Fanuc to Haitian

As core equipment in modern manufacturing, injection molding machines directly affect the production efficiency and quality of plastic products. In the key transmission system of injection molding machines, ball screws, as core components connecting motors and actuators, play a crucial role in the injection line (injection system) and extrusion line (plasticizing system). By accurately converting rotational motion into linear motion, ball screws not only ensure high-precision positioning during the injection molding process but also significantly improve the energy efficiency of the equipment.

Currently, the global injection molding machine market is undergoing profound technological changes, and the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to electric servo drive systems has become the mainstream trend in the industry. According to the latest market data, the global injection molding machine market size reached 9.88-11.412 billion US dollars in 2024, of which electric injection molding machines accounted for approximately 45% of the market share. Against this backdrop, the innovative application of ball screw technology has become a key element of differentiated competition among various brands.

I. Analysis of Ball Screw Technology Application in Japanese Brand Group

1.1 Fanuc: The Technical Benchmark of Precision Manufacturing

As a global leader in industrial robots and CNC control systems, Fanuc's ROBOSHOT series of all-electric injection molding machines represent the highest level of ball screw technology application in the industry. This series of products adopts C3-level high-precision ball screws, ensuring a clamping force accuracy of ±0.005mm, and has an irreplaceable advantage in application fields such as precision optical lenses and electronic connectors.

The ball screw configuration of Fanuc ROBOSHOT series has the following characteristics:

Model Series	Clamping Force Range	Ball Screw Precision	Screw Diameter Range	Application Field
α-S Series	60-300 kN	C3 Level	14-22mm	Micro-molding, Precision Parts
α-DA Series	450-1500 kN	C3 Level	22-40mm	General Precision Injection Molding
α-S150iB	1500 kN	C3 Level	22-44mm	Medium-sized Precision Injection Molding
α-S220iB	2200 kN	C3 Level	28-44mm	Large-scale Precision Injection Molding

Fanuc's technical feature lies in its system integration capability. The ROBOSHOT series not only adopts high-precision ball screws but also integrates Fanuc's standard CNC control system to achieve highly coordinated motion control. The ball screw diameter of this series ranges from 14mm to 22mm, suitable for the needs of different tonnage models. By adopting Fanuc's servo technology and energy recovery system, it saves 50-70% energy compared with hydraulic systems and 10-15% energy compared with similar electric systems.

In practical applications, the ball screw configuration of Fanuc ROBOSHOT series shows excellent performance. The α-S15iB model adopts screws with diameters of 14, 16, and 18mm, suitable for micro-molding applications, and performs well in the manufacture of optical lenses and precision gears. The α-S100iB model is equipped with screws with diameters of 22, 26, 28, 32, 36, and 40mm, which can meet the diverse application needs of automotive connectors, medical devices, consumer electronic products, etc.

1.2 Sumitomo (SHI) Demag: The Leader of Innovative Direct Drive Technology

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag focuses on system integration and intelligent control in the application of ball screw technology. The company's SE-DUZ series adopts an innovative four-motor all-electric drive system, in which the three motion axes of injection, clamping, and ejection are all driven by ball screws. The technical feature of this series lies in its beltless transmission design. All four motors are direct-drive structures, which not only improves transmission efficiency but also avoids maintenance problems such as belt aging and slipping.

The injection unit of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag SE-HSZ series adopts a unique design concept. The C900L model uses a single-axis direct-drive motor, while the C1250 and C1700 models are equipped with two high-load-capacity ball screws (dual-axis design). This differentiated design ensures that different tonnage models can meet the requirements of efficient power transmission and durability while maintaining a compact size. The dual-axis design is especially suitable for large injection molding machines, which can bear higher loads and provide more stable motion control.

The ball screw configuration of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has the following technical characteristics:

Model Series	Clamping Force Range	Ball Screw Configuration	Technical Features
SE-DUZ Series	750-13000 kN	Four-motor Direct Drive	Beltless Transmission, High Transmission Efficiency
SE-HSZ Series	900-1700 kN	Single-axis/Dual-axis Design	High Load Capacity, High Stability
IntElect 2 Series	750-1300 kN	High-precision Ball Screws	Fast Response, Low Noise

As a new generation product of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, the IntElect 2 series adopts more advanced ball screw technology. Taking the IntElect 2 75/420-65 model as an example, this equipment is equipped with a 18mm diameter screw and an electric drive system, suitable for the molding of special materials such as LSR (liquid silicone rubber). The IntElect 2 100/460-450 model is equipped with a 40mm diameter screw, which can handle a larger injection volume and is suitable for the production of large products such as auto parts.

1.3 Toshiba Machinery: The Pioneer of Modular Design

Toshiba Machinery focuses on modular design in the application of ball screws. Its EC series of electric injection molding machines adopt high-precision ball screws, achieving precise control in the three axes of injection, clamping, and ejection. Especially in the field of large injection molding machines, Toshiba Machinery adopts a dual-ball screw design. For example, the C1250 and C1700 models are equipped with two high-load-capacity ball screws (dual-axis design), ensuring efficient power transmission and durability.

The ball screw technology of Toshiba Machinery has the following advantages:

• High-precision Positioning: C3-C5 level precision ball screws are adopted to ensure the repeatability of the injection molding process

• Modular Design: Ball screws of different specifications can be flexibly configured according to the needs of the machine model

• Dual-axis Design: Large models adopt dual ball screws to improve load capacity and stability

• Low Maintenance Cost: The ball screws adopt a sealed design, reducing lubrication requirements

1.4 Nissei: The Innovator of Energy-saving Technology

Nissei focuses on energy saving and precision control in the application of ball screw technology. The company's electric injection molding machines adopt high-precision ball screws, combined with an efficient servo motor system, to achieve excellent energy-saving effects. The ball screw configuration of Nissei has the following characteristics:

Model Series	Technical Features	Ball Screw Application
NEX Series	All-electric Design	Three-axis Ball Screws for Injection, Clamping, and Ejection
V-LINE Series	Separation of Plasticization and Injection	Independent Ball Screw Control for Plasticizing Axis and Injection Axis
MS Series	High-speed Molding	High-response Ball Screw System

Nissei's V-LINE series adopts a unique technology of separating plasticization and injection. The system consists of a plasticizing part that only performs plasticization and an injection part that performs metering and injection. Through independently developed servo motor control technology, it achieves accurate and highly reproducible injection performance. By closed-loop controlling the position information of metering and injection, the accuracy of the two positions is improved, and the high-precision repeatability of plasticization, metering, and injection is realized.

1.5 JSW: The Leader of Ball Screw Technology in Large Injection Molding Machines

As an established Japanese injection molding machine manufacturer, JSW has unique advantages in the field of large and extra-large electric injection molding machines. The company's products cover a full range of electric injection molding machines from small to extra-large, with wide application of ball screw technology. The ball screw configuration of JSW has the following characteristics:

• Large-scale Design: Capable of producing large electric injection molding machines of 550-3000 ton class

• High-precision Control: C3-C5 level precision ball screws are adopted to ensure the positioning accuracy of large equipment

• Long-life Design: The service life is improved by optimizing the material and heat treatment process of the ball screw

• Intelligent Control: Integrated with an advanced control system to realize intelligent management of ball screws

II. Ball Screw Technology Innovation in European Brand Group

2.1 Arburg: A Model of German Precision Manufacturing

As a representative of German precision manufacturing, Arburg's ALLROUNDER series of injection molding machines reflect the essence of German engineering technology in the application of ball screw technology. The ALLROUNDER GOLDEN ELECTRIC series adopts a liquid-cooled servo motor drive system, realizing power transmission with low load resistance through precision ball screws. The ball screws of this series adopt a special circulation system design, which can bear high loads and high speeds, ensuring long-term stable operation performance.

The ball screw configuration of Arburg ALLROUNDER series has the following characteristics:

Model Series	Technical Features	Ball Screw Configuration
ALLROUNDER 370	All-electric Design	High-precision Ball Screws, Fast Response
ALLROUNDER 470	Hybrid Power	Combination of Ball Screws and Hydraulic System
ALLROUNDER 570	Large Injection Molding	Heavy-duty Ball Screws, High Load Capacity
ALLROUNDER 920A	Extra-large Injection Molding	Dual-ball Screw Design

As Arburg's flagship product, the ALLROUNDER 920A model is equipped with a 560-ton clamping force and a tie bar spacing of 920×920mm, achieving precise motion control through high-precision ball screws. The ball screws of this series adopt a special circulation system design, which can bear the working conditions of high load and high speed.

Arburg's technological innovation is also reflected in its intelligent control. The company's developed aXw Control ScrewPilot system achieves injection power and repeatability comparable to electric motors through unique screw precision positioning technology. This technology significantly improves the response speed and precision control of the injection process by optimizing the control algorithm of the ball screw.

2.2 Engel: A Technical Pioneer in Sustainable Development

Engel focuses on system optimization and energy consumption control in the application of ball screws. The company's e-motion series of all-electric injection molding machines adopt high-precision ball screws, and realize the optimization of the motion process through an intelligent control system. Engel has also developed a special ball screw lubrication system, which extends the service life of the ball screw and reduces maintenance costs through precise lubrication control.

The ball screw configuration of Engel e-motion series has the following characteristics:

Model	Clamping Force	Ball Screw Configuration	Application Field
e-motion 440H	160 Tons	High-precision Ball Screws	Packaging, Medical
e-motion 740	180-200 Tons	Precision Ball Screw System	Auto Parts
e-motion 1100	400 Tons	Heavy-duty Ball Screws	Large Industrial Parts

Taking the e-motion 740/180 model as an example, this equipment is equipped with a 50mm diameter screw, and the ball screw system ensures precise position control and fast response speed. The e-motion 740/200T US model is equipped with a 45mm diameter screw, suitable for an injection volume of 10 ounces, and is particularly suitable for the production of precision parts in the automotive and electronics industries.

Engel's innovation in ball screw technology is also reflected in its adaptability to special materials. For example, when producing cube molds made of PS material, the e-motion 440H-160TWP model adopts G13 specification, 30mm diameter screw (length-diameter ratio 23.6) and G1 specification, 18mm diameter screw (length-diameter ratio 24), achieving a cycle time of 6 seconds and an injection weight of 15.3g+3.3g.

2.3 KraussMaffei: The Innovator of Ball Screw Technology in Large Injection Molding Machines

KraussMaffei has unique advantages in ball screw technology in the field of large injection molding machines. To meet the extreme load requirements of extra-large injection molding machines, the company has developed ball screws with a diameter of 200mm, and adopted an asymmetric raceway design, which increases the stress distribution efficiency by 40% and the service life exceeds 10 million times, far higher than the industry average of 3 million times. This technological innovation has completely solved the problem of eccentric wear of traditional ball screws.

The application of KraussMaffei's ball screw technology is reflected in the following series:

Model Series	Technical Features	Ball Screw Innovation
precisionMolding	500-3200 kN	Dual-ball Screw Design, Central Force Application
POWERFUL Series	Large Injection Molding	Heavy-duty Ball Screw System
DCIM Series	Multi-component Injection Molding	Precision Ball Screw Control

The precisionMolding series adopts an innovative dual-ball screw design. The system uses two parallel ball screws for central force introduction, avoiding the generation of lateral forces. This design ensures no unilateral nozzle pressure, the fixed clamping plate will not tilt, and at the same time realizes the rapid establishment of nozzle contact force (adjustable speed and pressure) and rapid movement of the injection unit.

In the field of large injection molding machines, KraussMaffei's technical advantages are more obvious. The company's injection molding machine screw diameter ranges from 20mm to 300mm, suitable for a clamping force range of 100-35,000kN. Especially when processing high-filled materials, such as thermosetting materials containing 85% mineral fillers, KraussMaffei's DuroSet technology, combined with a specially designed ball screw system, can ensure precise temperature control and stable plasticizing performance.

2.4 Wittmann Battenfeld: An Expert in System Integration Technology

Wittmann Battenfeld focuses on system integration and intelligent control in the application of ball screw technology. The company's injection molding machine products adopt high-precision ball screws and have achieved in-depth integration with robot systems and auxiliary equipment. This integrated design not only improves production efficiency but also ensures precise control of the entire production process.

III. Development of Ball Screw Technology in Chinese Brand Group

3.1 Haitian International: Cost Advantage of Large-scale Production

As the world's largest injection molding machine manufacturer, Haitian International's Mars series of servo energy-saving injection molding machines adopt high-performance ball screws, achieving 20-40% energy saving through optimized design. Haitian's technical feature lies in its large-scale production advantage. Through the combination of large-scale procurement and independent research and development, Haitian can configure ball screws of corresponding grades for products of different grades, from C5-level standard precision to C3-level high-precision products, to meet the needs of different customer groups.

The ball screw configuration of Haitian Mars series has the following characteristics:

Model Series	Clamping Force Range	Ball Screw Diameter Range	Technical Features
Mars II Series	600-33,000 kN	24-220mm	New Generation Energy-saving Technology
Jupiter Series	Large Injection Molding	Large-diameter Ball Screws	Efficient Plasticizing System
Zhafir Venus Series	General Injection Molding	C5-level Precision Ball Screws	Cost-performance Advantage

The ball screw diameter of Mars series products ranges from 24mm to 220mm, suitable for a full range of models with clamping force from 860kN to 65000kN. As the second-generation product, the Mars II series adopts a new design concept: the redesigned moving platen provides concentrated force distribution from the toggle system to the mold; the template design optimized by FEA software improves rigidity and stability; the new graphite steel bushing provides better lubrication performance and reduces lubrication consumption.

Haitian's innovation in ball screw technology is also reflected in the improvement of materials and heat treatment processes. By adopting high-quality alloy steel and advanced heat treatment processes, Haitian's ball screws can bear higher loads and longer service life. At the same time, by optimizing the preload and lubrication system of the ball screw, the precision retention of the equipment is further improved.

IV. Ball Screw Technical Features of North American Brand Group

4.1 Milacron: System Integration and Intelligent Control

As a representative of the U.S. injection molding machine industry, Milacron's products emphasize coordination with other systems in the application of ball screws. The company's developed iQ system can real-time monitor the operating status of ball screws, including temperature, vibration, load and other parameters, and predict potential failures through data analysis to achieve predictive maintenance.

The application of Milacron's ball screw technology is reflected in the following series:

Product Series	Technical Features	Ball Screw Configuration
All Electric Series	All-electric Design	High-precision Ball Screw System
Hydraulic Series	Hydraulic Drive	Ball Screw Auxiliary Control
Servo Series	Servo Drive	Precision Ball Screw Control
Low Pressure Series	Low Pressure Injection Molding	Energy-saving Ball Screws

Milacron's innovation in ball screw technology is also reflected in its adaptability to special materials. The company's injection molding machines can handle various engineering plastics, including composite materials containing high fillers. By optimizing the design and control algorithm of the ball screw, the stability and precision when processing these special materials are ensured.

4.2 Husky: The Technical Leader in Hot Runner System Integration

Husky has unique advantages in hot runner system integration. The ball screw system of its injection molding machine products is highly integrated with hot runner control. By precisely controlling the injection speed and pressure, combined with advanced hot runner technology, Husky's products have significant advantages in the production of large containers and packaging products.

Husky's main product series include:

System Series	Technical Features	Ball Screw Application
HyPET® 6e	High-speed PET Preform Injection Molding	High-precision Ball Screws, Fast Response
HyCAP™ 4	Cap Injection System	Heavy-duty Ball Screws, High Cycle Frequency
Hylectric®	All-electric Injection Molding	Precision Ball Screw Control
HyperSync™	Special Packaging Injection Molding	Multi-axis Ball Screw Coordinated Control
NexPET™	PET Preform System	Optimized Ball Screws

The HyCAP™ 4 system performs excellently in cap production, with configuration options of 24 to 96 cavities, compatible with all the latest neck finishes and support diameters. The system adopts optimized ball screws, achieving 8% faster cycle time and 30% energy savings compared with the previous generation products.

As Husky's all-electric platform, the Hylectric® series has been continuously improved for more than ten years, providing maximum output, excellent reliability, minimal maintenance and better usability for high-quality injection parts. This series of products adopts precision ball screw control to ensure the stability and repeatability of the injection molding process.

V. Development Trends and Innovative Applications of Ball Screw Technology

5.1 High-precision Development Trend

Ball screw technology for injection molding machines is developing towards high precision, high speed, intelligence, and energy saving. In terms of material technology, the application of high-strength special steel, optimized raceway geometry design, and the mature application of hollow screw technology have significantly improved the performance parameters of ball screws. Especially in the field of extra-large injection molding machines, 200mm diameter heavy-duty ball screws combined with asymmetric raceway design increase the stress distribution efficiency by 40%, and the service life reaches 10 million times, far exceeding the industry average.

The selection of ball screw precision grade is crucial to the performance of injection molding machines. According to international standards (ISO 3408, JIS B1192), the precision grade of ball screws ranges from C0 (highest) to C10 (lowest). Injection molding machine applications mainly adopt C3-C5 level precision:

Precision Grade	Single Lead Variation	300mm Lead Variation	Axial Backlash	Application Scenario
C3 Level	≤3μm	≤8μm	≤5μm	High-precision Injection Molding Machines (Optical Lenses, Medical Devices)
C5 Level	≤5μm	≤15μm	≤10μm	Standard Injection Molding Machines (General Plastic Products)
C7 Level	≤10μm	≤30μm	≤20μm	Ordinary Injection Molding Machines (Large Parts)

C3-level ball screws are mainly used in occasions with extremely high precision requirements, such as the production of optical lenses, precision electronic components, medical devices and other products. The manufacturing process of this type of ball screw is more complex, and the cost is relatively high, usually 20-30% more expensive than C5-level.

C5-level ball screws are currently the most widely used precision grade in the injection molding machine industry, which achieves a good balance between precision and cost. This precision grade of ball screws can meet the needs of most injection molding applications, including auto parts, home appliance casings, daily necessities, etc.

5.2 Integration of Intelligent Technology

The integration of intelligent technology has become an important development direction. Intelligent ball screw products integrated with temperature, vibration, and displacement sensors have appeared, which can real-time feedback the health status, realize predictive maintenance, and avoid sudden shutdowns. This technological innovation not only improves the reliability of the equipment but also reduces operating costs through preventive maintenance.

The main functions of intelligent ball screws include:

• Real-time Status Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of temperature, vibration, load and other parameters through integrated sensors

• Failure Warning System: Predict potential failures based on data analysis and perform maintenance in advance

• Adaptive Control: Automatically adjust parameters according to the operating status to optimize performance

• Remote Monitoring: Realize remote monitoring and diagnosis through the network

5.3 Innovation in Material and Coating Technology

The material technology and surface treatment process of ball screws are constantly innovating. In terms of material selection, high-quality alloy steel achieves a hardness of HRC 58-62 through optimized heat treatment processes, ensuring excellent wear resistance. The progress of surface treatment technology is particularly significant. Nitriding treatment can improve surface hardness and wear resistance while maintaining core toughness; DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating technology further reduces the friction coefficient and improves corrosion resistance.

In special application fields, ceramic coating technology shows unique advantages. For example, for applications with high corrosion resistance requirements such as fertilizer buckets, after spraying ceramic coating on the screw surface, the wear and corrosion resistance is enhanced by 30%. This technological innovation provides a solution for the application of ball screws in harsh environments.

5.4 Ball Screw Manufacturers and Supply System

The world's major ball screw manufacturers include NSK, THK, IKO from Japan, INA, STAR from Germany, and PMI, ABBA from Taiwan, China. These manufacturers have formed close technical cooperation relationships with injection molding machine brands:

Manufacturer	Main Product Series	Technical Features	Main Customers
NSK	HTF Series, BSS Series	High Speed, High Load, Low Noise	Fanuc, Toshiba, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
THK	BNK Series, BNF Series	High Precision, High Rigidity	Robots and Automation Equipment of Various Brands
INA (Schaeffler)	Ball Screw Series	German Quality, Precision Manufacturing	European Brand Injection Molding Machines
PMI	Ball Screw Series	High Cost-performance, Fast Delivery	Asian Brand Injection Molding Machines

As a global leading ball screw manufacturer, NSK provides a full range of solutions for the injection molding machine industry. Its HTF series ball screws are specially designed for injection molding machines. By optimizing the circulation path configuration, the ball diameter reaches the limit, and combined with the high-load special ball groove design, the load-bearing performance is greatly improved.

THK's ball screw products are widely used in the telescopic position of the manipulator's take-out arm and the lifting part of the fixture of injection molding machines, which can realize fast and stable movements and improve production efficiency.

5.5 Market Policies and Industrial Support

The government's policy support for the development of ball screw technology is increasing. In 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, together with the Ministry of Finance, issued the "Guidelines for the Promotion and Application of the First (Set) of Major Technical Equipment (2025 Edition)", which for the first time included injection molding machine-specific ball screws with a precision grade of P3 or higher, dynamic load capacity ≥80kN, and service life ≥15000 hours into the key supported categories. The supporting central financial subsidy ratio was increased from 9% in 2024 to 12%.

This policy change has a profound impact on the market pattern:

• Promote Technological Upgrading: Clear technical indicators guide the direction of technological development in the industry

• Reduce Procurement Costs: The increased subsidy ratio reduces the cost of enterprises purchasing high-end ball screws

• Accelerate Domestic Replacement: Promote the development of domestic high-end ball screw technology

• Promote Industrial Upgrading: Promote the technological progress of the entire injection molding machine industry