TriboSys™ | Biocompatible Medical Device Lubricants

Medical Device Lubricants

TriboSys™ | Biocompatible Medical Device Lubricants

Smoother Operation, Maximized Component Life, Superior Lubrication, ISO 10993 certified

Medical device lubricants for minimally invasive medical robots have an increasing demand in the healthcare system. Device manufacturers often overlook the importance of selecting the most optimal biocompatible lubricant for their application. The increased implementation of these robotic devices will challenge the device’s longevity, putting a increasing focus on long-term wear prevention. With this demand comes a critical need for the robots to be more durable, reliable and accurate . Robotic developments in the medical field have led to better diagnostic practices, shorter hospital wait times, tailored surgical procedures, reduced infection rates, less invasive and safer surgery. TriboSys™ medical device lubricants have a proven track record to deliver the highest quality performance and protection to critical pivot points and robotic components over traditional hydrocarbon lubricants. Benefits Include:

  • Superior Lubrication, Maximized Wear Resistance
  • Facilitates Smooth, Consistent, and Reliable Operations
  • 100% PFPE and PTFE based Chemistry
  • ISO 10993 Biocompatibility & Non-nutrient

Utilization of proprietary PFPE (Perfluoropolyether) base oils, our products exhibit exceptional thin-film lubrication, thermal stability, and migration resistance. Moreover, our oils and greases are nonflammable, chemically inert, and 100% biocompatible (ISO 10993 certified). Miller-Stephenson’s TriboSys™ medical device lubricants not only offer increased safety and reliability, they also provide superior mechanical longevity. Selecting TriboSys™  lubricants over conventional hydrocarbon or silicone lubricants will elongate the medical device service life, greatly reducing downtime and unexpected mechanical wear-based failures.

 Advantages of TriboSys™ Medical Device Lubricants

With the constant need to reduce patient’s blood loss, skin scarring, hospital stay time and exposure to hospital acquired infections, there is a growing need for surgical robots to perform and articulate more frequently and in smaller, tighter and increasing challenging areas of the human body. Surgical robots currently using hydrocarbon-based lubricants are facing higher stress loads, temperatures and usages which can result in faster component wear and eventual component failure. Miller-Stephenson’s TriboSys™ lubrication line utilizes PFPE base oils that are referred to as “liquid Teflon™”. These low-friction polymers yield extended component life through substantial reductions in wear and friction-related failures and are compatible with all elastomers, plastics, metal and metal alloys. With useful operating temperatures that span from -75°C to 350°C, selecting and utilizing TriboSys™ Medical Device Lubricants over conventional hydrocarbon lubricants will elongate the robots service life, greatly reduce scheduled service intervals and reduce the risk of premature mechanical failures. On a molecular level, the PFPE oil polymer is composed entirely of oxygen, carbon and fluorine which heavily shields the molecule from oxidation due to high temperature, high pressure and mechanical forces, therefore making PFPE oil a much stronger, durable polymer chain vs. an equivalent hydrocarbon or silicone polymer. Our TriboSys™ greases utilize PFPE base oil and are fortified and thickened with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) to form a white creamy grease that is biocompatible, nonflammable, oxygen safe, odorless, non-staining and chemically inert. TriboSys™ PFPE lubricants are unaffected by all forms of sterilization techniques and will not transfer or degrade under these conditions

Drawbacks of Standard Hydrocarbon and Silicone-based Lubricants

Hydrocarbon lubricants are the most widely used medical lubricants and while their price and relative performance are suitable for many applications, there are critical disadvantages that should be mentioned. Hydrocarbon lubricants tend to transfer, fail and break down under extreme temperature, pressure and chemical exposure, causing downtime and the need for frequent relubrication. These lubricants break down to form carbonaceous, gummy residues leading to accelerated wear, poor lubrication, and premature component failure. Moreover, this class of lubricants are susceptible to bacterial and fungal degradation and can even facilitate growth of these organisms.  For medical device manufacturers looking to ensure optimal component life, minimize long-term wear, and produce the highest quality device possible, TriboSys™ Medical Device Lubricants is your optimal path forward.

Why Choose Miller-Stephenson and TriboSys™ Medical Device Lubricants?

TriboSys™ PFPE biocompatible oils (MS-3130MD – 3170MD) and greases (MS-3230MD – 3270MD) come in varying viscosities to meet your specific needs. Our light oils and greases are optimized for low load, low temperature applications, whereas the high viscosity grades offer increased wear protection, film strength, and longevity. Overall, all grades of TriboSys™ are formulated to withstand the most challenging medical applications in comparison to hydrocarbon and silicone alternatives. Miller-Stephenson’s exclusive TriboSys™ Medical Device Lubricants provide numerous advantages versus current market alternatives such as decreased wear and extended service intervals prolonging the use of critical and expensive medical equipment. To learn more about how TriboSys™ lubricants can reduce overall operating costs, please click here. Miller-Stephenson provides superior chemical solutions that are formulated for the medical industry and a wide range of critical applications. We are committed to providing our customers with industry-leading customer service, delivery and technical support to ensure our customers are successful. We strategically maintain an east coast and west coast facility to ensure prompt customer service and efficient delivery. Distribution outside North America is handled through authorized distributors. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team that is ready to assist you with your needs™.

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