Glossary · Motion control and drives
Linear motor
Also known as: Linear servo motor
German: Linearmotor
In motion control, a linear motor is an electric motor whose primary part (forcer) and secondary part (magnet track or reaction rail) are laid out flat, so it produces a linear force and motion directly instead of torque and rotation.
- Motion control
In one sentence
A linear motor produces straight-line force and motion directly, like an unrolled rotary motor, without screws or belts.
Example
A semiconductor handling system uses linear motors for fast, precise X-Y positioning without ball screws.
How it applies
- Engineering: Linear motors reach high speeds, accelerations and accuracy. They need a linear encoder, guides, a cable management system and, for vertical axes, a brake or counterbalance since there is no self-locking.
- Commissioning: Commutation, loop tuning and end stops are set up carefully; the high dynamics make limit and collision behavior important.
- Maintenance: Magnet tracks attract ferromagnetic particles and tools; cleanliness and covers matter.
- Documentation: Warn about strong magnetic fields (risk for people with pacemakers or implants), crushing between the forcer and the magnet track, and uncontrolled falling of vertical axes. Explain safe handling of magnet tracks during installation.
Linear motor vs. linear actuator
A linear actuator converts rotary motion into linear motion, for example with a ball screw or belt. A linear motor generates linear force directly.