Linear Motor
直线电机
A linear motor converts electrical energy directly into linear motion, bypassing the rotational-to-linear linkages of a conventional motor. Eliminating ball screws, belts, and gear trains yields a simple structure with rapid response, high positioning precision, and low friction loss — the forcer travels directly along the magnet track.
AIC Engineering designs and manufactures the permanent-magnet tracks (stators) and magnetic forcers (movers) for iron-core, ironless, and slotless linear motors. Magnet grade, pole pitch, and track pitch are tuned to the target thrust, speed, and smoothness — including Halbach-track designs for high thrust density with minimal detent force.
Typical applications include semiconductor stages, CNC axes, laser-cutting gantries, and pick-and-place modules where high acceleration and sub-micron positioning matter. Tracks are supplied in modular lengths that butt-join to extend travel; forcers are built to the required thrust class and cable envelope.
Key Features
Direct Linear Drive
Electrical-to-linear conversion with no screw or belt linkage — simple structure, fast response, low friction.
Ironless / Iron-Core
Ironless forcers for zero detent force and smooth motion; iron-core for maximum thrust density.
Halbach Track Option
Halbach-arranged magnet tracks concentrate flux on the forcer side, raising thrust and efficiency.
Modular Track Length
Standard magnet-track modules butt-join to extend travel — length scales with your axis.
Linear Motor Types
Built to order — send thrust, travel length, speed, and positioning precision. Representative types below.
| Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ironless U-Channel | Forcer coil between two magnet rows; zero detent force, zero attraction. | Semiconductor stages, smooth scanning, high precision. |
| Iron-Core Flat | Forcer with iron teeth over single magnet row; high thrust, normal attraction. | CNC axes, heavy-load stages, laser cutting. |
| Slotless Flat | Slotless forcer reduces detent force while keeping iron-core thrust. | Balanced smoothness and thrust applications. |
| Halbach Track | Magnet track in Halbach orientation for one-sided field enhancement. | High thrust density, lightweight forcers. |
| Tubular Linear Motor | Cylindrical magnet rod with tubular forcer; compact and sealed. | Compact actuators, Z-axis, dosing. |
| Custom Forcer / Track | Customer-defined thrust, pole pitch, and travel — built to print. | OEM stage integration, proprietary designs. |
Configurable Parameters
No fixed catalogue grades — each motor is designed to your thrust and travel specification. Typical ranges below.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Thrust | 50 – 5000 N | Iron-core higher; ironless lower and smoother. |
| Continuous Thrust | 20 – 2000 N | Thermal-limited; cooling affects rating. |
| Max Speed | 1 – 10 m/s | Depends on track pitch and drive voltage. |
| Pole Pitch | 10 – 60 mm | Selected with forcer for smoothness target. |
| Travel Length | Modular, unlimited | Track modules butt-join to extend. |
| Magnet Material | NdFeB (N42–N48) | SmCo option for elevated temperature. |
| Positioning | Sub-µm with encoder | Encoder and controller dependent. |
Values are typical design ranges — confirmed thrust, dimensions, and travel are provided per quotation after magnetic-circuit review.
Design & Manufacturing
Magnetic-circuit design first, then magnet-track build, forcer winding, assembly, and thrust verification.
- Thrust, speed & travel specification
- Pole pitch and track geometry selection
- Magnet grade and Halbach layout (if used)
- FEA thrust and detent-force simulation
- Magnet-track module machining and bonding
- Magnet placement and pulse magnetisation
- Forcer coil winding and potting
- Track module butt-joint alignment
- Thrust constant measurement
- Detent-force mapping (ironless ≈ 0)
- Dimension and insulation inspection
- Protective packaging
Typical Applications
Need a Custom Linear Motor?
Send your thrust, travel length, speed, and positioning precision — our engineers will design the magnet track and forcer for your stage.
Discuss Custom RequirementsFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our magnets, customisation, ordering and shipping.
- What thrust can your linear motors deliver? +
- AIC linear motors cover peak thrust from 50 to 5000 N and continuous thrust 20–2000 N, with ironless (zero detent force), iron-core (max thrust), and slotless variants.
- How long can the travel be? +
- Magnet tracks are modular and butt-join to extend travel — length scales with your axis with no practical upper limit.
- Ironless vs iron-core linear motor — which to choose? +
- Choose ironless for zero detent force and smooth scanning (semiconductor stages); choose iron-core for maximum thrust density (CNC axes, heavy-load stages).