Linear Motors Take Center Stage

Linear motors offer significant advantages over ball screws and rack-and-pinion systems as they can produce high forces without sacrificing speed or precision. Driven by electricity, linear motors provide direct linear motion without the potential complications associated with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and without mechanical linkages such as ball screws or rack-and-pinion systems. Linear motors are potentially effective in any application requiring linear motion, and some uses can derive a great many benefits from the technology. Linear motors cost more than their traditional counterparts; however, the price has decreased significantly in recent years because of increases in the volume sold. Also, manufacturers have begun to invest more heavily in tooling and equipment geared specifically for the manufacture of linear motors. As acceptance of linear motors has increased, so has the number of competitors; one expert estimated that the number of manufacturers has gone from four to 30 in the past four years.