28 Linear Motor Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for linear motors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 linear motor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear motor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Quin, 2.FANUC, 3.Celera Motion.
Table of Contents
What Is a Linear Motor?
A linear motor is an electric motor that produces motion in a straight line, unlike conventional motors that generate rotational motion. It operates on the principle of magnetism, utilizing the attraction and repulsion of magnets or the Lorentz force to create propulsive force. This design allows for direct linear movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms required by traditional motors to convert rotational motion to linear motion.
Uses of Linear Motors
Linear motors are widely used in various applications, from linear motor cars, such as the linear bullet train which achieves high speeds with minimal frictional loss thanks to magnetic repulsion, to industrial equipment requiring precision, such as machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. They are also found in consumer products like electric curtains, shaving machines, camera autofocus systems, and even in the food industry, exemplified by revolving sushi restaurants.
Principle of Linear Motors
The operation of linear motors relies on magnetic attraction, repulsion, or the Lorentz force, akin to conventional motors but designed to produce linear instead of rotational motion. There are several types of linear motors, including linear induction motors, linear synchronous motors, linear DC motors, and linear stepping motors, each based on different principles of operation.
1. Linear Induction Motor
Utilizes electromagnetic induction for propulsion, driving an electromagnet across a magnet-aligned NS-SN using electric current. This type is preferred for industrial applications requiring high precision.
2. Linear Synchronous Motor
Operates on magnetic attraction and repulsion, with motion generated by altering the magnetic poles of fixed magnets in sync with movable electromagnets. This method is highly efficient, making it suitable for linear motor cars to reduce power consumption, with magnetic levitation trains using superconducting magnets to further minimize energy loss.
3. Other Methods
Linear DC motors and linear stepping motors are employed in actuators and precision control of optical equipment, respectively. Linear piezoelectric motors, though less efficient, offer high precision control and are used in precision machinery.
Other Information on Linear Motors
1. Speed and Precision of Linear Motors
Linear motors offer significant benefits in speed and precision, eliminating the need for reduction mechanisms and allowing for accurate positioning. They can operate over long distances and can be configured with multiple units working in unison. Despite challenges in control, thrust, and maintenance, advancements are continually made, increasing their application in precision tools like grinders and lathes, and contributing to environmental preservation efforts.
2. Cooling of Superconductive Linear Motors
Superconductive linear motors, essential for magnetic levitation trains, utilize superconducting magnets that operate at low temperatures with zero electrical resistance, thereby creating a powerful magnetic field without energy loss. Advances in cooling technologies, moving away from liquid helium to materials like bismuth-based copper oxide, allow for higher operational temperatures and more efficient, compact cooling systems, paving the way for the development of high-temperature superconducting magnets.
List of 28 Linear Motor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Canada
- Germany
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
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Aerotech, Inc.
Driving superior motion
Manufacturer Overview
AEROTECH creates solutions for motion and positioning of devices. Customers are from industries as diverse as data storage, medical devices, and aerospace. AEROTECH develops controllers, drives, motors, and other parts for motion and positioning devices and offers custom-engineered motion systems. AEROTECH’s serves both manufacturers of individual parts as well as equipment operators offering full range of support rom design to manufacturing to deployment.
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Geeplus Inc.
Voice Coil Motors
Manufacturer Overview
Geeplus was founded in 2004 in Beckenham, UK as a management buyout of the electromechanical division inside Densitron Control Systems, Ltd. The company is a worldwide designer and manufacturer of both standard and customized electromagnetic and electromechanical actuators. The company’s primary catalog includes voice coil motors, linear and rotary solenoids, control circuits, and other related components. The company’s custom actuator solutions include design options for custom voice coil actuators, custom solenoid actuators, custom stepper motors, and custom electromagnets.
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Celera Motion
Direct Drive Frameless Linear Motors
Manufacturer Overview
Celera Motion, founded in 1994 in the USA, is a motion control business of Novanta Inc. and a manufacturer of motion control devices and composite solutions for OEMs. The company's products, which include inductive encoders, direct-drive motors, servo drives, transducers, and air-bearing spindles, among others, are also used in the medical, Satcom, UAV, medical, and scientific markets. Celera Motion also offers ISO 9001 and ISO 13485-compliant encoders, motors, sensors, transducers, and servo drives in custom sizes.
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Veris Industries
Linear Axes
Company Overview
Veris Industries, established in 1992 and based in Tualatin, Oregon, is a manufacturer and distributor of environmental sensing and power monitoring instruments used in commercial HVAC, smart buildings, renewable energy, industrial control, and energy management applications. The company’s power monitoring portfolio comprises of power meters, power metering CTs, current switches, current transducers, and current monitor relays for monitoring, regulating, and reducing energy use. Veris's environmental sensing instruments include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, water & leak detectors, and smoke detectors used in commercial and residential building automation systems. The company operates under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality standards.
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Sinotech
AC Linear Motors
Distributor Overview
Sinotech is based in Portland, Oregon with offices in China. Sinotech is a distributor for custom-engineered electrical motors, motor components, and mechanical components manufactured in China. Sinotech’s motors include AC motors, DC motors, brushless DC motors, slotless high speed BLDC motors, stepper motors, cordless motors, gear motors, servo motors, and miniature motors. Motor components include laminations, wound coils, armature and field coils, brushes, and communicators. Mechanical components include assemblies, die castings, investment castings, sand castings, shafts, steamed metal parts, tubular metal parts, machined extrusions, plastic parts, rubber parts, and secondary processing.
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Manufacturer Overview
FANUC Corporation, established in 1972 and headquartered in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is a manufacturer of factory automation, robomachine, IoT, and robotics. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including, servomotor, robodrill small cutting machine, roboshot electric injection molding machine, robocut wire electrical discharge machine, and lasers. These cutting-edge products cater to a wide range of industries, spanning from automotive, health care, and aerospace to electronics. The aim of the company is to provide efficient and low-cost products to customers.
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Sodick Co., Ltd
Linear Motor
Manufacturer Overview
Sodick Co., Ltd, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of machine tools, injection molding machines, food machines, and LED products. The company's product portfolio includes nano-level precision machines, magnesium alloy injection machines, noodle steam sterilizers, LED products, and electronic components. These products are utilized in various industries, including food processing, electronics, LED and lighting, manufacturing and machining, and the plastics and injection molding industry. The company has development, production, and service locations in different countries, including the United States, China, Thailand, India, and Singapore.
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THK U.K.
Linear Motor Actuator
Manufacturer Overview
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
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Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Linear motor
Manufacturer Overview
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) was established in 1888. SHI offers complete solutions for industrial machinery production and operations, heavy machinery for infrastructure, logistics, and construction, power generation systems as well as systems to reduce pollution, water purification, and ship construction. In addition, SHI also offers various software services including IT solutions.
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Quin
LINEAR MOTORS
Manufacturer Overview
Quin is a manufacturer of packaging machines and motion control systems headquartered in Wokingham, England. Founded in 1983, the company has a customer base of over 1,000 companies worldwide. Its products include linear motors, motion control, servo drives, servo motors, gearheads, and more. Additionally, the company provides services for machine design, project management, repair services, training, and upgrades. The company is ISO9001 certified and a member of the PPMA, a trade association for the packaging and processing industry.
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Akribis Systems
LINEAR MOTORS
Manufacturer Overview
Akribis Systems, founded in Bayern, Germany in 2004 is a manufacturer of direct drive motors, stages and precision systems. The company's product portfolio includes orque and linear motor components as well as axis, stages and complete precision systems, that are integrated with a high-resolution encoder, drive amplifier and motion controller. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Transportation and Aerospace and Defense. The company has 75,000 m² of manufacturing space in Singapore, China, Korea and Malaysia and offer custom packaging, warehousing, and distribution services.
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Sherwood Electromotion Inc.
LINEAR MOTORS
Manufacturer Overview
Sherwood Electromotion Inc, based in Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of traction and propulsion systems. The company was founded in 2002 and its products are found particularly in the railway and transit industries. Its core product offerings include traction motors, propulsion systems, and power electronics, that are integral to the efficient operation of electric trains, light rail vehicles, and other transit systems. The company plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation by providing environmentally friendly electric propulsion systems.
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TiMOTION Technology Co. Ltd
Electric Linear Actuators
Manufacturer Overview
TiMOTION was founded in 2005 in Taiwan as a manufacturer of electric motion systems. The company's product range includes Electric Linear Actuators, and lifting columns for vertical movement of equipment related to offices, industry, and medical. There is also Standing Desk Motor Kit along with gear motors compatible with control boxes and power sources and other related accessories available that are required to complete the electric systems. There are linear actuator controllers with designs for hand controls, foot switches, and wireless remotes. The markets that benefit from these products are the healthcare industry, home and office automation, and industrial motion.
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Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG
LINEAR MOTORS
Manufacturer Overview
FAULHABER, a manufacturer of high-precision miniature and micro drive systems, was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Schönaich, in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Its main activity is the design, development, and manufacturing of precision miniature and micro-drive systems. The company offers a wide range of products, including DC motors, stepper motors, linear motors, and gearheads. FAULHABER's products are used by a wide range of customers, including medical device manufacturers, robotics companies, and automation systems integrators.
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Wood’s Powr-Grip Co., Inc.
Direct Drive Linear Motors and Electric Cylinders
Manufacturer Overview
Wood’s Powr-Grip Co., Inc. is a manufacturer of vacuum lifting equipment. Established in 1964, the company is based in Laurel, Montana, USA. The company specializes in designing and producing vacuum lifters and components for material handling. Its product range includes hand-held vacuum cups, vacuum lifters, mounting cups, and accessories, serving industries such as construction, glass handling, and manufacturing. Powr-Grip tools helps in handling smooth and nonporous materials such as glass, plastics, engine valves, sheet metal, and solid surfacing as well as laminates, stone slabs and appliances Wood’s Powr-Grip offers services like technical consultation, exchanges, repairs, warranties and customization.
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Kollmorgen Corporation
Linear Actuators & Motion Systems
Manufacturer Overview
Founded in New York in 1916, Kollmorgen designs and manufactures motion system, drives, motors, actuators, gear heads, automated guided vehicle (AVG) systems, and accessories across a number of implementations and industries. These include aerospace, AGV, food&beverage, machine tools, metal forming, medical automation and imaging, energy, packaging, pharmaceutical, postal sorting, printing, robotics, smart warehouses, and tire and rubber production. Kollmorgen assists customers both in custom designs and in allowing customers to design their own devices based on individual needs.
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LinMot USA Inc.
Linear Motors
Manufacturer Overview
NTI AG, founded in 1993, and headquartered in Spreitenbach, Switzerland, and is a manufacturer of LinMot linear motion systems and components. The company offers a wide range of products, including linear motors, linear actuators, servo drives, and control systems. These products are easily integrated into all leading control systems, and are designed to offer high-speed, high-force, and accurate positioning capabilities, making them suitable for tasks like automation, packaging, material handling, robotics, and other motion control applications.
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ETEL S.A.
LINEAR MOTORS
Company Overview
ETEL S.A., a company founded in 1974 and headquartered in Môtiers, Switzerland, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in direct drive motors. The company's product portfolio includes linear motors, position controllers, and short-stroke actuators. These products find applications in various industries, including the machine tool industry, semiconductor, and mechatronics and robotics. The company provides services including technical support, product inquiries, and assistance with product integration. The company is ISO 9001 certified for quality requirements and environmental regulations.
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Tecnotion
Linear motors
Company Overview
Technotion is a company established in 1998 in Almelo, Netherlands and it is a manufacturer and supplier of linear and torque motors. The company produces torque motors, linear motors, vacuum G2 motors, and custom motors. It's products are applicable in semiconductors, displays, science and aerospace, machine tooling, digital cutting, printing, robotics, life sciences, woodworking and stages and system solutions. The company holds certifications such as RoHS, CE, UKCA, CSA, TSCA, ISO 9001 and the China Compulsory Certificate.
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Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Linear Conveyor Module
Company Overview
Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., founded in 1955 and based in Iwata, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of motorized products. Its product range includes several lines of motorcycles, scooters, and motorized bicycles. Its motorcycles feature an electronic control system for stabilization and a responsive braking system for safety. The company also offers, recreational off-highway vehicles, outboards, and snowmobiles. The company has received several accolades such as the Red Dot Design Award for 12 consecutive years and operates the Yamaha Technical Academy for technician certification.
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Coreless Motor Co., Ltd.
Product list
Company Overview
Coreless Motor Co. Ltd. is based in Yamato, Kanagawa, Japan, and is a manufacturer of coreless motors and related components that was established in 2017 following the merger of M-Link Co. Ltd., IC Fan V-Tech Co. Ltd., and Coreless Motor Co., Ltd. The company’s product lineup includes coreless AC servo motors, coreless brushless DC motors, and coreless IC fan motors. It also offers custom design and development services, as well as opto-mechanical assembly and optical coating. The company chiefly serves client manufacturers of automobiles, aircraft, and heavy machinery.
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NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
Linear Motor Table LT
Company Overview
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
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Magmotor Technologies Inc
MagLev
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Moticont
Voice Coil Motors
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Hiwin Corporation
Linear Motors
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Suzhou ITG Linear Motor Co., Ltd.
Ironcore Linear Motors
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Linear Motor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quin |
7.2%
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| 2 | FANUC |
6.7%
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| 3 | Celera Motion |
6.3%
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| 4 | Aerotech, Inc. |
4.8%
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| 5 | LinMot USA Inc. |
4.6%
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| 6 | Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG |
4.6%
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| 7 | Sherwood Electromotion Inc. |
4.5%
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| 8 | Sinotech |
4.5%
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| 9 | Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. |
4.5%
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| 10 | Hitachi Metals, Ltd. |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear motor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.: 52,554
- Hitachi Metals, Ltd.: 27,771
- Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.: 24,584
Newly Established Company
- Coreless Motor Co., Ltd.: 2017 (7 years ago)
- TiMOTION Technology Co. Ltd: 2005 (19 years ago)
- Geeplus Inc.: 2004 (20 years ago)
Company with a History
- Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG: 1947 (77 years ago)
- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.: 1955 (69 years ago)
- Hitachi Metals, Ltd.: 1956 (68 years ago)
Linear Motor Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Linear Motor Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
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9 | 42.9% |
United States of America
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5 | 23.8% |
United Kingdom
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1 | 4.8% |
Singapore
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1 | 4.8% |
Canada
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1 | 4.8% |
Taiwan
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1 | 4.8% |
Germany
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1 | 4.8% |
Switzerland
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1 | 4.8% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 4.8% |
List of Linear Motor Products
23 products are listed.
CKD Nisshin Electrical Corporation Co., Ltd.
Type with linear motor core τ Linear NLA-MA/Na type
120+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
■ A wealth of lineup according to the application Coreless, core NLA series: Rated thrust 7N (coreless) ~ 1,500 (with core) lineup lineup ■ Charac...
CKD Nisshin Electrical Corporation Co., Ltd.
Linear Motor Low Procost Standard Large thrust type τ Linear NLD-FL type
50+ people viewing
■ A wealth of lineup according to the application Coreless NLD Series: Highly efficient magnet sequence and optimal for long stroke ■ Characterist...
CKD Nisshin Electrical Corporation Co., Ltd.
Linear motor small thrust type τ Linear NLA-S type
130+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
■ A wealth of lineup according to the application Coreless, core NLA series: Rated thrust 7N (coreless) ~ 1,500 (with core) lineup lineup ■ Charac...
CKD Nisshin Electrical Corporation Co., Ltd.
Linear Motor Low Standard Type τ Linear NLD-AM type
40+ people viewing
■ A wealth of lineup according to the application Coreless NLD Series: Highly efficient magnet sequence and optimal for long stroke ■ Characterist...
CKD Nisshin Electrical Corporation Co., Ltd.
From alignment to turning operation, can be installed according to the required operation angle
40+ people viewing
Newly imagined arc -type linear servo unit ■ Ideal for microscopic alignment operation Installing the magnet base in the minimum quantity accordin...
Shin -Electronic Co., Ltd.
No wear for maintenance free surfaces linear motor
40+ people viewing
■ Characteristics ➀ No wear Since the motor is emerging from the platin surface, there is no space inside the motor without wear. Maintenance -fre...
