How does a linear motor work?
In many industrial and (high-tech) manufacturing applications, linear motors are valuable components for achieving the fastest and most efficient processes. But how do linear motors work?
If you were to slice a rotary servo motor and lay it flat, you would essentially have a linear motor. The rotor with permanent magnets becomes the stationary part of the linear motor (also known as the secondary or magnet plate), and the stator containing coil windings becomes the moving part (also known as the primary or coil unit).
Linear motors operate using an alternating current power supply and a servo controller, which is typically the same as that used for rotary servo motors. The primary part of the linear motor is connected to the power supply to generate a magnetic field. By changing the phase of the current in the coils, the polarity of each coil is altered. The attractive and repulsive forces between the coils in the primary part and the magnets in the secondary part cause the primary part to move and generate linear force. The rate of change of the current controls the speed of movement, and the amperage of the current determines the force generated.
