Single Axis Linear Motor Actuators: Precision Motion for Advanced Automation

Single Axis Linear Motor Actuators: Precision Motion for Advanced Automation

As industrial systems continue to demand faster cycle times and tighter tolerances, motion technologies have evolved beyond conventional mechanical solutions. Single Axis Linear Motor Actuators represent one of the most advanced motion control solutions, enabling high-speed, high-precision linear positioning in modern automation systems.

These actuators are widely used across industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical automation, and precision inspection, where performance, smooth motion, and reliability are critical. Within the MISUMI automation components catalog, they are categorized alongside electric cylinders and other single-axis actuators, offering engineers a range of motion solutions based on application needs.

A Single Axis Linear Motor Actuator is a direct-drive motion device designed to move a load along a single axis with high precision and speed.

Operating Principle

Unlike conventional actuators that rely on ball screws or belt mechanisms, linear motor actuators:

• Use electromagnetic force to generate motion directly
• Eliminate mechanical transmission components such as screws and belts
• Deliver motion without conversion from rotary to linear

This direct-drive design results in:

• No backlash
• Minimal mechanical loss
• Extremely smooth motion

MISUMI Single Axis Linear Actuators are classified as:

• Machine-embedded components
• Not considered industrial robots (less than 3 axes) under EN ISO 10218-1

Key Implications

• Classified as Partly Completed Machinery
• CE marking is not provided for the actuator itself
• Final CE compliance must be ensured by the system integrator or machine builder

This distinction is important when integrating actuators into complete systems, particularly for EU applications.

MISUMI offers a broad range of actuator technologies, each suited for different applications:

• Linear Motor Actuators (direct drive)
• Electric Cylinders
• Single Axis Actuators
• Single Axis Robots (guide-integrated type)
• Screw-driven actuators
• Belt-driven actuators

Key Differentiation

• Linear motor actuators → Best for precision, smoothness, and speed
• Screw/belt actuators → Better suited for longer strokes or higher load capacity

This makes linear motor types the preferred choice for precision-critical applications.

Flat-Type

• Compact, low-profile design
• Ideal for space-constrained installations
• High acceleration and smooth travel

U-Channel (Core-Type)

• Higher thrust due to magnetic field concentration
• Suitable for heavier loads
• Efficient force generation

Coreless Type

• No iron core → eliminates cogging
• Ultra-smooth and vibration-free motion
• Ideal for inspection and scanning applications

Small Type (Ball Screw Ø8 / C10)

• Resolution: 20,480 pulses/rev
• Repeatability: ±0.02 mm
• Lead: 2 / 6 / 12 mm
• Max speed: 100–600 mm/s
• Payload:
  • Horizontal: 2–6 kg
  • Vertical: 1–4 kg
• Stroke: 50–400 mm (50 mm increments)
• Controller: C1
• Cleanliness: Class 10

Medium Type (Ball Screw Ø12 / C10)

• Resolution: 20,480 pulses/rev
• Repeatability: ±0.02 mm
• Lead: 6 / 12 / 20 mm
• Max speed: 300–1000 mm/s
• Payload:
  • Horizontal: 4–10 kg
  • Vertical: 1–2 kg
• Stroke: 50–800 mm

High-Rigidity Type (Ball Screw Ø15 / C7)

• Resolution: 16,384 pulses/rev
• Repeatability: ±0.01 mm
• Lead: 5 / 10 / 20 mm
• Max speed: 300–1000 mm/s
• Payload:
  • Horizontal: 20–80 kg
  • Vertical: 4–16 kg
• Stroke: 150–1050 mm
• Controllers: C21 / C22

Common Specifications

• Guide life reference: 10,000 km
• Cable lengths:
  • Standard: 1 m / 3.5 m
  • Optional: 3 m / 5 m / 10 m

MISUMI actuators are designed for seamless integration with dedicated controllers.

Communication

• COM1: PC or communication unit
• COM2: Daisy-chain connection
• RS-232C supported

Input Signals

• JOG + / −
• ORG (Homing)
• START / RESET
• SERVO ON
• Emergency stop (ES1 / ES2)

Output Signals

• END (Motion complete)
• BUSY (In operation)
• SRV-S (Servo status)
• ALM (Alarm)
• POUT0–7

Power Requirements

• Main power: AC 100–115 V or AC 200–230 V
• Control power: 24 V DC

Brake Function

• Brake-equipped models available
• Recommended for vertical applications
• Prevents load drop during power failure

For controlled environments, MISUMI offers cleanroom-compatible actuators.

• Cleanliness: Class 10
• Requires external air suction
• Recommended flow rate: approx. 30–90 N/min
• Hose diameter: Ø10 mm

These are suitable for semiconductor and medical environments.

To reduce electromagnetic interference:

• Surge absorber: LT-C12G801WS (SOSHIN ELECTRIC)
• Noise filter: NAP-10-472 (COSEL)
• Ferrite core: ZCAT3035-1330 (TDK)

These components help ensure stable and reliable system performance.

• Jerk (rate of change of acceleration) is not evaluated
• No maximum jerk specification is defined

Designers should consider this when developing motion profiles.

Single Axis Linear Motor Actuators provide several performance advantages:

• Direct-drive design with no backlash
• Ultra-smooth motion with high positioning accuracy
• High acceleration and speed capability
• Reduced wear due to fewer mechanical components
• Suitable for precision positioning applications

Based on MISUMI technical guidance, these actuators are widely used in:

Semiconductor Equipment

• Wafer handling
• Precision stages

Medical Automation

• Diagnostic systems
• Sample handling

Precision Systems

• High-precision positioning stages
• Inspection and measurement equipment

Industrial Automation

• Advanced assembly systems
• High-speed positioning applications

Proper installation is critical for achieving optimal performance.

Key Guidelines

• Ensure load is within rated capacity and evenly distributed
• Secure motor and encoder connections properly
• Set limit switches or stroke limits to prevent over-travel
• Perform initial operation at low speed to verify smooth motion
• Check for abnormal vibration or noise during setup

These steps help ensure safe operation and long-term reliability.

When selecting a Single Axis Linear Motor Actuator, consider:

• Required load and payload
• Stroke length and installation space
• Accuracy and repeatability requirements
• Speed and acceleration needs
• Orientation (horizontal vs vertical)
• Controller compatibility (C1 / C21 / C22)
• Environmental conditions (cleanroom, dust, temperature)

Single Axis Linear Motor Actuators offer a high-performance solution for modern automation, combining precision, speed, and reliability in a compact, direct-drive system.

With features such as:

• Positioning accuracy up to ±0.01 mm
• Speeds up to 1000 mm/s
• Payload capacity up to 80 kg
• Cleanroom compatibility
• Flexible controller integration

they are well-suited for demanding industrial applications.

For engineers and technical buyers looking to implement advanced motion control systems, these actuators provide a scalable and efficient solution.