Linear motors vs other drive systems

Linear motion can be achieved by using different types of drive systems. Depending on the requirements of the application different drive systems can be beneficial for your machine. Belt drive, rack & pinion, ball screw, and linear motors are often considered four common linear drive systems. This page briefly introduces these systems, please watch our webinar and videos if you are interested in discovering the advantages and considerations of each of these systems, and making the best choice for your applications.

Belt drive

The belt drive is a simple and easy mechanical system that can reach a high velocity and is not expensive. However, besides the stretching of the belt, it often causes a less precise system. The system requires maintenance because the belt wears down over time and has limited accuracy.

Rack & pinion

Rack and pinion drives are known for the ability to move large masses at high-velocity levels. Because of the use of metal gears, they require lubrication which means regular maintenance is needed. The backlash effect is often found in all rack and pinion systems, causing lower accuracy in your application.

Ball screw

This is a traditional system that translates rotational motion into linear motion. Ball screw-driven applications are known for having high efficiency and decent accuracy, but their low acceleration limits the dynamic possibilities.

Linear motor ironcore and ironless overview

Linear motors

Linear motors are synchronous motors, that have a very high force density, resulting in high acceleration and therefore extremely dynamic movements. The direct drive technology of linear motors eliminates the need for mechanical transmissions and requires no maintenance.

Conclusion

When comparing these four types of systems, we examined important parameters such as acceleration, accuracy, modularity, initial cost, and total cost of ownership. Linear motors can achieve the highest acceleration among the other systems. Typically, linear motors and ball screws exhibit the best accuracy, but they come with higher initial costs. In addition, the total cost of ownership might be the most interesting factor to consider where ball screws and linear motors become interesting. Overall, linear motors are the best choice if you are pursuing both acceleration and accuracy in one single system, which is hard to find in other systems.

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For more information, please watch our webinar recording below.

In March 2022, we conducted a webinar which we explained these four types of drive systems in details and elaborate on the characteristics of each system and discuss their pro and cons.

Watch Webinar recording

Linear Motion Comparison 220331 876 X 493 (16 9)

Watch the below video to find out the detailed differences between different drive systems, and their pros and cons to choose the perfect one for your application.