Siemens Linear Motors (SIMOTICS L)

DATE: 2026-05-17

SIMOTICS L — Linear Motors

Siemens SIMOTICS L linear motors provide direct linear motion without mechanical transmission elements. The motor consists of a primary part (forcer) with windings and a secondary part (reaction rail) with magnets — essentially an unrolled rotary servo motor.

Key Advantages

• Direct drive — no belts, ball screws, or rack & pinion
• Zero backlash — ideal for precision positioning
• High speed — up to 10 m/s and beyond
• High acceleration — up to 200 m/s² (20 g)
• No wear — no mechanical transmission parts to replace
• Quiet operation — no gear noise

SIMOTICS L Series Overview

• SIMOTICS L-1FN3 — iron-core linear motors for high force, general automation
• SIMOTICS L-1FN6 — ironless (air-core) linear motors, zero cogging, ultra-smooth motion
• SIMOTICS L-1FW6 — linear torque motors for direct-drive rotary tables
• Force range: 50 N to 15,000+ N continuous
• Speed range: 0 to 10+ m/s

SINAMICS S120 for Linear Motors

Linear motors require specialized servo drives. Siemens SINAMICS S120 with the optional Terminal Module TM15/31 enables high-dynamics linear motor control with:

• High-resolution encoder interfaces (EnDat, Hiperface, SSI)
• Advanced current control for linear motor commutation
• Integrated safety functions (STO, SLS, SS1)

Applications

• Machine tools — high-speed gantries, laser cutting
• Electronics manufacturing — pick-and-place, SMT lines
• Printing and packaging — high-speed feeding
• Logistics — linear transport systems, sorters
• Test and inspection — high-dynamics positioning
• Laser and waterjet cutting — high-accuracy contouring

Why Choose SIMOTICS L?

• Complete system from one supplier — motor, drive, controller, cabling
• TIA Portal integration — one engineering environment
• Siemens quality and global support network
• Scalable solution from small to large applications