Ironless linear motors use powerful, permanent magnets to create a strong magnetic field that surrounds the active coil conductors. When current is applied, a force is produced that is directly proportional to the current. There is no iron in or around the coil, and even though this makes the motor slightly less-efficient, it greatly reduces the coil inductance, thus allowing the motor to quickly respond to changes in current with high fidelity.

Additionally, no iron in the coil means that the coil is not attracted to the magnets. This attraction causes a varying preload and varying force – or cogging – that the motor must overcome as it travels. This can add heat to the system, further reducing efficiency. That is why ironless linear motors power the most-accurate motion applications.