Iron-core linear motor
HIWIN LMFA iron-core linear motor
Water-cooled iron-core linear motor series for high-force direct drives; series maximum 20,827 N peak and 7,917 N continuous force (LMFA64, water-cooled).
Key specifications
| Peak force (max) | 20,827 N |
|---|---|
| Continuous force (max) | 7,917 N |
| Linear speed (max) | 7.4 m/s |
| Cooling | built-in water cooling (20 C water) |
Summarised in our own words from HIWIN Technologies Corp.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Continuous force without water cooling 3,958 N (LMFA64). 7.4 m/s is LMFA01L at peak force.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with HIWIN Technologies Corp.. HIWIN and LMFA are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
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Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the HIWIN LMFA itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.
- Help sourcing LMFA and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
What an iron-core linear motor is
An iron-core linear motor is a direct-drive linear motor whose coils are wound on a laminated iron core in the moving forcer, running over a flat track of permanent magnets. Current in the coils interacts with the magnet field to produce thrust directly, with no screw, belt or gearbox. The iron core concentrates the magnetic flux, so force density is high and heat can be conducted away through the core. Position feedback comes from a linear encoder.
When engineers choose an iron-core linear motor
Choose an iron-core linear motor for high continuous force, high acceleration and long strokes, such as machine tools, gantries and heavy automation. Direct drive removes backlash and wear in the transmission. The trade-offs are cogging, which causes small force ripple, and a strong attraction force between forcer and magnet track, often many times the rated thrust, which must be carried by the guides. For very smooth, low-ripple motion with light loads, an ironless motor may suit better.
How to specify the HIWIN LMFA
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LMFA variant or an equivalent:
- Peak and continuous force (N)
- Stroke and speed (mm, m/s)
- Moving mass and acceleration (kg, m/s²)
- Attraction force and guide load capacity (N)
- Cooling: natural, forced air or water
- Bus voltage and drive current (V, A)
- Linear encoder type and resolution
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing guides without including the magnetic attraction force
- Ignoring cogging in smooth-scan or low-speed applications
- Leaving out heat dissipation into the machine structure
- Allowing ferrous debris to collect on the open magnet track
HIWIN LMFA: frequently asked questions
What is the HIWIN LMFA?
Water-cooled iron-core linear motor series for high-force direct drives; series maximum 20,827 N peak and 7,917 N continuous force (LMFA64, water-cooled). Published series figures include peak force 20,827 N, continuous force 7,917 N, linear speed 7.4 m/s. It is made by HIWIN Technologies Corp.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the HIWIN LMFA?
The HIWIN LMFA is made by HIWIN (HIWIN Technologies Corp.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with HIWIN Technologies Corp.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the peak force of the HIWIN LMFA?
The published series maximum peak force is 20,827 N. Individual models and sizes in the LMFA range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the HIWIN LMFA?
Yes. Our engineers can propose an equivalent built around your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between iron-core and ironless linear motors?
Iron-core motors wind coils on an iron core, giving higher force and better heat removal, but with cogging and a strong magnetic attraction to the track. Ironless motors have coils without iron running between two rows of magnets, so there is no cogging or attraction, giving very smooth motion with lower force and less heat capacity.
Why does an iron-core linear motor need strong guides?
The iron core is strongly attracted to the magnet track, typically with a force several times the rated thrust. That load acts on the guide bearings all the time, even at rest. Guides must be sized for payload, process forces and this attraction, or bearing life will be much shorter than expected.
Further reading: How to select a linear motor · Linear actuators
Other iron-core linear motor series
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Tell us about your project and how you use the HIWIN LMFA: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
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