Iron-core linear motor
Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL linear motor
Iron-core direct-drive linear motors with natural or water cooling, built from coil assemblies and modular magnet ways for long-stroke, high-force axes.
Key specifications
| Peak force (max) | 13,448 N |
|---|---|
| Continuous force (max) | 8,211 N |
| Linear speed (max) | 13.5 m/s |
| Supply | 230/400/480 Vac drive bus |
| Cooling | natural or water-cooled |
Summarised in our own words from Regal Rexnord Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Conflict: product page gives IC44 max continuous 4,786 N (natural) / 6,916 N (water) and peak ~8,400 N; the selection guide gives IC44250 at 5,834 N natural / 8,211 N water continuous and 13,448 N peak (natural). Selection guide values used. 13.5 m/s is the highest rated speed in the extracted tables, not an absolute limit. A high-voltage ICH variant was announced in 2025 but no data was read.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Regal Rexnord Corporation. Kollmorgen and IC / ICD Ironcore DDL are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Kollmorgen part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These series from our supply network is the closest match on published figures.
U-channel ironless linear motors with zero cogging, six sizes from 3 N to nearly 2 kN continuous, for fast settling precision stages.
| Published maximum | IC / ICD Ironcore DDL | AUM |
|---|---|---|
| Peak force | 13,448 N | 16,200 N meets or exceeds |
| Continuous force | 8,211 N | 1,980 N |
| Speed | 13.5 m/s | 5 m/s |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
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 Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right IC / ICD Ironcore DDL 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
Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL: frequently asked questions
What is the Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL?
Iron-core direct-drive linear motors with natural or water cooling, built from coil assemblies and modular magnet ways for long-stroke, high-force axes. Published series figures include peak force 13,448 N, continuous force 8,211 N, linear speed 13.5 m/s. It is made by Regal Rexnord Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL?
The Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL is made by Kollmorgen (Regal Rexnord Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Regal Rexnord Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the peak force of the Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL?
The published series maximum peak force is 13,448 N. Individual models and sizes in the IC / ICD Ironcore DDL 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 Kollmorgen IC / ICD Ironcore DDL?
Yes. On published figures, Akribis Systems AUM is the closest match from our supply network. 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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