Iron-core linear motor
ETEL LMS iron-core linear motor
Iron-core linear motors in 14 models with 84.5 to 908 N continuous (1,030 N with MWD+) and up to 3,640 N peak (4,170 N MWD+), air-cooled and 600 V DC compliant.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
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Need ETEL parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
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What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 600 V |
|---|---|
| Peak force (max) | 4,170 N |
| Continuous force (max) | 1,030 N |
| Cooling | Free air |
| Attraction force | 581 to 6,820 N by model |
Summarised in our own words from DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Maxima are MWD+ variant values. Data sheet title 'Ironcore linear motor'; max speed not published per series (range page: up to 15 m/s across linear motors).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH. ETEL and LMS are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
ETEL LMS replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original ETEL part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
High-force iron-core linear motors in five widths with optional water cooling, reaching several kN continuous.
| Published maximum | LMS | AKM |
|---|---|---|
| Peak force | 4,170 N | 12,884.3 N meets or exceeds |
| Continuous force | 1,030 N | 6,190.1 N meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 5 m/s |
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 | LMS | AUM |
|---|---|---|
| Peak force | 4,170 N | 16,200 N meets or exceeds |
| Continuous force | 1,030 N | 1,980 N meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 5 m/s |
High-force cylindrical voice coils from 14 to 250 mm, reaching over 1 kN continuous for heavy short-stroke force control.
| Published maximum | LMS | AVM High-Force (AVM-HF) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak force | 4,170 N | 4,715.2 N meets or exceeds |
| Continuous force | 1,030 N | 1,111.4 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | — | 35 mm |
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.
Typical applications
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 ETEL LMS
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LMS 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
ETEL LMS: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace ETEL LMS or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the ETEL LMS?
Iron-core linear motors in 14 models with 84.5 to 908 N continuous (1,030 N with MWD+) and up to 3,640 N peak (4,170 N MWD+), air-cooled and 600 V DC compliant. Published series figures include voltage 600 V, peak force 4,170 N, continuous force 1,030 N. It is made by DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the ETEL LMS?
The ETEL LMS is made by ETEL (DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the ETEL LMS?
The published series maximum voltage is 600 V. Individual models and sizes in the LMS 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 ETEL LMS?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Akribis Systems AKM and Akribis Systems AUM are options to assess 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
Engineer support
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Tell us how you use the ETEL LMS: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
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Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.