Linear motors offer a combination of high force, speed, and accuracy that makes them ideal for applications such as grinding machines and large mold-making machines. They are also ideal in material handling applications. However, getting the most out of a linear motor often goes beyond basic motor sizing and selection skills. Here are a few hints on cooling linear motors to optimize their performance.

• Linear motors, like other direct-drive motors, are built directly into the machine slide or machine mechanics to eliminate mechanical powertrain links (e.g. ballscrews, gearboxes, etc). Since the motor is built directly into the machine and not hanging at the end of a slide, the motors require proper cooling to avoid temperature influences on the machine's accuracy.


• Providing liquid cooling to all motors on a machine optimizes machine performance and motor sizes.


• The chiller capacity (cooling capacity, flow, and pressure) must be properly selected for the number of installed motors, their locations on the machine, and their respective loads.


• Appropriate pressure regulators and manifolds must be used to assure proper coolant flow to each motor. We recommend installing flow meters in the cooling return pipe from each motor (or group of motors if mounted in series) in order for the controller to monitor the flow.


• The chiller unit should have a maximum and minimum temperature setting for the coolant. The nominal temperature should be set to the maximum ambient temperature of the motor, or you can use a temperature sensor to monitor the ambient temperature.


• You may use water- or oil-based coolants, as long as the coolant system is closed and the coolant is filtered and used solely for cooling of the motors.


• Appropriate additives in the coolant should be used and a pH sensor should be installed to monitor the coolant itself.