Linear Motor vs Piezo Drive

A linear motor is typically used when high dynamic performance, industrial travel ranges, and reproducible motion over many cycles are required.

A piezo drive is commonly selected when extremely small stroke lengths with very high positioning resolution must be achieved.

Key Decision Criteria

The selection between these technologies generally depends on the following technical parameters:

  • Stroke / travel length

  • Positioning repeatability

  • Dynamic performance requirements

  • Force requirements

  • Available installation space

  • Environmental conditions

Piezo Drive

Piezo drives generate motion through deformation of piezoelectric materials that expand or contract slightly when electrical voltage is applied.
Translational motion is produced by microscopic material deformation.

Typical Technical Characteristics:

  • Positioning resolution in the nano- to sub-micrometer range

  • Very small usable stroke length

  • Force capability dependent on actuator size and design

  • Dynamic performance limited by material properties

  • External sensors may be required depending on application

Advantages:

  • Very high positioning resolution

  • Compact design

  • Suitable for micro-scale motion

Limitations:

  • Severely limited stroke length

  • Lower force capability compared to industrial linear axes

  • Cost-intensive in larger system configurations

  • Not designed for high industrial cycle rates

Linear Motor

A linear motor generates translational motion directly along the axis of movement.
Force is produced electromagnetically without mechanical transmission elements.

Typical Technical Characteristics:

  • Direct force transmission along the motion axis

  • No mechanically induced backlash

  • Dynamic performance not limited by elastic materials

  • No lubrication required for force transmission

  • No wear in the force transmission path

Advantages:

  • High repeatability

  • Long travel ranges possible

  • High acceleration and dynamic capability

  • Suitable for continuous industrial duty cycles

Limitations:

  • Higher investment cost compared to simple piezo actuators

  • Holding force at standstill dependent on active control and energy supply

When Is Which Solution Appropriate?

A Piezo Drive Is Typically Used When:

  • Extremely small stroke lengths are required

  • Highest resolution in the nano- or sub-micrometer range is necessary

  • Applications in optics, laboratory systems, or metrology are involved

A Linear Motor Is Typically Used When:

  • Larger travel ranges are required

  • Industrial cycle rates must be achieved

  • Reproducible motion over many cycles is necessary

  • Higher force capability is required

Linear Motors from Jenny Science

Jenny Science develops and manufactures compact linear motor axes for industrial automation systems.

The systems integrate the mechanical axis, motor, and servo controller into a unified architecture.

Typical Features:

  • Direct drive without mechanical transmission

  • Integrated servo controller (INTAX® or XENAX®)

  • Commissioning via web server interface

  • Reduced external integration effort

Do you have questions about your application?

We are happy to support you in selecting the right drive technology.

Contact us now

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