Iron-core linear motor
Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)
Slotted iron-core linear motors in 35 standard types (L1A, L1B, L1C) with up to 5,171 N peak force and up to 3,259 N continuous when the L1C is water-cooled, on a 600 V DC link.
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 Schaeffler 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) | 5,171 N |
| Continuous force (max) | 3,259 N |
| Linear speed (max) | 27 m/s |
| Cooling | L1A/L1B uncooled; L1C optional water cooling |
Summarised in our own words from Schaeffler AG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Uncooled continuous force 37-1,399 N. Limit speed 2-27 m/s at 600 V DC depending on variant (series maximum).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schaeffler AG. Schaeffler and L1 linear motors (IDAM) are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Engineer support
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Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM) 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 L1 linear motors (IDAM) 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
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 Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right L1 linear motors (IDAM) 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
Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM): frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM) 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 Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)?
Slotted iron-core linear motors in 35 standard types (L1A, L1B, L1C) with up to 5,171 N peak force and up to 3,259 N continuous when the L1C is water-cooled, on a 600 V DC link. Published series figures include voltage 600 V, peak force 5,171 N, continuous force 3,259 N, linear speed 27 m/s. It is made by Schaeffler AG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)?
The Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM) is made by Schaeffler (Schaeffler AG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schaeffler AG; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)?
The published series maximum voltage is 600 V. Individual models and sizes in the L1 linear motors (IDAM) 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 Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM)?
We can assess suitable replacement options. Our engineers can review the original model and propose options for 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
Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the Schaeffler L1 linear motors (IDAM): the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
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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.