Linear Servo Motor Positioners

Direct Drive Precision Actuators | How Linear Motor Actuators Revolutionize Modern Automation

Valin offers linear servo motor actuators and stages for high-speed, precision positioning in cleanroom and industrial environments. These direct-drive, frictionless solutions are ideal for OEMs, labs, and machine builders needing sub-micron repeatability and zero backlash motion.

Our selection includes compact stages, nano-positioners, and gantry-ready modules with cleanroom options and expert engineering support.

Linear servo motor actuators are commonly used in:

  • Semiconductor wafer inspection
  • Lab automation and liquid handling
  • Medical diagnostics and bio-instrumentation
  • Precision assembly and high-speed packaging
  • Flat panel display manufacturing
  • Microscopy and metrology stages 

Products

mSR Series Linear Motor Stages from Parker

mSR Series Linear Motor Stages from Parker The Parker mSR Series is a compact linear motor stage designed for instrument builders and precision OEM applications. Featuring both ironless and ironcore linear motors with high-resolution encoders, it delivers ultra-smooth motion with sub-micron accuracy which is ideal for cleanroom environments and embedded applications.

XLM Series Linear Motor Stages from Parker

XLM Series Linear Motor Stages from Parker The Parker XLM Series are ironless linear motors building for machinery or instrument builders who need smooth motion and high precision. 

ZFA Series Precision Nano Positioner from Parker

ZFA Series Precision Nano Positioner from ParkerThe Parker ZFA Series is a voicecoil actuator designed to achieve nanometer level stability in milliseconds for ultra-high precision vision applications in life sciences, semiconductor and metrology applications. 

400LXR Series Linear Servo Motor Tables from Parker

400LXR Series Linear Servo Motor Tables from Parker DISCONTINUED! The Parker 400LXR Series provides highly smooth performance through slotless motor technology which minimizes current ripple in the phase transitions. Look at the mSR and XLM series for new designs. 

Expert Advice

For applications requiring linear motion, there are various types of linear mechanics that can be applied.  The three most typical types to compare are ballscrew actuators vs belt & pulleys vs linear motors. There are even various types of linear motors as explained in Episode 42 of The Motion Control Show: 

what types of electric motors are there?


Some series of precision linear motion control stages employ different technologies for different sizes to take advantage of the various benefits for different applications. 

Ask a Motion Control Engineer


Key Considerations in Choosing Linear Servo Motor Positioners

  • Precision & Speed: Linear servo motor positioners are great for high-precision applications that demand both precision and speed in the same motion application.  They are a primary technology for sub-micron positioning systems, especially ones needing high acceleration rates.  
  • Vertical Limitations: They are usually avoided in vertical applications, but there are various methods that can be employed for them.
  • In-House vs Pre-Engineered solutions: OEMs and machine builders often find themselves asking the question of whether they should design their own actuators from the coil and magnet track up or should they use pre-designed actuators. There are lot of factors to consider when debating between in-house designs versus pre-engineered solutions.
  • Linear Servo Motors: Linear servo motors are the core technology used in linear servo motor actuators. There are different types of linear servo motors to be aware of: iron core and ironless are the two primary types.
  • Linear Encoders: Linear servo motor actuators rely on linear encoders to function which do have their own errors and inaccuracies to consider and understand. 

Q & A

Q&A Section with Expand/Collapse Icons

Linear Servo Motor Positioners Q & A

+ What are linear servo motor positioners?

Linear servo motor positioners are precision motion devices that convert electrical energy into controlled linear motion using a direct-drive linear motor. They offer: 

  • Zero backlash
  • High acceleration and speed
  • Sub-micron repeatability
  • Frictionless, wear-free operation
  • Ideal for semiconductor, life sciences, lab automation, and precision manufacturing.
+ What determines the performance of a linear servo motor positioner?
The performance of linear servo motor positioners, stages and actuators is determined by the quality and designs of the various components used in it: the type of linear motor, the encoder technology, the linear bearings, and how well they are all put together.
+ Why choose Valin for linear servo motor positioners?

We help OEMs and advanced manufacturers simplify complex motion requirements using industry-leading linear servo technologies. 

+ What is the difference between a linear servo motor positioner and a ballscrew actuator?
Linear servo motor actuators are direct-drive linear actuators that offer frictionless, high-speed motion without mechanical contact for the drive train which makes them ideal for cleanroom and high-cycle applications. The only mechanical contact is the linear bearings. 
Linear ballscrew actuators use a long screw with grooves to guide a nut with ball bearings up and down it which has more mechanical advantage than a direct-drive linear motor, but also more friction which makes it less of an ideal solution for cleanrooms and applications requiring very smooth and ultra-precise motion. 
+ Can Linear Servo Motor Actuators Be Used in Multi-Axis Gantry Systems?

Yes. Valin offers complete gantry solutions using linear motors with controllers and cable management.

+ How Do I Size a Linear Servo Motor Stage?

Use the LOSTPED methodology: Load, Orientation, Speed (include acceleration), Travel, Precision, Environment (e.g. cleanroom?), and Duty cycle. Learn more about that in The Motion Control Show's Episode 19.

+ Do You Support Custom Integrations or OEM Quantities?

Yes, especially for machine builders and OEMs. There are a lot of ways to customize actuators. Here is a Customization Guide on which Parker products to start with for various typical reasons to customize.


If you have any questions or are just looking for some help, we're happy to discuss your application with you.  Reach out to us at (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form