Kollmorgen Releases High-Voltage IC Ironcore Direct Drive Linear Motors

Kollmorgen Corporation has unveiled a new high-voltage addition to its IC Ironcore direct drive linear (DDL) motor family. The linear motor is designed to support 400/480 VAC-powered systems. This addition expands beyond the product family’s 230 VAC range, providing machine builders with greater flexibility, higher force output, and improved energy efficiency when designing systems. The new motors can be used for demanding industrial applications like semiconductor manufacturing, battery production, and precision machining.

The latest additions to the IC Ironcore DDL motor lineup now support 400/480 VAC-powered environments. Image used courtesy of Kollmorgen

High-Voltage Direct Drive Linear (DDL) Motors

The newest high-voltage IC Ironcore DDL motors can be used with a wider range of power sources than Kollmorgen’s previous lineup. This ensures the motors can fit into the global marketplace without needing voltage modification. Now, with a bus rating of 230/400/480 VAC, the motors can fit into medium and high-voltage systems in America, Europe, and Asia. In addition, the motors are UL and CE certified, ensuring approval across global markets that require certain certifications for machine installation.

The IC Ironcore DDL motors are RoHS and REACH-compliant, meaning they are built to meet strict European Union standards for safety and environmental responsibility. RoHS compliance ensures the motor is free from hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and other restricted substances, while REACH compliance confirms that all chemical materials used have been evaluated for safety.

DDL motors have reduced complexity compared to alternatives that require gears, screws, or belts. Image used courtesy of Kollmorgen

Linear Motor Design

DDL motors provide precise, smooth, and high-speed motion without the need for mechanical transmission components like gears, belts, or screws. By generating linear motion directly, the motors eliminate backlash, reduce maintenance needs, and improve overall reliability. Their fast response, high accuracy, and efficient design make them ideal for use in demanding environments like semiconductor manufacturing, machine tooling, and automation systems. As a result, machine builders can achieve better performance, longer system life, and more compact, energy-efficient designs.

The new high-voltage DDL motors from Kollmorgen aim to expand machine builders’ capabilities. For example, higher voltage capabilities mean the components feeding the motor can be smaller. Higher voltage translates to lower amperage for the same wattage motor, meaning wiring can be smaller, and many of the components in the control cabinet that support the operation of the motor can also be smaller.

The new IC Ironcore DDL motor can be combined with Kollmorgen’s AKD or AKD2G servo drives to help the motors deliver a high level of precision, smooth operation, and reliability for many applications. The AKD2G dual-axis servo drive can also enhance performance by allowing synchronization of two motors. This makes the new DDL motors useful for applications like x/y table systems. The synchronizations also help in reducing the space needed in the control cabinet.

The new high-voltage DDL motors can be used in demanding applications like semiconductor manufacturing, battery production, and precision machining. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock

Enhanced Linear Motion

With the introduction of the high-voltage IC Ironcore DDL motors, Kollmorgen hopes to offer machine builders a powerful new option for enhancing automated systems. In environments with a 400 or 480 VAC bus voltage, the motor can eliminate the need for a transformer, simplifying system architecture. Its ability to operate at higher voltages may also reduce component sizing, saving on control cabinet space.