Kollmorgen Introduces New High-Voltage IC Ironcore DDL Direct Drive Linear Motor

Kollmorgen Corporation recently introduced an addition to its IC Ironcore DDL motor family, expanding beyond 230 VAC products with a new capability to support 400/480 VAC-powered applications. 

Kollmorgen’s new direct drive linear motor delivers a continuous force range up to 8,211 N and peak force up to 13,448 N. When powered at higher bus voltages, the motor is inherently capable of delivering its rated force at higher speeds, making it ideal for applications like machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, battery production and industrial automation that require rapid and precise movement of heavy loads. 

Simpler, lighter, more compact machinery 

In environments with a 400 or 480 VAC bus voltage, the IC Ironcore DDL may eliminate the need for a transformer that would otherwise be required to run a motor with a lower voltage rating. In addition, a motor that runs at a higher voltage can perform a given amount of work at a lower amperage level. This lower current draw in a higher-voltage environment may allow for the use of a smaller drive amplifier and a lighter cable set. 

With smaller drives, lighter cables and no transformers, machine builders may be able to use a smaller control cabinet with lower cooling requirements. In addition, the IC Ironcore DDL motor also offers a watercooling option that increases continuous force output by up to 40–60 percent, potentially allowing specification of a smaller-size motor. All of these advantages support a lighter, more compact, and sustainable machine design that’s simpler and more affordable to build and delivers greater value to both OEMs and their customers. 

Enabling versatile solutions for customers worldwide 

Another key benefit of the IC Ironcore DDL motor is that it enables OEMs to serve global markets without significantly redesigning their machines for each region. The 230/400/480 VAC bus voltage rating meets the needs of most customers across North America, Europe and Asia. The motor is UL and CE Certified — plus RoHS and REACH Compliant — simplifying the approval process for selling machines in each target market worldwide. 

The IC Ironcore DDL motor joins Kollmorgen’s complete lineup of direct drive linear motors including the ICD Ironcore Low Profile DDL and the IL Ironless DDL. When paired with AKD or AKD2G servo drives, these motors offer ultimate precision, smoothness and reliability for demanding applications. AKD2G dual-axis servo drives can even synchronize two motors — for example in an x/y table application — while saving even more space in the control cabinet. 

“We’re proud to greatly expand the size range, power range and versatility of our direct drive linear motor portfolio with the addition of the high-voltage IC Ironcore DDL,” says Chris Cooper, senior director of product management. “This latest Kollmorgen product enables machine builders to achieve an entirely new level of linear motion performance that differentiates their designs in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

kollmorgen.com/en-us/products/motors/direct-drive/direct-drive-linear