An overview of three linear motors used for industrial applications: Flat, ironless (or U-channel) and linear shaft motors. To overcome these limitations, machine designers turn to linear motors, especially for applications that require high throughput, exacting accuracy and/or aggressive motion profiles. Due to minimal contact, linear motors experience very little physical wear and therefore require minimal lubrication or maintenance. Without couplings, gear boxes or other mechanical components, linear motors exhibit zero backlash and provide near instant settling times. When combined with a linear encoder, linear motors also gain exceptionally high repeatability and precision down to the micron level in specialty applications.