The IMS-LM series linear stages are designed for self-supporting applications with travel ranges from 300 mm to 600 mm. The stages feature a robust design with high performance but with low cost, making them cost-effective solutions for precision industrial applications such as semiconductor wafer inspection, microelectronics test and assembly, pick and place, DNA sequencing, or laser machining.
Based on the industry proven technology of the ILS and IMS, the IMS-LM series utilizes a FEM optimized aluminum extruded body that is extremely stiff, while minimizing the bending effect caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the aluminum body and the steel rails.
Unlike screw driven stages, the IMS-LM employs a centrally-located linear motor as the driving element. This drive system is absolutely noise-free and has the advantage of higher speed, acceleration and system responsiveness without the wear associated with motor brushes or drive screws. With the fully integrated linear motor, the IMS-LM is more than 100 mm shorter than a comparable screw driven stage. Thus, the IMS-LM is the optimum solution for space constrained applications that require high-throughput, high reliability, and ultra-quiet operation.
The IMS-LM uses a high efficiency 3-phase synchronous ironcore linear motor. While ironcore linear motors are often known for cogging and ...

The IMS-LM series linear stages are designed for self-supporting applications with travel ranges from 300 mm to 600 mm. The stages feature a robust design with high performance but with low cost, making them cost-effective solutions for precision industrial applications such as semiconductor wafer inspection, microelectronics test and assembly, pick and place, DNA sequencing, or laser machining.
Based on the industry proven technology of the ILS and IMS, the IMS-LM series utilizes a FEM optimized aluminum extruded body that is extremely stiff, while minimizing the bending effect caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the aluminum body and the steel rails.
Unlike screw driven stages, the IMS-LM employs a centrally-located linear motor as the driving element. This drive system is absolutely noise-free and has the advantage of higher speed, acceleration and system responsiveness without the wear associated with motor brushes or drive screws. With the fully integrated linear motor, the IMS-LM is more than 100 mm shorter than a comparable screw driven stage. Thus, the IMS-LM is the optimum solution for space constrained applications that require high-throughput, high reliability, and ultra-quiet operation.
The IMS-LM uses a high efficiency 3-phase synchronous ironcore linear motor. While ironcore linear motors are often known for cogging and high attractive forces, their efficiency is almost twice as high as those of ironless linear motors. This results in higher acceleration and significantly less heat generation which is often limiting the performance of rapid point-to-point positioning.
Recirculating ball bearing slides with caged balls provide excellent payload capabilities and long life. The ball separators in the recirculating elements ensure superior smooth movement, lower noise, and longer service life compared to uncaged ball bearing slides.
Precision position feedback is supplied by a highly repeatable linear scale mounted inside the stage. The encoder signals are interpolated by Newport’s XPS motion controller with sub-nm resolution for outstanding position sensitivity, repeatability, and stability. Absolute home position and limit signals are incorporated on the same scale avoiding the use of additional electronics or mechanics for improved reliability and accuracy.