Dunkermotoren Launches Precision ServoLinear and ServoTube Motors for Diagnostics

In the high-stakes world of medical diagnostics, where accuracy and speed can directly impact patient outcomes, the performance of every component matters. Among the unsung heroes of this field are electric linear motors—quietly powering everything from fluid handling systems to complex robotic pick-and-place mechanisms. As diagnostic labs scale up to meet growing demand, these motors are becoming indispensable for their precision, flexibility, and reliability.

Each application brings with it a multitude of requirements that must be considered when designing a diagnostic machine. Smooth running, good controllability, high accuracy, a long service life, freedom from wear and maintenance are essential criteria especially as linear motors generate little to no wear particulate - critical for maintaining clean diagnostic conditions. Particularly in the medical/diagnostics sector, it is extremely important to always be at the cutting edge of technology to present doctors and patients with the most innovative solutions. This prompts designers to always be on the lookout for new solutions that improve on the mentioned criteria. Each subsequent generation of devices improves the reliability of the overall system and increases machine performance. In particular, the increasing number of tests, such as blood counts, inevitably leads to automation of the test equipment. Large laboratories are already looking for compact, modular test cells that can be expanded with little effort, even as demand increases. Another important criterion is the rapid reporting and transfer of test results to the doctor and patient.




With the electric linear motors (ServoLinear and ServoTube), Dunkermotoren offers the market a solution that can be used very flexibly. From individual axes to multi-axis systems, highly dynamic and flexible linear modules are tailored specifically to the customer's needs. The linear motors in the ServoLinear and ServoTube series impress with maximum acceleration, speed and precision, without the backlash or hysteresis typically associated with gear- or thread-based systems. Thanks to the integrated sine-cosine encoder, the position can always be determined precisely and absolutely, with accuracies of up to 6 µm. For even higher requirements of 1 µm, precision-accurate linear absolute encoders can be used.

A linear motor from Dunkermotoren is highly modular and can be adapted to any application in different versions, many of which are self-guided, eliminating the need for additional guiding mechanisms in compact systems. Despite their different configurations — whether as actuators, components, TwinGuide systems, modules, or even stainless steel variants — they all deliver the same high level of performance and handling.

Each of these designs offers maximum precision and a long service life - depending on the application, running performances of more than 50,000 km can be achieved, all without the need for lubrication, which simplifies maintenance and reduces contamination risk in sensitive environments. With minimal maintenance requirements and extreme reliability, and consistent force output over their entire operational lifetime, the ServoLinear motors are impressive across the board. The 3-phase motor with integrated 1 Vpp SIN/COS feedback

can be connected to numerous servo controllers from various well-known manufacturers. The connection principle of the linear motors is comparable to that of a commercially available rotary servo motor with Sin/Cos encoder system. This means that they can be easily and flexibly integrated into any machine manufacturer's control concept. An explanatory video on the advantages of linear motors, as well as on modularity and flexibility, is available on our website or our Dunkermotoren social media channels. Helpful FAQs that answer typical initial questions are also available online.




Dunkermotoren offers a perfectly matched linear motor package for the ServoTubes 25/38 and ServoLinear 38 with the DME 230x4 or DME400x8 servo controller series. The controller hardware and settings are matched to the linear motors and make commissioning even easier. There are two ways for the customer to control the motors: either via one of the widely used bus systems (Profinet, Ethercat or CANopen) or digital signals (24 V inputs or outputs). If the latter is the case, the customer has the option of saving a sequence program in the controller. With a maximum of 500 programming lines, complex travel profiles can be implemented without a higher-level bus system.

Even the use of a single linear motor can offer the customer enormous advantages. Thanks to very high cycle times and excellent controllability, these motors significantly boost machine performance. They also operate with virtually no mechanical noise, which is an important factor in maintaining a quiet lab environment. Compared to other linear technologies, the acquisition costs are quickly amortized due to increased performance and lower operating costs. However, if the rod-guided direct motors are used within a multi-axis system, two linear motors can also perform highly complex movements independently of each other. A gantry is usually constructed as an XYZ or XYYZ variant. With the linear motor multi-axis systems from Dunkermotoren, several motors can be moved differently on one axis. With this type of multi-axis system, higher machine outputs can be achieved than with typical pick & place robots.

By using programmable S-ramps, Dunkermotoren's linear motors can handle even very sensitive products evenly without causing the slightest damage to the samples or components - even if these movements are carried out simultaneously and under maximum dynamics. For larger loads and only low dynamics in the Z-axis, it is possible to use another linear product (CASM cylinder) from Dunkermotoren.

The CASM series (electric lifting cylinders) is also a perfect 1:1 replacement for pneumatic cylinders in sizes 32-63. It also allows the Z-axis to be held in position, even when deenergized.

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