Smartwin Linear Motors: Technological Innovation in the Field of Laser Processing

As modern manufacturing continues to pursue higher precision and efficiency, laser processing technology has become a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing, thanks to its superior accuracy, speed, and versatility. In laser cutting, welding, etching, and other laser-based systems, the motion system acts as the foundation — directly determining final processing quality.

Among these systems, the linear motor, as a new-generation core drive component, stands out with its high speed, high acceleration, and exceptional precision, driving laser processing technology toward a new era of performance and reliability.

Limitations of Traditional Drive Mechanisms

In practical laser processing applications, conventional transmission systems such as gear drives and ball screws face inherent limitations.

• Backlash occurs when the motion direction changes, leading to brief pauses or positional errors that compromise machining accuracy.

• Elastic deformation during high-speed or heavy-load operation can cause unpredictable displacement, making it difficult to achieve both high speed and high precision simultaneously.

• Furthermore, traditional mechanical systems involve complex structures and numerous components, resulting in higher maintenance costs, increased failure rates, and slower dynamic response.

As a result, conventional transmission mechanisms struggle to meet the demanding requirements of modern laser machining, especially in scenarios requiring smooth, ultra-precise, and high-speed motion.

Smartwin's Customized Linear Motor Solutions

To address these industry challenges, Smartwin has developed a series of customized linear motors precisely tailored to the needs of laser applications.

Smartwin linear motors adopt a direct-drive structure, completely eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission. Combined with self-developed drivers and high-precision encoders — including optical encoders (±1 μm repeatability) and magnetic encoders (±3 μm repeatability) — Smartwin has established a fully closed-loop motion control system that integrates core components, intelligent algorithms, and precision feedback.

This innovative architecture provides substantial benefits:

• Higher transmission efficiency and lower energy loss.

• Faster dynamic response — enabling rapid acceleration, deceleration, and direction switching.

• Elimination of backlash and elastic deformation errors, ensuring stable, vibration-free operation at high speeds.

Coreless Linear Motor Series: KYAC / CUM

The coreless linear motor series (KYAC/CUM) represents the pinnacle of Smartwin's laser-motion technology.
These motors deliver:

• High thrust, high velocity, and high acceleration.

• Thrust range from 17.5 N to 2287.5 N.

• No-load speed up to 30 m/s.

• Acceleration up to 10G.

With ultra-low velocity ripple (as low as 1 part per thousand), these motors ensure smooth motion — a crucial advantage in precision laser processing, where even micrometer-scale deviations can affect results.

Application Example 1: Curved Panel Laser Cutting

In laser cutting of non-rectangular full-screen displays — such as smartphone or automotive panels with R and C corners —Smartwin developed a four-channel fixed-beam gantry system with a marble structure for high stability and automatic loading/unloading.

The KYAC coreless linear motor, integrated with ACS motion control for arc interpolation, maintains speed fluctuation within ±1 μm, significantly enhancing yield rates and cut quality.
The system also achieves non-tapered cutting edges, setting new standards for industry precision and efficiency.

Application Example 2: Large-Area Laser Etching

In large-format laser etching, used in manufacturing 100-inch industrial touchscreens (resistive, capacitive), ITO layers, solar photovoltaic panels, and conductive silver paste circuits, Zhiying’s linear motor technology again demonstrates its superiority.

Using a fixed-beam marble gantry design, system stability and precision are dramatically improved.
The KYAC series — with maximum speed up to 30 m/s and acceleration up to 10G — enables etching line widths as fine as 20 μm and stitching precision within ±5 μm, pushing production yield rates above 98%.

Superior Performance in Precision Laser Applications

Thanks to their outstanding dynamic response, high velocity, and superior acceleration and accuracy, Smartwin's coreless linear motors deliver unparalleled performance in high-end precision laser processing applications.
They are capable of handling complex, multi-axis, and ultra-fine motion control tasks — serving as a reliable foundation for high-end laser manufacturing equipment.

Commitment to Innovation and Partnership

Smartwin remains dedicated to deep industry collaboration, focusing on customized solutions for specialized manufacturing environments. From pre-project consultation and motor selection to after-sales support and maintenance, Smartwin provides end-to-end technical services to ensure optimal system performance throughout the product lifecycle.

By working closely with global equipment manufacturers and automation partners, Smartwin continues to drive innovation — empowering the laser processing industry to achieve greater precision, productivity, and sustainability.