A linear motor has many advantages next to conventional feed mechanisms: high transitional speed and acceleration, high control performance, and good positioning accuracy at high speed. Through the omission of a power transfer element, the linear motor shows no wear and no backlash, has a long lifetime, and is easy to assemble. A disadvantage of the linear motor is low efficiency and resultant high-temperature rise in itself and neighboring structures during operation. This paper presents the thermal behavior of the linear motor as a feed mechanism in machine tools. To improve the thermal behavior, an insulation layer is used. By placing the insulation layer between the primary part and the machine table, both the temperature difference and the temperature fluctuation in the machine table due to a varying motor load are reduced.