Abstract A mechanical press driven directly by a linear motor, which is mainly used for feeding machine tool tables, has been developed for the first time and its performance in blanking and sheet metal forming confirmed. By incorporating a learning control system, a very high accuracy level (±5μm) of the bottom dead point can be achieved in blanking operations. Other advantages such as CNC ram stroke motion control and very low noise level in blanking were also confirmed Interesting applications of the linear motor can also be looked forward in pressuring devices.