A linear motor (15) comprising a stator (16) having an opening (18), a mover (19) disposed in the opening and configured and arranged to reciprocate linearly in an axial direction (x-x) relative to the stator, the stator comprising a first pole section (21) and a second pole section (22) stacked in the axial direction and forming a recess (26) between them for receiving annular windings, the first pole section comprising a first laminate (17a) having a first cross-sectional geometry (29) and a second laminate (17b) having a second cross-sectional geometry (30) different from the first cross-sectional geometry, and the first laminate and the second laminate stacked in the axial direction.