This paper describes the characterization and fabrication of tubular linear permanent-magnet motor (TLPMM). The motor is single-phase moving-magnet with a quasi-Halbach magnetization patterns. The soft magnetic composite (SMC) material, Somaloy 700, has been used for the fabricated stator core of the TLPMM and a single ring coil has been placed in this stator. Meanwhile, the translator consists of permanent-magnet (PM) rings, Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) rode on a supporting tube made of ferromagnetic material. This kind of motor has a simple structure, high force capability, and high efficiency. Therefore, the proposed motor with these characteristics is possible to drive the piston in a reciprocating compressor of the refrigerator applications with more energy saving. Based on the simulation results from the Finite-Element Analysis (FEA), it is possible to fabricate a TLPMM with efficiency more than 94 . Moreover, it is shown that the proposed motor has a capability to operate the reciprocating compressor in the refrigeration applications. © Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017.