The invention relates to a device for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement of a machine which has a rack (21) that is connected to operating components, especially a primary forming or re-forming machine. A first hollow shaft motor is provided, enveloping the longitudinal axle of the rack (21) in the area facing away from the operational components. The rotor (13) of said first hollow shaft motor (11) is connected to a transmission (30) whose input axle is identical to the axle of the hollow shaft motor (11) and which has at least one output axle that is connected to at least one driving toothed wheel (34) that meshes with the rack (21).