AirTAC Pneumatics
AirTAC MAD Series Double-Rod Mini Cylinders
The AirTAC MAD is a double-rod round-body mini cylinder in 16-40mm bores that pushes and pulls with equal force, with a built-in magnet and bumper pads on every model.
inventory_2144 models availableSeries Overview
The MAD is AirTAC's standard double-rod version of its round-body mini cylinder family. A piston rod exits both covers, so the effective area is the rod-side area in either direction: output force is EQUAL pushing and pulling, and the twin rods resist rotation of the load. Bores run 16, 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm with matching rods of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 mm, giving roughly 86 N to 528 N of thrust at 0.5 MPa - the same in both directions - and up to about 108 kgf at 1.0 MPa on the 40 mm bore.
The body is a rolling-packed unit: a high-precision stainless-steel barrel with aluminium-alloy front and back covers and a stainless-steel block riveted and rolled onto it, so there are no tie-rods and no extruded profile. The carbon-steel rods carry a 20 um hard-chrome plating, and the piston's two-way seal also stores grease, so the cylinder runs on filtered air (40 um) with no lubrication required. Every model carries a built-in magnet as standard for CMSG, DMSG or EMSG switches. Ports are M5x0.8 on the 16 mm bore and 1/8 inch on 20-40 mm; thread options are PT, G or NPT. The catalogue states no ISO 6432 or JIS designation for this series, so specify it by AirTAC code (MAD bore X stroke S). Cushioning is by fixed bumper pads, which soften the stroke end but do not brake or hold the piston.
Neighbouring variants cover the rest of the mini family: MA is the single-rod bumper version, MACD adds a variable cushion for higher speeds in the same double-rod format, and MAJ / MACJ give adjustable stroke.
Browse Models
Airtac MAD Double Rod Mini Cylinder MAD40X300S
SKU: MAD40X300S
$100.00$107.50
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Airtac MAD Double Rod Mini Cylinder MAD40X350S
SKU: MAD40X350S
$108.16$115.66
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Airtac MAD Double Rod Mini Cylinder MAD32X400S
SKU: MAD32X400S
$94.20$101.70
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Typical Applications
Push-pull part transfer in small assembly stations
A twin-rod mini cylinder shuttles small components between nests or chucks. Because the rod area is the same both ways, cycle timing and grip force stay identical in each direction, and the second rod keeps the toolplate from rotating.
Package diverting and squaring on packing lines
On carton and blister lines, MAD cylinders in 25-40 mm bores (206-528 N at 0.5 MPa) push packages square or divert them off a lane. The 30-800 mm/s speed band suits fast, short-stroke moves, and the built-in magnet feeds a CMSG or DMSG switch for confirm sensors.
Paper and label handling in printing equipment
Registration pushes, web guides and idler lifters need equal, rotation-free strokes in tight spaces. The 16-20 mm MAD bores with M5 and 1/8 inch ports slot into compact print heads, and the rolling-packed stainless barrel keeps the envelope narrow.
Clamping and ejecting in jigs and fixtures
Fixture clamps and small ejectors benefit from the MAD's symmetry: the same force clamps and releases, so a 32 mm bore gives about 346 N each way at 0.5 MPa. Fixed bumper pads soften the clamp seat without needing an adjustable-cushion variant.
How to Choose the Right Model
Start from the force you need at your working pressure, not the bore. At 0.5 MPa the MAD delivers about 86 N (16 mm), 132 N (20 mm), 206 N (25 mm), 346 N (32 mm) or 528 N (40 mm), equally in push and pull; plan on roughly 60% of the rating as real work and keep a margin, then choose the stroke. Because the magnet is standard, add the S code and pick a CMSG, DMSG or EMSG switch for end-of-stroke feedback. Confirm five things before ordering: bore, stroke, port thread (M5 or 1/8 inch, in PT, G or NPT), mounting style, and the magnet code - on the MAD the magnet is already built in, so the S is standard.
Step within the mini family when the duty changes: choose MA if you only need a single rod, MACD if higher speed calls for an adjustable cushion, or MAJ / MACJ if the stroke must be tuned on the machine. If your application needs ISO 6432 interchangeability or a different body format, the MAD is not the match - confirm the interface against the AirTAC datasheet or ask us which family fits. Drive the cylinder with an AirTAC 4V or 3V solenoid valve, and remember that bumper pads only soften the ends: if the load must be held on air loss, add a mechanical lock, rod brake or pilot check valve.
Quick checklist
- ✓ Required force at your working pressure
- ✓ Stroke and available mounting space
- ✓ Port / thread type (PT / NPT / G)
- ✓ Sensor / magnet option (-S)?
- ✓ Side load — consider a guided model
Frequently Asked Questions
At 0.5 MPa, with force EQUAL in both directions because a rod exits each cover: about 86 N on the 16 mm bore, 132 N on 20 mm, 206 N on 25 mm, 346 N on 32 mm and 528 N on 40 mm. Peak figures at 1.0 MPa run roughly 18 to 108 kgf across the same bores. Rod diameters are 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 mm respectively, and ports are M5x0.8 on the 16 mm bore and 1/8 inch on 20-40 mm.
All share the round-body mini platform. MA is the single-rod bumper cylinder; MAD is the double-rod version with equal force both ways and natural rotation resistance. MACD keeps the double-rod format but adds a variable cushion for higher speeds. MAJ and MACJ provide adjustable stroke. Choose by rod count, speed and whether the stroke must be tuned on the machine.
The catalogue assigns no ISO 6432 or JIS designation to this series, so treat it as a dedicated AirTAC part and specify it by code: MAD bore X stroke S, for example MAD20X100S. The S (built-in magnet) is standard on the series, so CMSG, DMSG or EMSG switches can be fitted for position feedback. Thread is chosen as PT, G or NPT on the order code.
No. The bumper pads only soften the piston as it reaches the end of stroke; like any double-acting air cylinder, the MAD moves when the pressure balance changes and does not lock on air loss. If the load must be held, add a mechanical lock, a rod brake or a pilot check valve in the port circuit. Weight and detailed dimensions should be confirmed from the datasheet.
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