This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is B01-MBL20X250U — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the B01-MBL20X250U in place of this model. The MBL replacement upgrades to a riveted rolling-packed body and the current CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensor switches (the MAL used CS1-M / DS1-M).
Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U
The AirTAC Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 250mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the B01-MBL20X250U, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke250 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → B01-MBL20X250U
About the Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U
The AirTAC B01-MAL20X250U is a discontinued double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder. The leading "B01-" prefix marks this as an application-dedicated (customer-specified) variant of the base MAL20X250U, meaning it is mechanically identical to the standard catalog model. Delivering 157 N of push force at 0.5 MPa, it provides compact actuation for tight spaces.
AirTAC replaced the MAL series with the MBL line, making the MBL20X250U the exact drop-in replacement. It shares the same 20 mm bore, 250 mm stroke, G1/8 port, and flat-end U cover. The legacy MAL features threaded front and back covers, whereas the newer MBL utilizes a riveted rolling-packed body. Internally, a heterogeneous two-way seal retains grease, and the carbon-steel rod has a 20 um hard-chrome plating to resist wear.
Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | B01-MBL20X250U |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 250 mm |
| Acting type | Double acting |
| Port size | G1/8 |
| Rod thread | M8×1.25 |
| Fluid | Air (filtered by 40µm element) |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 0.1 – 1.0 MPa |
| Proof pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Speed range | 30 – 800 mm/s |
| Cushion | Fixed rubber bumper |
| Max standard stroke | Up to 500 mm |
Specifications follow the official AirTAC MAL datasheet (now discontinued). The B01-MBL20X250U carries the same ratings. Confirm against the product label before installation. Thread options: PT / G / NPT.
Theoretical Output Force (Ø20mm)
| Pressure | Push force | Pull force |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 MPa | 157 N | 132 N |
| 0.7 MPa | 220 N | — |
| Max (@1.0 MPa) | 32 kgf | |
The B01-MBL20X250U produces the same force from the same bore — a true drop-in on output. Actual usable force is lower than theoretical; size with a margin.
Model Code: Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×250 | Stroke length in mm. |
| S | Optional magnet for a CS1-M / DS1-M sensor (MBL uses CMSG/DMSG/EMSG). |
| CA / U / CM | Back cover: CA pivot, U flat-end or CM round-end. |
Replacement mapping: MAL → MBL, MSAL → MSBL, MTAL → MTBL, MALD → MBLD, MALJ → MBLJ.
Where the Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U Is Used
PCB Depaneling Router
Pushes a carrier plate into a routing fixture with 157 N of force at 0.5 MPa, fitting easily into tight electronics assembly enclosures.
Small Parts Ejector
Ejects lightweight plastic moldings from a chute using a 250 mm stroke, relying on the rigid U flat-end cover to keep the rear mount stable.
Connector Insertion Arm
Cycles at 30-800 mm/s to press pin headers into sockets, where the compact 20 mm bore saves valuable vertical machine space.
Replacing the Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U with B01-MBL20X250U
To replace this unit, order the MBL20X250U, which matches the 20 mm bore, 250 mm stroke, PT thread, and rigid U flat-end cover. Because this SKU lacks an -S magnet, it cannot accept a position sensor. If you need position detection, order the MBL20X250S and note that the newer MBL uses CMSG / DMSG / EMSG switches instead of the older CS1-M / DS1-M sensors. The MAL uses a fixed rubber bumper, not an adjustable cushion; for deceleration control, step up to the current MBLC line.
When sizing, note that the 20 mm bore offers 157 N push at 0.5 MPa. If you need less force, there is no smaller MAL bore available. If you need more force, stepping up to the 25 mm bore yields 245 N push at 0.5 MPa. Because this is a 250 mm stroke, the 8 mm rod has low side-load tolerance; use an external guide rail to prevent rod bending. A plain bumper does not hold position if air pressure drops, so fit a pilot-operated check valve for suspended loads.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the B01-MBL20X250U (same bore/stroke/force)
- ✓ Same G1/8 port and mounting accessories
- ✓ Sensor: swap CS1-M/DS1-M → CMSG/DMSG/EMSG
- ✓ Need a cushion? use MBLC (adjustable air cushion)
- ✓ Confirm back cover (CA / U) and thread (PT/NPT/G)
Installation & Maintenance Notes
- check Use clean air filtered to 40µm or finer.
- check Keep within 0.1 – 1.0 MPa operating pressure.
- check Avoid side load on the piston rod.
- check Front/rear covers are threaded — not intended for field disassembly.
- check Use the correct mounting accessory (LB / FA / SDB) and back cover (CA / U / CM).
- check For new builds, specify the B01-MBL20X250U instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac B01-MAL Special Purpose Cylinder B01-MAL20X250U FAQ
Yes, the B01-MAL20X250U is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X250U, which matches the 20 mm bore, 250 mm stroke, G1/8 port, and U flat-end cover. The "B01-" prefix simply denotes an application-dedicated variant of the base MAL model, so the MBL replacement functions identically.
At 0.5 MPa, the push force is 157 N and the pull force is 132 N. At 0.7 MPa, the push force is 220 N, with a maximum theoretical force of 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa. The fixed rubber bumper softens the end of stroke but does not lock the rod; if air is lost, the cylinder drifts and cannot hold a load without an external rod lock or pilot-operated check valve.
Authorized Export Seller
Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
Drop-in Upgrade
The B01-MBL20X250U replaces this model 1:1.
Fast Dispatch
MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
Fast Reply
Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
Recommended AirTAC MBL Replacements
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