This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is B05-MBL20X160S — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the B05-MBL20X160S 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 B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S
The AirTAC Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 160mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the B05-MBL20X160S, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke160 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → B05-MBL20X160S
About the Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S
The AirTAC B05-MAL20X160S is a discontinued compact double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder. The B05- prefix marks it as a robot or manipulator (pick-and-place) dedicated variant, mechanically identical to the standard MAL20X160S. It delivers 157 N push and 132 N pull at 0.5 MPa. AirTAC replaced the entire MAL line with the MBL series, making the MBL20X160S your exact drop-in replacement. It matches the 20 mm bore, 160 mm stroke, 32 kgf max force, G1/8 port, and PT thread.
The legacy MAL body uses threaded front and back covers, whereas the modern MBL features a riveted rolling-packed body for equally robust performance. This specific SKU includes a built-in magnet (-S) for position detection. On the older MAL, this works with CS1-M or DS1-M reed switches; upgrading to the MBL means switching to the current CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG sensor family. The cylinder relies on a fixed rubber bumper for end-of-stroke damping and uses a heterogeneous two-way seal to retain grease.
Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | B05-MBL20X160S |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 160 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 B05-MBL20X160S 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 B05-MBL20X160S 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 B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×160 | 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 B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S Is Used
Pick-and-Place Robot Arm
Ideal for manipulator end-effectors moving small electronic components, utilizing the 160 mm stroke to reach into tight machine trays with 157 N of push force.
PCB Board Handling
Extends to push raw printed circuit boards into testing fixtures, where the compact 20 mm bore fits neatly alongside conveyor rails without collision.
Light-Part Ejection
Retracts quickly at 30-800 mm/s to eject small plastic housings from a molding cavity, relying on the 132 N pull force to strip the part cleanly.
Replacing the Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S with B05-MBL20X160S
To replace this manipulator cylinder, order the MBL20X160S. Confirm your 160 mm stroke, G1/8 port, and PT thread. Because this SKU has the -S magnet, you must update your position sensing: the MAL used CS1-M / DS1-M switches, but the MBL requires CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensors. If your pick-and-place cycle needs adjustable end-cushioning to stop loads smoothly, step up to the MBLC20X160S, as the MAL only offers a fixed rubber bumper. Note that a plain cylinder drifts when air is lost; for vertical pick-and-place arms that must hold position during an outage, add an external rod lock.
For sizing flexibility, you can step down to a 16 mm bore if you need less force (though AirTAC MAL starts at 20 mm, so you would look at the smaller MBL16 series), or step up to the MAL25 / MBL25 bore which provides 245 N push at 0.5 MPa. At 160 mm stroke, the 8 mm rod is susceptible to bending if side loads occur; ensure your robot arm uses a smooth external guide or pivoting knuckle to prevent rod damage.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the B05-MBL20X160S (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 B05-MBL20X160S instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac B05-MAL Robot-Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder B05-MAL20X160S FAQ
Yes, the B05-MAL20X160S is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X160S, which matches the 20 mm bore, 160 mm stroke, G1/8 port, and mounting. The B05- prefix simply designated it for robot and pick-and-place manipulator use; the replacement MBL20X160S performs the identical function.
At 0.5 MPa it provides 157 N push and 132 N pull; at 0.7 MPa it pushes 220 N, with a maximum theoretical force of 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa. Because this SKU includes a magnet (-S), it accepts position sensors. The legacy MAL uses CS1-M / DS1-M switches, but the MBL replacement requires the newer CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensor family.
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Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
Drop-in Upgrade
The B05-MBL20X160S replaces this model 1:1.
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MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
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Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
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