
The AirTAC Airtac BSAI Locking Clamp Cylinder BSAI125X160 is a genuine double-acting ISO 15552 cylinder with a Ø125mm bore, 160mm stroke and a spring-applied, air-released clamp-lock that holds the rod at ANY position along its travel — with a static holding force of 8600 N.
The AirTAC BSAI125X160 is a double-acting ISO 15552 profile cylinder featuring a spring-applied, air-released clamp-lock mechanism. A defining trait of this series is the ability to secure the piston rod at any position along its 160mm travel, delivering a robust static holding force of 8600 N. It provides a practical thrust of 6136 N at 0.5 MPa, scaling up to 8590 N at the 0.7 MPa maximum operating pressure. Remember that holding force and thrust are separate quantities; you must size the 8600 N clamp capacity against your static load, not the cylinder's push thrust.
This enclasp mechanism is bidirectional, gripping securely whether the rod was extending or retracting. It requires a third G1/8 unlock port alongside the primary 1/2 PT cylinder ports, operating within a 0.15-0.7 MPa range. The clamp is fundamentally distinct from the variable air cushion, which solely decelerates the piston near stroke ends without providing any holding function. For position feedback, adding a -S magnet enables detection via AirTAC CMSE reed or DMSE solid-state sensors.
| Model | Airtac BSAI Locking Clamp Cylinder BSAI125X160 |
|---|---|
| Series | BSAI ISO 15552 clamp-lock cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø125 mm |
| Stroke | 160 mm |
| Type | Single rod (BSAI), double acting |
| Cylinder port | G1/2 |
| Rod thread | M27×2 |
| Lock type | Spring-applied, air-released clamp (any position) |
|---|---|
| Static holding force | 8600 N |
| Enclasp / unlock port | G1/8 |
| Operating pressure | 0.15 – 0.7 MPa |
| Temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Speed range | 30 – 500 mm/s |
| Max stroke | Up to 1000 mm |
Specifications follow the official AirTAC BSAI datasheet (ISO 15552). Operating pressure is 0.15–0.7 MPa (lower than a plain SAI). Port options: PT / G.
A spring-applied gripper clamps the rod and holds the load at any position in the stroke — not just at the stroke end (that is a SAIL) — and it is bidirectional: it holds whether the rod was extending or retracting.
| Pressure | Push force | Pull force |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 MPa | 6136 N | 5734 N |
| 0.7 MPa (max) | 8590 N | — |
Push/pull as tabulated. Rated to the 0.7 MPa operating maximum for this series. The clamp holding force (8600 N) is separate from cylinder thrust. Size with a margin.
Secures heavy elevated platens at any intermediate height, preventing gravity-driven drops during operation or maintenance.
Spring-applied clamp immediately engages upon air pressure loss, freezing the rod in place to protect operators and tooling.
Holds a heavy workpiece perfectly stationary at a custom stroke point for drilling or milling without drift.
Choose this 125mm bore model when a load demands extreme clamping capacity that smaller bores cannot handle; for comparison, the 100mm bore offers 5500 N holding force and 3927 N thrust at 0.5 MPa, making the 125mm size necessary for heavier rigid fixtures. Select BSAI over a SAIL model when you need the rod locked at an intermediate point rather than solely at the stroke end. If the application only requires standard movement without mid-stroke holding, a plain SAI cylinder suffices.
When replacing this unit, verify the single-rod configuration, 160mm stroke, 1/2 PT ports, and the correct mounting set (Basic, FA, FB, CA, CB, CR, LB, TC, TCM1, TCM2). The 32mm rod diameter and M27x2 thread provide excellent resistance to side loads. Crucially, the clamp locks only after the cylinder has stopped moving—it cannot brake a moving rod. Unlocking requires balanced air pressure on both sides of the piston, or the rod may jump abruptly; safety-critical applications must include an independent mechanical safety measure.
Quick checklist
The BSAI125X160 provides a static holding force of 8600 N. The clamp is spring-applied and air-released, meaning it locks the rod at any position bidirectionally, but only after the cylinder has stopped moving.
The clamp must be unlocked by applying air to the G1/8 enclasp port only after the air pressures on both sides of the piston are balanced. If pressures are not balanced, the rod can move abruptly upon release.
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