This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X170U — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X170U 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 MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 170mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the MBL20X170U, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke170 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X170U
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U
The AirTAC MAL20X170U is a discontinued compact double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder. It delivers 157 N of push force at 0.5 MPa and features an 8 mm carbon-steel rod with a 20 um hard-chrome plating for wear resistance. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X170U, which matches the 20 mm bore, 170 mm stroke, G1/8 port, and U flat-end back cover perfectly.
This legacy MAL unit relies on a threaded front and back cover assembly, whereas the modern MBL uses a riveted rolling-packed body for faster production. Because this specific SKU lacks an -S magnet, it cannot support any position sensing. The internal piston uses a heterogeneous two-way seal that retains grease, working alongside a self-lubricating front-cover bearing guide to ensure smooth operation across the 170 mm travel.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X170U |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 170 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 MBL20X170U 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 MBL20X170U 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 MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×170 | 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 MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U Is Used
PCB Depaneling Router
Cycles a routing bit assembly across 170 mm to singulate printed circuit boards, utilizing the 157 N push force at 0.5 MPa to maintain positive forward feed without stalling.
Small Parts Ejector
Pushes lightweight plastic injection-molded components out of a tight mold cavity, relying on the compact 20 mm aluminum body to fit within a restricted machine envelope.
Micro-Clamp Actuator
Actuates a secondary holding clamp for small electronic connectors during an ultrasonic welding process, where the rigid U flat-end back cover ensures precise alignment.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U with MBL20X170U
To replace the MAL20X170U, order the MBL20X170U. Confirm your 170 mm stroke, the default PT tapered port thread, and the rigid U flat-end back cover. Since this model has no -S magnet, you cannot mount a sensor; if you need position detection, you must upgrade to an MBL20X170S and use the current CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG switches instead of the older CS1-M or DS1-M. If your application requires an adjustable air cushion rather than the fixed rubber bumper found here, step up to the MBLC20X170U.
For sizing flexibility, you can step down to the next available bore if space is tight, though smaller options do not exist in this mini series. Stepping up to a 25 mm bore yields 245 N of push force at 0.5 MPa. At 170 mm of travel, the 8 mm rod is susceptible to bending under lateral stress; use an external guide rail or a pivot mounting accessory to manage side loads. Remember that a plain double-acting cylinder does not hold its position when air pressure drops—the rod will drift, so add an external rod lock for suspended loads.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X170U (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 MBL20X170U instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X170U FAQ
Yes, the MAL series is end-of-life. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X170U. It offers the same 20 mm bore, 170 mm stroke, 8 mm rod, G1/8 port, and U flat-end back cover. The main physical difference is that the legacy MAL uses threaded covers while the MBL uses a riveted rolling-packed body.
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. Because this specific SKU lacks a built-in magnet, it cannot accommodate a position sensor.
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The MBL20X170U replaces this model 1:1.
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MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
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