This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X180SU — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X180SU 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 MAL20X180SU
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 180mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the MBL20X180SU, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke180 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X180SU
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU
The AirTAC MAL20X180SU is a discontinued double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder, delivering a push force of 157 N at 0.5 MPa. It features a 20mm bore, an 8mm carbon-steel rod with 20 um hard chrome plating, and a fixed rubber bumper. The U suffix denotes a rigid flat-end back cover for straightforward inline mounting.
AirTAC replaced this legacy unit with the MBL20X180SU, a true drop-in alternative retaining the exact 180mm stroke, G1/8 port, and M8x1.25 rod thread. The original MAL body used threaded front and back covers, whereas the current MBL utilizes a riveted rolling-packed body. Crucially, the -S magnet on this MAL works with older CS1-M / DS1-M switches, while the MBL replacement requires the modern CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensor family.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X180SU |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 180 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 MBL20X180SU 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 MBL20X180SU 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 MAL20X180SU
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×180 | 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 MAL20X180SU Is Used
PCB Depaneling Router
Provides 157 N of push force at 0.5 MPa to actuate the cutting head on a compact PCB depaneling machine, fitting easily into tight electronics assembly cells.
Connector Insertion Press
Drives an 8mm rod over a 180mm stroke to seat pin headers into plastic housings, relying on the self-lubricating front-cover bearing guide for smooth, low-friction travel.
Carton Flap Folder
Cycles rapidly at 30-800 mm/s to fold minor flaps on small packaging cartons, where the fixed rubber bumper safely absorbs the end-of-stroke impact without requiring external cushions.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU with MBL20X180SU
To replace the MAL20X180SU, order the MBL20X180SU and verify your bore, 180mm stroke, and PT threaded G1/8 port. Confirm the U flat-end back cover and the -S magnet. Because the -S magnet on the MAL only works with CS1-M / DS1-M switches, you must upgrade to CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensors for the MBL. If you need an adjustable air cushion instead of the fixed rubber bumper, step up to the current MBLC variant.
For sizing flexibility, stepping down is not an option as 20mm is the smallest mini round bore. Stepping up to the 32mm bore yields a higher 402 N push force at 0.5 MPa. At 180mm stroke, the 8mm rod has low side-load tolerance; use an external guide rail to prevent rod bending. Note that a plain bumper does not hold the load if air pressure drops; add a pilot-operated check valve for position holding.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X180SU (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 MBL20X180SU instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180SU FAQ
Yes, the MAL20X180SU is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X180SU. It matches the 20mm bore, 180mm stroke, G1/8 port, M8x1.25 rod, and U flat-end back cover. The MBL body uses a riveted rolling-packed design instead of the threaded covers found on the MAL, and the -S magnet now requires CMSG / DMSG / EMSG switches instead of the older CS1-M / DS1-M sensors.
At 0.5 MPa, the MAL20X180SU delivers 157 N of push force and 132 N of pull force. At 0.7 MPa, the push force increases to 220 N, with a theoretical maximum of 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa. It operates on filtered air from 0.1 to 1.0 MPa, handles temperatures from -20 to +70 C, and cycles at speeds between 30-800 mm/s.
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Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
Drop-in Upgrade
The MBL20X180SU replaces this model 1:1.
Fast Dispatch
MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
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Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
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