This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X180U — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X180U 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 MAL20X180U
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U 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 MBL20X180U, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke180 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X180U
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U
The AirTAC MAL20X180U is a discontinued double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder featuring a 20mm bore and 180mm stroke. It delivers 157N of push force and 132N of pull force at 0.5MPa, peaking at a theoretical 32kgf at 1.0MPa. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X180U, matching the bore, stroke, G1/8 port, and U flat-end rear cover exactly.
This legacy unit utilized threaded front and back covers on the barrel, whereas the modern MBL replacement features a riveted rolling-packed body for improved structural integrity. Because this specific SKU lacks an -S magnet, it cannot accept a position sensor. The internal piston relies on a heterogeneous two-way seal that retains grease, running on a carbon-steel rod with 20um hard chrome plating guided by a self-lubricating front-cover bearing.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X180U |
| 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 MBL20X180U 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 MBL20X180U 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 MAL20X180U
| 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 MAL20X180U Is Used
PCB Conveyor Diverter
Pushes lightweight PCB trays laterally across a 180mm gap using 157N of force at 0.5MPa, fitting easily into tight electronics assembly machinery.
Pick-and-Place Ejector
Ejects small plastic chip carriers from a test socket with rapid 30-800mm/s actuation, relying on the rigid U flat-end back cover for stable mounting.
Carton Label Applicator
Presses a label roller onto small passing cartons, where the compact 20mm aluminum body saves space and the 132N pull force safely retracts the arm.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U with MBL20X180U
To replace the MAL20X180U, order the MBL20X180U and verify your 8mm rod-end thread (M8x1.25) and PT port form. This SKU has no -S magnet, so no sensor migration is needed, but if you previously used sensors on other cylinders, note the MBL requires CMSG/DMSG/EMSG switches instead of the legacy CS1-M/DS1-M. If you need less force, step down is not an option as 20mm is the smallest bore; for more power, step up to the 25mm bore which provides 245N push at 0.5MPa. The MAL uses a fixed rubber bumper, so if your application requires adjustable end-cushioning, upgrade to the MBLC series. At 180mm stroke, the 8mm rod has low side-load tolerance, so use an external guide rail to prevent rod bending. A plain cylinder does not hold a load when air is lost; add an external rod lock for vertical safety.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X180U (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 MBL20X180U instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X180U FAQ
Yes, the MAL20X180U is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X180U, offering the same 20mm bore, 180mm stroke, 32kgf max force, G1/8 port, and U flat-end back cover. The main upgrade is a riveted rolling-packed body replacing the original threaded covers.
At 0.5MPa it provides 157N push and 132N pull, increasing to 220N push at 0.7MPa, with a maximum theoretical force of 32kgf at 1.0MPa. Because this specific SKU lacks the -S magnet option, it cannot accept CS1-M or DS1-M position sensors.
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Drop-in Upgrade
The MBL20X180U 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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