This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X260SU — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X260SU 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 MAL20X260SU
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 260mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the MBL20X260SU, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke260 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X260SU
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU
The AirTAC MAL20X260SU is a discontinued compact double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder with a 20mm bore and 260mm stroke. It delivers 157N of push force and 132N of pull force at 0.5 MPa. AirTAC replaced this legacy unit with the MBL20X260SU, a drop-in alternative retaining the exact same G1/8 port, M8x1.25 rod thread, and U flat-end rear cover. This smallest bore size in the range is designed for light-duty positioning in tight spaces.
This SKU includes a built-in magnet (-S) for position detection. On the MAL, this magnet pairs with the older CS1-M or DS1-M reed switches, whereas the MBL replacement transitions to the current CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG sensor families. Structurally, the original MAL features threaded front and back covers, while the modern MBL utilizes a riveted rolling-packed body for faster assembly. The piston relies on a heterogeneous two-way seal that retains grease, and the carbon-steel rod has a 20 um hard-chrome plating to resist wear.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X260SU |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 260 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 MBL20X260SU 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 MBL20X260SU 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 MAL20X260SU
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×260 | 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 MAL20X260SU Is Used
PCB Test Handler
Drives the Z-axis probe head on an automated printed circuit board functional tester, using the 260mm stroke to clear tall stacked fixtures and the 157N push force to compress pogo pins reliably.
Bin Pick-and-Place
Actuates a small vacuum cup arm to extract lightweight plastic injection-molded caps from deep storage bins, where the 20mm compact body fits between narrow guide rails.
Lab Vial Indexing
Pushes a 24-vial carrier block one position at a time on a diagnostic analyzer carousel, relying on the U flat-end cover for rigid mounting against the machine frame.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU with MBL20X260SU
To replace the MAL20X260SU, order the MBL20X260SU. Confirm your 20mm bore, 260mm stroke, G1/8 port, and PT tapered thread form. The U flat-end back cover provides a rigid rear mount, and the -S magnet requires upgrading your CS1-M or DS1-M switches to the CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG series on the new MBL. If your application needs adjustable end-of-stroke cushioning rather than the fixed rubber bumper found on this MAL, step up to the MBLC variant on the current line.
For sizing flexibility, stepping down is not an option as 20mm is the smallest available bore. If you need more power, the next size up is the 25mm bore, which provides 245N of push force at 0.5 MPa compared to this cylinder's 157N. Because this is a 260mm stroke, the 8mm rod has limited tolerance for side loads; use an external guide rail to prevent rod bending. A plain MAL or MBL does not hold its position when air pressure is lost, so install an external rod lock or pilot-operated check valve if gravity or load drift is a concern.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X260SU (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 MBL20X260SU instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU FAQ
Yes, the MAL20X260SU is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X260SU, which matches the 20mm bore, 260mm stroke, G1/8 port, and U flat-end mounting. The primary change is structural: the MAL uses threaded covers while the MBL uses a riveted rolling-packed body.
The 20mm bore generates 157N push and 132N pull at 0.5 MPa, 220N push at 0.7 MPa, and a maximum theoretical force of 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa. Because this SKU includes the -S magnet, it works with older CS1-M and DS1-M switches on the MAL; if you upgrade to the MBL replacement, you must use CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG sensors.
Authorized Export Seller
Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
Drop-in Upgrade
The MBL20X260SU replaces this model 1:1.
Fast Dispatch
MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
Fast Reply
Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
Recommended AirTAC MBL Replacements
Request a Quote (Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X260SU → MBL20X260SU)
Tell us the quantity and destination — we quote the drop-in MBL20X260SU replacement with price, stock and lead time, usually within 7-8 hours.