This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X270U — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X270U 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 MAL20X270U
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 270mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the MBL20X270U, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke270 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X270U
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U
The AirTAC MAL20X270U is a discontinued compact double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder with a 20mm bore and 270mm stroke. It delivers 157N of push force and 132N of pull force at 0.5 MPa, utilizing a G1/8 port and an Ø8mm carbon-steel rod with 20µm hard chrome plating. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X270U, which matches the bore, stroke, output force, port size, and mounting dimensions exactly.
This legacy U-type SKU features a rigid flat-end back cover and a fixed rubber bumper for end-of-stroke damping. Because this specific configuration lacks the -S magnet option, it cannot accommodate a position sensor. The original MAL body uses threaded front and back covers, whereas the modern MBL replacement features a riveted rolling-packed body for enhanced structural integrity.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X270U |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 270 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 MBL20X270U 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 MBL20X270U 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 MAL20X270U
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×270 | 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 MAL20X270U Is Used
PCB Component Insertion
Drives a 270mm travel carriage for inserting through-hole connectors into circuit boards, utilizing the 157N push force at 0.5 MPa to seat parts without damaging the substrate.
Small Carton Flap Folding
Folds secondary packaging flaps on a compact cartoning machine, where the rigid U flat-end back cover withstands direct inline axial impact during the 270mm extension cycle.
Lab Tube Rack Ejection
Ejects filled test tube racks from a diagnostic analyzer loading dock, relying on the self-lubricating front-cover bearing guide to maintain smooth motion across the 270mm stroke.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U with MBL20X270U
To replace the MAL20X270U, order the MBL20X270U, ensuring the 270mm stroke, G1/8 port, and rigid U flat-end back cover are retained. The default PT tapered thread form is preserved. If your application requires position sensing, you must upgrade to an MBL20X270US model, noting that the modern MBL uses CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG switches instead of the older CS1-M/DS1-M sensors. The fixed rubber bumper cannot be adjusted; if precise end-cushioning is required, step up to the MBLC variant on the current line.
For sizing flexibility, stepping down to the next available bore is not applicable as 20mm is the smallest in this series, but stepping up to a 25mm cylinder yields 245N push force at 0.5 MPa. A plain MBL does not hold its load when air pressure is lost; the rod will drift, so an external rod lock or pilot-operated check valve is required for fail-safe holding. Because the stroke is 270mm, the small 8mm rod has low side-load tolerance; use an external guide rail or a pivot mounting accessory to prevent rod bending.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X270U (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 MBL20X270U instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X270U FAQ
Yes, the MAL20X270U is discontinued. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X270U, which offers the same 20mm bore, 270mm stroke, G1/8 port, and rigid U flat-end back cover. The modern MBL uses a riveted rolling-packed body instead of the threaded covers found on the MAL.
At 0.5 MPa, the push force is 157N and the pull force is 132N. At 0.7 MPa, the push force is 220N, with a maximum theoretical force of 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa. Because this specific SKU lacks the -S magnet, it cannot take a position sensor; sensing requires an MBL20X270US using CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG switches.
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Drop-in Upgrade
The MBL20X270U replaces this model 1:1.
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