This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. You can still order this code here: we ship the direct replacement MBL20X280CA, with the same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. 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 MAL20X280CA
The AirTAC MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 280mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the direct replacement is the MBL20X280CA, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke280 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X280CA
- No minimum order. A single piece can be ordered.
- Ready in 3–5 business days. That is the time we take to process the order and hand it to the carrier. Transit time after that depends on the destination.
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA
The AirTAC MAL20X280CA is a discontinued double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder with a 20mm bore and 280mm stroke, delivering 157N of push force at 0.5MPa. Its compact footprint makes it highly effective for tight assembly machinery. AirTAC replaced this legacy unit with the MBL20X280CA, a direct alternative retaining the exact bore, stroke, force, G1/8 port, and CA pivot mounting.
This specific SKU lacks a built-in magnet, meaning it cannot support position sensing. The original MAL body relies on threaded front and back covers, whereas the newer MBL utilizes a riveted rolling-packed body for structural rigidity. Both designs incorporate a fixed rubber bumper to soften end-of-stroke impacts rather than an adjustable air cushion. The piston relies on a heterogeneous two-way seal that retains grease, paired with a self-lubricating front-cover bearing guide to support the Ø8mm hard-chrome plated carbon-steel rod.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X280CA |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 280 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 MBL20X280CA 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 MBL20X280CA produces the same force from the same bore. Actual usable force is lower than theoretical; size with a margin.
Model Code: Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×280 | 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 MAL20X280CA Is Used
PCB Router Gantry
Drives a small routing head across 280mm of travel on an electronics assembly line, utilizing the 157N push force to position cutting tools accurately.
Pouch Divert Arm
Actuates a lightweight swinging arm to deflect flat packaging pouches between upper and lower conveyor belts in tight packaging cells.
Tray Stacker Ejector
Pushes empty component trays out of a vertical stacking magazine, relying on the CA pivot to absorb slight angular misalignments during ejection.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA with MBL20X280CA
To replace the MAL20X280CA, order the MBL20X280CA, ensuring you match the PT tapered thread, CA pivot back cover, and lack of a magnet. If your application requires position detection, you must step up to an -S designated SKU; note that the older CS1-M or DS1-M switches used on the MAL do not fit the MBL, which requires current CMSG, DMSG, or EMSG sensors. Because this cylinder lacks an adjustable cushion, upgrading to the MBLC series is recommended if you need end-of-stroke deceleration. A plain MAL or MBL does not hold its load when air pressure drops; the rod will drift, so utilize an external rod lock for vertical safety.
At 280mm of stroke, the Ø8mm rod is highly susceptible to bending under lateral stress. The CA clevis back cover is explicitly designed to accommodate arcing loads by pivoting on a pin, but for straight-line rigid setups, adding an external guide rail is critical to prevent seal damage. If you need to adjust your force output, stepping down is not an option below 20mm in this series, but stepping up to the 25mm bore yields 245N of push force at 0.5MPa.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X280CA (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 MBL20X280CA instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA FAQ
Yes, the MAL20X280CA is discontinued. The direct replacement is the AirTAC MBL20X280CA. It provides identical bore, stroke, port, and mounting dimensions, though the MBL features a riveted body instead of threaded covers.
At 0.5MPa, it provides 157N of push and 132N of pull force. At 0.7MPa, push increases to 220N, with a theoretical maximum of 32kgf at 1.0MPa. Because this specific SKU lacks the -S magnet, it cannot accept CS1-M or DS1-M position sensors.
Authorized Export Seller
Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
Direct Upgrade
The MBL20X280CA replaces this model 1:1.
Fast Dispatch
MBL replacements are processed and dispatched in 3-5 business days.
Fast Reply
Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
Recommended AirTAC MBL Replacements
Request a Quote (Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X280CA → MBL20X280CA)
Tell us the quantity and destination — we quote the direct MBL20X280CA replacement with price, stock and lead time, usually within 7-8 hours.