This model is discontinued
AirTAC has phased out the MAL series. The drop-in replacement is MBL20X550-S-CA — same bore, stroke, output force, port and mounting, so it fits the same application. Simply order the MBL20X550-S-CA 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 MAL20X550-S-CA
The AirTAC Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA is a double-acting aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder with a Ø20mm bore and 550mm stroke, G1/8 air ports and a fixed rubber bumper. This model is discontinued — the drop-in replacement is the MBL20X550-S-CA, which matches its bore, stroke, force and mounting.
- BoreØ20 mm
- Stroke550 mm
- Port sizeG1/8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM8×1.25
- StatusDiscontinued → MBL20X550-S-CA
About the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA
The AirTAC MAL20X550-S-CA is a discontinued double-acting aluminum mini round cylinder with a 20mm bore and 550mm stroke. Because the stroke exceeds the 500mm standard maximum, this is a non-standard, made-to-order configuration. It delivers 157N of push force at 0.5 MPa and features a built-in magnet for position sensing. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X550-S-CA, matching the bore, stroke, output force, G1/8 port, and CA pivot mounting.
This legacy unit features a CA pivot back cover that swings on a pin to accommodate arcing loads, which is critical for a 550mm stroke. The original MAL body uses threaded front and back covers, whereas the current MBL replacement uses a riveted rolling-packed body. The -S magnet on this MAL works with older CS1-M / DS1-M switches; upgrading to the MBL requires switching to the current CMSG / DMSG / EMSG sensor family. The 8mm carbon-steel rod has a 20 um hard chrome plating, and the piston uses a heterogeneous two-way seal that retains grease.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA |
|---|---|
| Series | MAL aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder (discontinued) |
| Replacement | MBL20X550-S-CA |
| Bore size | Ø20 mm |
| Stroke | 550 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 MBL20X550-S-CA 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 MBL20X550-S-CA 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 MAL20X550-S-CA
| MAL | Aluminum-barrel mini round cylinder, double acting (discontinued). |
|---|---|
| 20 | Bore size in mm (20/25/32/40). |
| ×550 | 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 MAL20X550-S-CA Is Used
Textile Loom Tentering
Drives the guiding arm on a textile tentering frame, using the 157N push force and CA pivot to smoothly adjust fabric width across the 550mm travel.
Pallet Transfer Diverter
Swings a diverter arm on a packaging conveyor, where the CA clevis absorbs arcing moments and the magnet confirms the extended position.
Vertical Parts Elevator
Raises small plastic components out of a hopper over 550mm, relying on the self-lubricating bearing guide to maintain smooth motion in a tight space.
Replacing the Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA with MBL20X550-S-CA
To replace this MAL with the MBL20X550-S-CA, confirm the 20mm bore, 550mm non-standard stroke, PT thread, and CA pivot back cover. If your application requires an adjustable air cushion instead of the fixed rubber bumper found on the MAL, specify the MBLC variant on the current line. If you need to adjust force, stepping down is not an option below 20mm, but stepping up to the 25mm bore yields 245N of push force at 0.5 MPa. A plain MBL does not hold its position or load when air is lost; the rod drifts, so use an external rod lock or pilot-operated check valve for safety. Because the 8mm rod is small and the stroke is 550mm, side-load tolerance is low; always use an external guide rail to prevent rod bending.
Upgrade checklist
- ✓ Order the MBL20X550-S-CA (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 MBL20X550-S-CA instead of this discontinued model.
Airtac MAL20 Aluminum Alloy Mini Cylinder MAL20X550-S-CA FAQ
Yes, the MAL series is end-of-life. The exact drop-in replacement is the MBL20X550-S-CA, which matches the 20mm bore, 550mm stroke, force, G1/8 port, and CA pivot. You must update your sensors, as the older CS1-M / DS1-M switches are replaced by CMSG / DMSG / EMSG switches on the MBL.
The 20mm bore provides a push force of 157N and a pull force of 132N at 0.5 MPa. At 0.7 MPa, the push force is 220N. The maximum theoretical force is 32 kgf at 1.0 MPa.
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The MBL20X550-S-CA replaces this model 1:1.
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MBL replacements usually ship in 3-4 days.
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