Airtac MSK Multi-position Locking Cylinder MSK16X20S
The AirTAC Airtac MSK Multi-position Locking Cylinder MSK16X20S is a genuine MK multi-mount cylinder (single acting, push type), 16 mm bore. Its compact square body fixes from six directions and mounts side by side to save space. It delivers about 70.4 N of push force at 0.5 MPa. A bumper cushions the impact. As an MK unit a fixed rod stops the piston rod rotating.
- TypeMulti-mount, single acting, push type
- SeriesMK (no-rotating)
- Bore16 mm
- Push thrust @0.5 MPa70.4 N
- Operating pressure0.2 - 1.0 MPa (28 - 145 psi)
- Port sizeM5x0.8
- CushionBumper
- MagnetWith magnet (sensor-ready)
- ThreadPT
- 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 MSK Multi-position Locking Cylinder MSK16X20S
The MSK16X20S is an AirTAC MK-series multi-mount cylinder: a compact square-body unit fixable from 6 directions (front, back, left, right, top and bottom) that mounts side by side with matching units to save space on the machine frame. This version is single acting, push type, with a 16 mm bore and 20 mm stroke: air extends the rod and a spring retracts it. At 0.5 MPa the theoretical push force is about 70.4 N, and the cushion is a bumper. Magnetic-switch slots run around the body and no added lubricant is required.
This is a genuine AirTAC part. The MK family is the no-rotating variant - a fixed rod, brass bushing and no-rotating plate typically keep the rod from turning, which keeps plates and pads square to the load. The trailing S in the SKU means this cylinder is supplied WITH a magnet for position sensing. We confirm exact dimensions, weights and sizing details from the datasheet on request.
Airtac MSK Multi-position Locking Cylinder MSK16X20S Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac MSK Multi-position Locking Cylinder MSK16X20S |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-mount cylinder, single acting, push type |
| Series | MK (no-rotating) |
| Bore | 16 mm |
| Push thrust @0.5 MPa | 70.4 N |
| Port size | M5x0.8 (PT thread) |
| Magnet | With magnet (S) |
| Fluid | Air, filtered to 40 um |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 0.2 - 1.0 MPa (28 - 145 psi) |
| Proof pressure | 1.5 MPa (215 psi) |
| Temperature | -20 to 70 C |
| Speed range | 50 - 500 mm/s |
| Cushion | Bumper |
| Mounting | Fix from 6 directions; mountable side by side |
Specifications follow the official AirTAC MD/MK multi-mount data. The front cover and piston are short, so avoid an over-long stroke. An optional high-temperature seal material extends the range to 0 to 150 C. Overall dimensions vary per stroke and allowable side-load is published as curves — ask us and we confirm from the datasheet.
How to choose
Size the bore to the force: the 16 mm single-acting push delivers about 70.4 N at 0.5 MPa, so choose a larger bore for heavier clamps or stoppers. MK prevents rod rotation while MD allows it, so pick MK when the pad or plate must stay square. MSK is single-acting push; MK double acting and MTK single-acting pull are the alternatives.
The 20 mm stroke is the maximum listed for single-acting cylinders, so an over-long stroke is not an option on this cover - keep within it. The trailing S means a magnet is built in, letting switches in the body slots signal rod position; drop the S if sensing is not needed. Port thread is PT as standard with a G option, M5x0.8 on this bore. Side-load figures come from the datasheet - route that check to us.
Applications
Pick-and-place indexing
Side-by-side mounting of several units builds a compact multi-position lifter; the magnet lets the controller confirm each rod position without extra sensors.
Small-parts clamping
The no-rotating rod holds a clamp pad square while the single-acting push grips the part; losing air pressure releases the clamp via spring return.
Gate and stopper duty
Fixed from the top or bottom of a line, the non-rotating rod raises a stopper squarely into the product path, with the magnet signalling up and down positions.
FAQ
What does the S at the end of MSK16X20S mean when selecting this cylinder?
The trailing S means the cylinder is supplied with a magnet, so reed or solid-state switches seated in the slots around the square body can detect rod position. The same cylinder without the S (MSK16X20) has no magnet and cannot be sensed this way. If you need end-position feedback, keep the S; otherwise the plain version does the same push job at 0.2-1.0 MPa.
How do the 6-way mounting and short stroke limits affect installation?
The square body can be fixed from any of 6 directions and units can sit side by side, which suits tight multi-station layouts. But the 20 mm stroke is the maximum for single-acting cylinders of this style, so do not plan a longer travel here. For side-load capacity and exact body dimensions per stroke, confirm from the datasheet or ask us.