Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U
The AirTAC Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U is a double-acting pen-size (mini) air cylinder with a Ø16mm bore and 120mm stroke. Its slim round barrel and back cover are stainless steel, the M5×0.8 ports keep plumbing compact, and the fast, low-friction piston suits high-cycle small-part handling.
- BoreØ16 mm
- Stroke120 mm
- Port sizeM5×0.8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM10×1.0
- CushionElastic bumper (both ends)
About the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U
The AirTAC PB16X120U is a double-acting JIS pen-size mini cylinder engineered for compact, high-frequency small-part motion. It features a slim SUS304 stainless steel barrel and piston rod, offering excellent durability in damp or mildly corrosive environments while keeping end-of-arm tooling lightweight. Delivering 100.5 N of push force and 90.7 N of pull force at 0.5 MPa, it provides robust thrust for its 16 mm bore.
This specific configuration includes a U-type back cover, providing a 90-degree perpendicular air inlet for flat plumbing in space-constrained machinery. Air flows through an M5x0.8 port, and the rod-end features an M10x1.0 thread for secure load coupling. The unit relies on a fixed TPU bumper at each end to decelerate impact, and because it lacks a sensor magnet, position detection is not supported on this variant.
Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U |
|---|---|
| Series | PB JIS pen-size mini cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø16 mm |
| Rod diameter | Ø5 mm |
| Stroke | 120 mm |
| Acting type | Double acting |
| Port size | M5×0.8 |
| Fluid | Air (filtered by 40µm element) |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 0.15 – 0.7 MPa |
| Proof pressure | 1.2 MPa |
| Temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Speed range | 50 – 800 mm/s |
| Cushion | Elastic bumper (both ends) |
| Max standard stroke | Up to 300 mm |
Specifications follow the official AirTAC PB pen-size datasheet. Piston rod and barrel are stainless steel. Confirm bore, stroke and back-cover option against the product label before installation.
Theoretical Output Force (Ø16mm)
| Pressure | Push force | Pull force |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 MPa | 100.5 N | 90.7 N |
| 0.7 MPa (max) | 140.7 N | 126.9 N |
Values are taken from the AirTAC PB thrust table. Because pull acts on the rod-side annular area, pull force is always lower than push. Actual usable force is reduced by friction — size with a margin.
Model Code: Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U
| PB | JIS pen-size double-acting mini-cylinder series. |
|---|---|
| 16 | Bore size in mm. |
| ×120 | Stroke length in mm. |
| S | Built-in magnet for magnetic-switch position sensing (omit = no magnet). |
| CB / U / R | Back cover: CB double clevis, U 90° side inlet, R axial inlet (bore-dependent). |
Mounting accessories: LB, FA, CJ. Related PB-family variants: PSB (single-acting push), PTB (single-acting pull), PBD (double rod), PBJ (adjustable stroke), PBR (front-mount).
Where the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U Is Used
Package Diverting Gate
Actuates a lightweight routing flap on a packaging conveyor, using the 90-degree U inlet to keep air lines flat against the machine frame while pushing small cartons at 100.5 N.
PCB Edge Pinning
Extends a 5 mm rod to pin circuit boards during wave soldering, where the SUS304 stainless build resists flux fumes and mild humidity on the production floor.
Textile Loom Tensioner
Drives a small tensioning jig on a textile machine, operating at speeds up to 800 mm/s while relying on the fixed TPU bumpers to absorb impact at the 120 mm stroke ends.
Is the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U the Right Cylinder?
When sizing this actuator, plan for a safe working load of roughly 60 N, which accounts for seal friction by applying a 60% margin to the 100.5 N theoretical push at 0.5 MPa. For vertical lifts, this equates to raising about 5.1 kg safely with a 2:1 gravity margin. If your application requires less force, the adjacent PB12X10 offers 56.5 N of push at 0.5 MPa; stepping up is not applicable as this is the largest bore in the PB family. Remember that the thin 5 mm rod is designed strictly for coaxial thrust, so over the 120 mm stroke, an external linear bearing should be added to prevent side-loading damage.
To confirm your ordering essentials: specify the 16 mm bore, 120 mm stroke, M5x0.8 porting, and the U-type 90-degree side inlet. Note that a plain PB cylinder does not hold its position if air pressure is lost or the valve is centered; the piston will drift, and the fixed bumper only decelerates it near the stroke end. For fail-safe load holding, an external rod lock or mechanical stop is required.
Quick checklist
- ✓ Required force at your working pressure
- ✓ Slim pen body vs. a standard round cylinder
- ✓ Back cover: CB / U / R inlet direction
- ✓ Magnet (S) for sensors?
- ✓ Mounting: LB / FA / CJ or front thread
- ✓ Keep the load coaxial — avoid side load
Installation & Maintenance Notes
- check Use clean air filtered to 40µm or finer.
- check Keep within 0.15 – 0.7 MPa operating pressure.
- check Keep the load coaxial; avoid side load on the thin rod.
- check Do not dismantle the front or back cover.
- check Fit dust caps to ports during long-term storage.
- check Installation by qualified personnel per AirTAC docs.
Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X120U FAQ
At 0.5 MPa, the push force is 100.5 N and the pull force is 90.7 N. At the maximum operating pressure of 0.7 MPa, the push force is 140.7 N and the pull force is 126.9 N. The operating pressure range is 0.15-0.7 MPa, with a speed range of 50-800 mm/s.
The U back cover provides a 90-degree perpendicular air inlet for flat plumbing in tight spaces. Deceleration is handled by a fixed TPU bumper at each end, which is not adjustable. If moving real tooling mass at high speed, you should meter-out the exhaust or add an external shock absorber, as the bumper only decelerates the last few millimeters.
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Related AirTAC PB Pen-Size Cylinders
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