Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U
The AirTAC Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U is a double-acting pen-size (mini) air cylinder with a Ø16mm bore and 12mm 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
- Stroke12 mm
- Port sizeM5×0.8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM10×1.0
- CushionElastic bumper (both ends)
About the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U
The AirTAC PB16X12U is a JIS pen-size double-acting single-rod mini cylinder engineered for high-frequency small-part motion. It delivers a theoretical push of 100.5 N and pull of 90.7 N at 0.5 MPa. The slim SUS304 stainless barrel and piston rod provide durability in damp or mildly corrosive environments, while the compact profile saves payload on light end-of-arm tooling.
This specific configuration features a 12 mm stroke and a U-type back cover, providing a 90-degree perpendicular air inlet for flat plumbing in confined spaces. Air connects via an M5x0.8 port, and the rod end uses an M10x1.0 thread. Deceleration relies on a fixed TPU bumper at each end, which is not field-adjustable.
Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U |
|---|---|
| Series | PB JIS pen-size mini cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø16 mm |
| Rod diameter | Ø5 mm |
| Stroke | 12 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 PB16X12U
| PB | JIS pen-size double-acting mini-cylinder series. |
|---|---|
| 16 | Bore size in mm. |
| ×12 | 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 PB16X12U Is Used
PCB Depaneling Router
Provides the short 12 mm clamping thrust to hold circuit boards steady during automated routing and V-groove cutting operations.
Blister Pack Sealing
Cycles rapidly to press lid foils against plastic blister cavities, utilizing the fixed TPU bumper to soften the final impact.
Sorter Diverter Gate
Actuates lightweight routing flaps on a packaging conveyor, where the 90-degree U inlet keeps air lines flush against the frame.
Is the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X12U the Right Cylinder?
When sizing this actuator, plan for a safe working load of about 60 N, representing roughly 60% of the 100.5 N theoretical push at 0.5 MPa to account for seal friction. Alternatively, it can vertically lift about 5.1 kg with a 2:1 safety margin. If you need less force, the adjacent Ø12 bore provides 56.5 N of push at 0.5 MPa; stepping up is not required as Ø16 is the largest in this family.
Because this is a double-acting cylinder, the piston will drift and fail to hold a load if air pressure is lost or the valve is centered—an external rod lock is required for fail-safe positioning. The Ø5 mm piston rod is built for coaxial thrust, so avoid side-loading. To order, confirm the 16 mm bore, 12 mm stroke, U side-inlet, and note that no sensor magnet is installed.
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 PB16X12U 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 is 140.7 N and the pull is 126.9 N. The operating pressure range is 0.15-0.7 MPa, with a speed of 50-800 mm/s.
No, a plain double-acting cylinder drifts when air is lost or the valve is centered. The fixed TPU bumper only decelerates the piston near the stroke end and does not act as a brake. You must add an external rod lock or mechanical stop to hold a vertical load safely.
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