Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U
The AirTAC Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U is a double-acting pen-size (mini) air cylinder with a Ø16mm bore and 20mm 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
- Stroke20 mm
- Port sizeM5×0.8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM10×1.0
- CushionElastic bumper (both ends)
About the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U
The AirTAC PB16X20U is a JIS pen-size double-acting mini cylinder engineered for compact, high-frequency motion. It delivers 100.5 N of push and 90.7 N of pull at 0.5 MPa from a slim SUS304 stainless steel body. The U suffix indicates a 90-degree perpendicular side air inlet, allowing flat plumbing against machine frames where axial fittings would protrude.
This 16 mm bore unit uses an M5x0.8 port and a 5 mm piston rod with an M10x1.0 rod-end thread. Travel is governed by a fixed TPU bumper at each end rather than an adjustable air cushion. Because the bumper only decelerates the final few millimeters, high-speed cycles with heavy tooling require metering out the exhaust or adding an external shock absorber.
Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U |
|---|---|
| Series | PB JIS pen-size mini cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø16 mm |
| Rod diameter | Ø5 mm |
| Stroke | 20 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 PB16X20U
| PB | JIS pen-size double-acting mini-cylinder series. |
|---|---|
| 16 | Bore size in mm. |
| ×20 | 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 PB16X20U Is Used
PCB Test Fixture
Drives a bed-of-nails probe array downward into printed circuit boards, utilizing the 90-degree side inlet to keep pneumatic plumbing flush with the testing dock.
Carton Flap Folder
Tucks small corrugated box flaps prior to tape sealing, where the fixed TPU bumper absorbs the impact of the short 20 mm stroke without requiring external adjustment.
Light Pick-and-Place
Actuates a small vacuum gripper on an end-of-arm tooling plate, lifting electronic components weighing up to 5.1 kg vertically with a safe 2:1 margin.
Is the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X20U the Right Cylinder?
When sizing this actuator, plan for a safe working load of roughly 60 N (about 60% of the 0.5 MPa push force) to account for seal friction and smooth travel. If you need to step down, the adjacent 12 mm bore offers 56.5 N push at 0.5 MPa. Stepping up is not available as this is the largest diameter in the PB family. A plain double-acting cylinder drifts when air is lost or the valve is centered, so applications requiring fail-safe holding need an external rod lock. Confirm your ordering essentials: 16 mm bore, 20 mm stroke, M5x0.8 port, U side inlet, and no magnet.
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 PB16X20U 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 standard double-acting cylinder will drift if air is lost or the valve is centered. The fixed TPU bumper only decelerates the piston near the end of stroke; it does not act as a lock. An external stop or rod lock is required for fail-safe load holding.
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Covers non-human-caused product damage.
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Standard models usually ship in 3-4 days.
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