Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU
The AirTAC Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU is a double-acting pen-size (mini) air cylinder with a Ø16mm bore and 40mm 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
- Stroke40 mm
- Port sizeM5×0.8
- Acting typeDouble acting
- Rod threadM10×1.0
- CushionElastic bumper (both ends)
About the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU
The AirTAC PB16X40SU is a double-acting JIS pen-size mini cylinder engineered for compact, high-frequency motion. It features a 16mm bore and a 40mm stroke, generating 100.5 N of push and 90.7 N of pull at 0.5 MPa. The slim SUS304 stainless steel barrel and piston rod provide excellent durability in damp or mildly corrosive environments, while keeping end-of-arm tooling weight to an absolute minimum. This specific configuration includes a built-in piston magnet for position sensing and a U-type back cover that accepts a 90-degree side air inlet for flat plumbing against machine frames.
Air enters via an M5x0.8 port, driving the Ø5 mm rod at speeds from 50 to 800 mm/s. Rather than an adjustable air cushion, the cylinder relies on a fixed TPU bumper at each end to absorb impact during the final millimeters of travel. Because this bumper is not adjustable, high-speed cycles with heavy tooling require metering out the exhaust or adding an external shock absorber. The maximum operating pressure is 0.7 MPa.
Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU Technical Specifications
| Model | Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU |
|---|---|
| Series | PB JIS pen-size mini cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø16 mm |
| Rod diameter | Ø5 mm |
| Stroke | 40 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 PB16X40SU
| PB | JIS pen-size double-acting mini-cylinder series. |
|---|---|
| 16 | Bore size in mm. |
| ×40 | 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 PB16X40SU Is Used
PCB Depaneling Router
Provides the precise coaxial clamping force needed to hold a printed circuit board panel steady against a depaneling router bit without crushing the substrate.
Blister Pack Sealing
Drives a small heated platen to seal medical blister packs, utilizing the 90-degree side inlet to keep plumbing flush against the tight packaging machine frame.
Sorting Diverter Gate
Actuates a lightweight diverter arm on a conveyor line to route small plastic bottles, relying on the built-in magnet to confirm gate position via a solid-state switch.
Is the Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU the Right Cylinder?
When sizing this actuator, plan for a safe working load of roughly 60 N (about 60% of the 100.5 N theoretical push at 0.5 MPa) to account for seal friction and smooth travel. In vertical lift terms, this equates to lifting about 5.1 kg with a sane 2:1 safety margin. If your application requires less force, stepping down to the Ø12 bore yields 56.5 N push at 0.5 MPa; if you need more power, note that this Ø16 is the largest bore available in the PB pen-size family. The thin Ø5 mm rod is designed strictly for coaxial thrust, so over long strokes or off-axis loads you should add an external guide or linear bearing to prevent side-loading damage.
A plain double-acting cylinder does not hold its position or load when air is lost or the valve is centered—the piston will drift, and the TPU bumper only decelerates near stroke end rather than locking the rod. For any fail-safe holding requirement, an external stop or rod lock is required. To order, confirm the 16mm bore, 40mm stroke, M5x0.8 port, the S magnet for reed or electronic switches, and the U 90-degree side inlet back cover.
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 PB16X40SU FAQ
At 0.5 MPa, this 16mm bore cylinder provides 100.5 N push and 90.7 N pull. At the maximum operating pressure of 0.7 MPa, it provides 140.7 N push and 126.9 N pull. The operating pressure range is 0.15-0.7 MPa, with a proof pressure of 1.2 MPa. It operates at speeds between 50 and 800 mm/s.
No, a standard double-acting pen cylinder drifts when air is lost or the valve is centered. The fixed TPU bumpers at each end only decelerate the piston near the stroke ends; they do not act as a lock or brake. You must add an external rod lock or mechanical stop to hold a load safely in a vertical lift application.
Authorized Export Seller
Genuine AirTAC parts produced by AirTAC factory.
1-Year Warranty
Covers non-human-caused product damage.
Fast Dispatch
Standard models usually ship in 3-4 days.
Fast Reply
Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
Related AirTAC PB Pen-Size Cylinders
Request a Quote for Airtac PB Pen-type Cylinder PB16X40SU
Send us the quantity and destination. We confirm price, stock and lead time — usually within 7-8 hours.