
The AirTAC Airtac SSA Single-Acting Compact Cylinder SSA12X20 is a genuine single-acting COMPACT cylinder (single acting, push type) with a Ø12mm bore and 20mm stroke. Air pushes the rod and an internal spring returns it, so one solenoid line drives the motion — ideal for short-stroke clamping and ejection in tight spaces.
The AirTAC SSA12X20 is a compact single-acting push-type cylinder where air pressure extends the rod and an internal spring retracts it. It generates 46.5 N of net push at 0.5 MPa, with the return spring force already subtracted to give you a real design figure. This 12 mm bore model uses a 6 mm rod and an M5x0.8 port.
Because only one air line and one solenoid port are required to drive the motion, plumbing is simplified for tight fixtures. The short riveted body saves axial mounting depth where larger profile cylinders will not fit. A fixed NBR bumper handles end-of-stroke shock, and this specific SKU lacks a piston magnet, so it cannot accept position switches.
| Model | Airtac SSA Single-Acting Compact Cylinder SSA12X20 |
|---|---|
| Series | SSA compact single-acting cylinder |
| Bore size | Ø12 mm |
| Stroke | 20 mm |
| Acting type | Single acting, push type |
| Port size | M5×0.8 |
| Rod end thread | M3×0.5 female / M5×0.8 male (B) |
| Fluid | Air (filtered by 40µm element) |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 0.2 – 1.0 MPa |
| Proof pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Speed range | 50 – 500 mm/s |
| Cushion | Fixed NBR bumper |
| Max standard stroke | Up to 30 mm |
Specifications follow the official AirTAC SDA-family datasheet. Single-acting types start at 0.2 MPa (the spring must be overcome). Confirm against the product label before installation.
| Pressure | Push force (net) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 MPa | 47 N |
| 0.7 MPa | 69 N |
These are NET output forces — the return-spring force is already deducted. Single-acting push only; the spring performs the opposite stroke. Size with a safety margin.
| SSA | Compact single acting, push type cylinder series. |
|---|---|
| 12 | Bore size in mm. |
| ×20 | Stroke length in mm (single-acting max 30 mm). |
| S | Built-in magnet for magnetic-switch sensing (omit = none). |
| B | Male-thread piston rod (omit = female thread). |
Thread: PT standard. SSA pushes out / spring returns; STA pulls in / spring extends. Related: SDA (double acting), SDAD (double rod), SDAJ (adjustable stroke).
Uses the 46.5 N net push to eject lightweight molded components from a tight fixture without requiring a return air line.
Extends 20 mm to push small cartons on a conveyor, relying on the internal spring to retract instantly when air is released.
Holds delicate test samples in place during processing, where the compact 12 mm bore saves valuable bench space.
When sizing this model, the 46.5 N net push at 0.5 MPa yields a safe working load of roughly 28 N, or a vertical lift of about 2.4 kg with a 2:1 margin. If your application requires less force, stepping down is not possible as 12 mm is the smallest available bore. Stepping up to the SSA16 provides 80.5 N at 0.5 MPa if you need more extension power.
This configuration features a 12 mm bore, a 20 mm stroke (well under the 30 mm series ceiling), an M5x0.8 port, and a female M3x0.5 rod-end thread. Remember that the spring drives the rod back to rest upon air loss, so it will not hold a mid-stroke load without live pressure or an external lock. Operating pressure must be at least 0.2 MPa to overcome the internal spring.
Quick checklist
This cylinder provides a net push force of 46.5 N at 0.5 MPa and 69.2 N at 0.7 MPa. These figures already account for the internal return spring resistance, giving you the true usable output.
No, this specific SKU does not include a piston magnet and cannot accept sensing switches. You would need the SSA12X20S variant to use AirTAC reed or electronic switches for position detection.
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