
The AirTAC Airtac SSA Single-Acting Compact Cylinder SSA12X20S 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 SSA12X20S is a compact single-acting push-type cylinder where air pressure extends the rod and an internal spring handles the retraction. It delivers 46.5 N of net push at 0.5 MPa, with the return spring force already subtracted from the raw air force. The short riveted body saves valuable axial mounting depth where a larger cylinder will not fit.
Because it requires only one air line and one solenoid port to drive the motion, plumbing is simplified and valve costs drop. This specific model includes a built-in piston magnet (-S) for direct mounting of AirTAC reed or electronic switches along the body sensor grooves. A fixed NBR bumper decelerates the stroke end, but it does not lock or hold a mid-stroke load.
| Model | Airtac SSA Single-Acting Compact Cylinder SSA12X20S |
|---|---|
| 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 small molded components from a tight fixture before the next cycle begins.
Acts as a compact stopper on a packaging conveyor, extending to halt light cartons and retracting via spring for passage.
Provides delicate hold-down pressure during automated PCB assembly, utilizing the space-saving riveted body for dense layouts.
When sizing this 12 mm bore, verify your actual load requirements against the 46.5 N net push at 0.5 MPa. A safe working load is roughly 28 N, allowing a vertical lift of about 2.4 kg with a 2:1 margin. If your application needs less force, note there is no smaller SSA bore, so this is the minimum compact option. Stepping up to the SSA16 provides 80.5 N at 0.5 MPa if you need more pushing power.
Confirm the 20 mm stroke is within the 30 mm maximum standard limit for this series. The spring returns the rod to rest when air is released, but it cannot hold a mid-stroke load without live pressure. This configuration features an M5x0.8 port, a 6 mm rod, a female M3x0.5 rod-end thread, and the -S magnet option.
Quick checklist
The net push force is 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 for your design.
Air pressure extends the rod, while the internal spring retracts it. You must supply at least 0.2 MPa to overcome the spring. If air is lost, the spring drives the rod back to rest, but it will not hold a mid-stroke load.
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