The SMC MXH16-30Z is a compact pneumatic slide table designed for applications that need short-stroke linear motion with high rigidity and guided accuracy. It is part of SMC’s MXH-Z compact slide series, which combines an air cylinder and a recirculating linear guide into one integrated unit. This structure is widely used in automation equipment where a standard rod cylinder is not ideal because the load needs better resistance to moment loads and more stable travel parallelism.
SMC’s MXH series documentation describes the platform as a double-acting, single-rod compact slide with features such as rubber bumpers, auto switch capability, and a compact guide design intended for industrial compressed-air systems. The MXH-Z series is positioned as a higher-rigidity compact slide option for machine builders who need reliable guided motion in small installation spaces.
For the requested model:
MXH16-30Z
Bore size: 16 mm
Stroke: 30 mm
Configuration shown in the current datasheet: No switch (base unit)
Product Weight
For your requirement to include product weight, the current SMC datasheet for MXH16-30Z lists:
Weight: 0.260 kg (260 g)
This is the most direct and reliable value because it comes from a model-specific datasheet (not only a series-level table). For reference, older MXH series catalog tables may show different weights depending on version generation and exact configuration, but for MXH16-30Z, the model datasheet value is the correct one to use for quoting and catalog description.
Key Specifications Table
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SMC |
| Model | MXH16-30Z |
| Product Type | Compact slide table / guided pneumatic actuator |
| Series | MXH-Z Compact Slide |
| Bore Size | 16 mm |
| Stroke | 30 mm |
| Operation | Double acting, single-rod cylinder |
| Pressure Medium | Compressed air |
| Minimum Operating Pressure | 0.06 MPa |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 0.7 MPa |
| Proof Pressure | 1.05 MPa |
| Ambient Temperature (with magnet) | -10°C to 60°C |
| Pressure Medium Temperature (with magnet) | -10°C to 60°C |
| Pneumatic Connections | 2 ports |
| Port Size | M5 |
| Maximum Piston Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Cushioning | Rubber bumper |
| Theoretical Force (Advance, 0.5 MPa) | 101 N |
| Theoretical Force (Return, 0.5 MPa) | 86 N |
| Allowable Moment Mp | 3.49 N·m |
| Allowable Moment My | 3.49 N·m |
| Allowable Moment Mr | 6.47 N·m |
| Allowable Kinetic Energy | 0.05 J |
| Product Net Weight | 0.260 kg |
All values above are from the MXH16-30Z model datasheet.
What Makes MXH16-30Z Different from a Standard Air Cylinder
The MXH16-30Z is not just a cylinder with a mounting plate. Its design integrates a linear guide and slide table, which gives it much better behavior under offset loads and moment loads than a simple rod cylinder. In practical machine design, this matters when the tooling is mounted above or away from the centerline, such as with grippers, vacuum pads, sensors, or inspection heads. SMC’s MXH series catalog emphasizes improved allowable moments and high rigidity achieved by the guide structure, which is exactly why this type is commonly selected in compact automation modules.
The MXH platform is also described as suitable for compact mounting layouts, and the catalog highlights that it can be mounted in multiple directions. That flexibility helps in fixtures, transfer units, and packaging/assembly equipment where the machine designer often has to work around tight frame spacing.
Performance Advantages in Real Applications
1) High Rigidity for Short-Stroke Motion
With a 16 mm bore and 30 mm stroke, the MXH16-30Z sits in a very practical range for short transfer moves, part positioning, and stopper mechanisms. The short stroke is often preferred when cycle time matters and the machine only needs a controlled linear movement between two repeatable positions. Because the slide is guided, it can maintain better travel stability than many basic cylinder solutions.
2) Good Force Output for Compact Automation
The datasheet lists 101 N advance force and 86 N return force at 0.5 MPa, which is a useful force level for many light-to-medium automation tasks. This is enough for common applications such as:
Small part transfer
Positioning and stopping
Fixture actuation
Compact clamping assist motion
Sensor head indexing
Actual usable load depends on speed, overhang, friction, and mounting condition, but the published force values provide a clear baseline for engineering selection.
3) Strong Moment Resistance for a Compact Unit
A key reason engineers select the MXH series is moment capacity. The MXH16-30Z datasheet lists allowable moments of Mp 3.49 N·m, My 3.49 N·m, and Mr 6.47 N·m, which are important when the payload center of gravity is offset from the table center. This is especially relevant in pick-and-place fixtures and tooling plates where the mounted part or bracket creates pitch, yaw, or roll moments during motion.
Typical Application Scenarios
The MXH16-30Z is a strong fit for compact industrial automation systems that need guided motion over a short travel. Common uses include:
| Application Area | Typical Function |
|---|---|
| Assembly Fixtures | Move a part into a locating or fastening position |
| Packaging Equipment | Short shuttle motion, stopper movement, lane control |
| Electronics Production | Precision movement of small carriers or test heads |
| Inspection Stations | Controlled slide movement for sensors or cameras |
| Material Handling | Compact transfer motion with better rigidity than rod cylinders |
SMC’s MXH catalog also shows application examples such as precision adsorption and component transfer, which aligns with these use cases.
Engineering Selection Considerations
Load Overhang and Moment
Even with a guided slide, selection should not be based only on bore size or thrust. SMC’s MXH documentation explicitly notes that model selection should consider load and moment conditions, and it provides selection graphs for overhang and speed. This is important because a long overhang can reduce performance margin even if the nominal payload is light.
Speed and Impact Management
The model supports up to 500 mm/s piston speed, but that does not mean every payload should run at maximum speed. End-of-stroke impact, payload fragility, and cycle duty should be considered. The unit uses rubber bumpers for cushioning, so pneumatic speed control and mechanical design still matter for durability in high-cycle applications.
Pneumatic and Environmental Conditions
The published operating range is 0.06 to 0.7 MPa, and the temperature range (with magnet) is -10°C to 60°C. These limits should be checked against the actual plant air system and machine enclosure temperature, especially for high-duty or warm-process environments.
Auto Switch Integration
The MXH-Z series is auto switch capable, but the specific datasheet entry for MXH16-30Z indicates No Switch in the listed configuration. If PLC feedback is required, switch type and lead wire configuration should be specified as part of the final ordering code.
SEO-Oriented Product Summary
SMC MXH16-30Z is a compact, high-rigidity pneumatic slide table actuator designed for guided linear motion in industrial automation equipment. It features a 16 mm bore, 30 mm stroke, double-acting air operation, and an integrated linear guide structure that improves stability and moment resistance compared with standard rod cylinders. The model datasheet lists 0.260 kg weight, 101 N forward force, 86 N return force (at 0.5 MPa), M5 ports, and rubber bumper cushioning, making it suitable for assembly fixtures, transfer mechanisms, and precision short-stroke positioning systems.
