MGPM12-50Z-M9N: SMC Guided Rod Cylinder, The Precision Drive Expert for Industrial Automation

MGPM12-50Z-M9N is a guided rod cylinder manufactured by SMC Japan, belonging to the MGP-Z series. Featuring a slide bush guide structure, this cylinder is characterized by a compact design, high rigidity, and high precision. It is widely used in industrial automation control systems, providing a reliable linear drive solution for space-constrained precision applications.

Core Product Advantages

1. Compact and Lightweight Design By shortening the guide rod and changing the end plate thickness, weight is reduced by up to 24%, achieving space savings. The guide rod is shortened by up to 22mm, reducing the machining allowance for installation clearance holes. It is particularly suitable for applications with limited space.
2. High-Precision Positioning Capability The slide bush guide structure ensures high repeat positioning accuracy, guaranteeing precision in delicate assembly and gripping operations, meeting the demands of high-precision automation applications.
3. Convenient Sensor Installation Cylindrical proximity sensors and strong magnetic field resistant sensors can be installed directly without a spacer plate, facilitating easy implementation of position detection and closed-loop control.
4. High Rigidity and Torque Resistance The built-in guide rod structure enhances torque resistance, ensuring high-precision linear motion. It is suitable for applications that must withstand lateral loads.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Item	Specification Value	Description
Series	MGP-Z Series	Product Series
Bore Size	12mm	Cylinder Bore Diameter
Stroke	50mm	Piston Stroke
Operation Type	Double-Acting	Bi-directional Drive
Operating Pressure Range	0.12 ~ 1.0 MPa	Working Pressure Range
Maximum Operating Pressure	1.0 MPa	Max. Working Pressure
Proof Pressure	1.5 MPa	Pressure Resistance
Operating Fluid	Air	Working Medium
Ambient Temperature	-10 ~ 60°C	Operating Temperature Range
Piston Speed	50 ~ 500 mm/s	Speed Adjustment Range
Port Size	M5×0.8	Port Connection
Bearing Type	Slide Bush	Guide Bearing Type
Cushion Type	Cushion Both Ends	Cushioning Form
Lubrication Method	Non-Lubricated	Lubrication Type
Sensor	M9N	Non-contact Magnetic Sensor, with LED indicator
Weight	Approx. 0.3 kg	Product Weight

Theoretical Thrust:

• At 0.2 MPa: IN direction 17N, OUT direction 23N
• At 0.5 MPa: IN direction 42N, OUT direction 57N
• At 1.0 MPa: IN direction 85N, OUT direction 113N

Model Breakdown

• MGPM:​ SMC Guided Rod Cylinder Series Code, M indicates slide bush
• 12:​ Bore Size 12mm
• 50:​ Stroke 50mm
• Z:​ With Magnet (Sensor detectable)
• M9N:​ Magnetic Sensor Model (Non-contact, pre-wired, with LED indicator, 3-wire NPN)

Working Principle

The MGPM12-50Z-M9N utilizes a double-acting cylinder structure. When compressed air enters the rodless side, the air pressure pushes the piston, generating thrust to extend. When compressed air enters the rod side, the air pressure pushes the piston to retract. The directional control of compressed air via a solenoid valve enables the cylinder’s reciprocating motion. The guide rod is arranged parallel to the piston rod and guided via the slide bush, ensuring motion precision and rigidity.

Working Flow:

1. Compressed air is directed into the cylinder via a solenoid valve.
2. Air pressure pushes the piston rod to extend or retract.
3. The piston rod moves the slide table along the guide rod via the end plate.
4. The workpiece on the slide table achieves precise positioning or transfer.
5. Position signals are detected by the magnetic sensor and fed back to the control system.

Typical Application Scenarios

1. Electronics Manufacturing Equipment In precision assembly applications such as PCB board clamping, chip mounting, and small component pushing, it is used for precise positioning and clamping of workpieces, ensuring assembly accuracy and improving production efficiency and product quality.
2. Medical Equipment Provides precise linear motion in medical devices for internal drives, sample probe positioning, and valve control, meeting the high demands for accuracy and reliability in medical equipment.
3. Semiconductor Equipment Used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as wafer transfer and compact pneumatic door actuation, for clamping, positioning, and sorting mechanisms in space-constrained areas, ensuring process stability and repeatability.
4. Precision Machinery Used for clamping, positioning, and sorting mechanisms in space-constrained precision machinery. High-precision positioning ensures machining accuracy and improves product quality.

Installation and Usage Precautions

1. Installation Requirements The cylinder should be installed on a flat, stable base to ensure stable operation. Before installation, verify that the air supply pressure meets the 0.12~1.0 MPa requirement and that the air source is clean. During installation, pay attention to the cylinder’s mounting orientation. Ensure the piston rod is not subjected to eccentric or side loads; the load’s direction of motion should align with the piston rod axis.
2. Operating Environment Operating temperature range is -10~60°C. Avoid use in extremely high or low temperatures. Relative humidity should be maintained within an appropriate range to prevent moisture from affecting equipment lifespan. The operating medium should be filtered through a 40μm or finer filter before use.
3. Piping Connections Before piping, thoroughly blow or clean out any cutting dust, cutting oil, and debris inside the pipes. When connecting pipes and fittings via threads, prevent chips from the threaded sections and fragments of sealing tape from entering the piping. If using sealing tape, leave 1.5-2 thread pitches at the end of the male thread bare.
4. Speed Adjustment The extension and retraction speed of the piston rod is adjusted via the flow control valve (or external speed controller) at the cylinder ports to achieve smooth motion. It is recommended to operate within the suggested speed range (50~500 mm/s).
5. Magnetic Sensor Installation Insert the projection on the back of the magnetic sensor into the insertion port of the sensor mounting piece. Rotate the hex socket set screw attached to the sensor 1-3 turns to temporarily secure the sensor to the mounting piece. Insert the temporarily assembled sensor and mounting piece into the cylinder tube groove, allowing the sensor to sit flush against the cylinder tube. After confirming the detection position, tighten the hex socket set screw to fix the sensor.
6. Regular Maintenance Regularly inspect the cylinder’s connecting piping and guide rods to ensure no leaks. Periodically clean the cylinder surface to keep it clean. Regularly check the cylinder’s operational performance to ensure long-term stable operation. After prolonged shutdowns, it’s recommended to perform an air purge before restarting.
7. Safe Operation Ensure equipment is properly grounded before operation to prevent electric shock risks. Avoid contact with moving parts during operation to prevent pinching injuries. In case of equipment malfunction, stop immediately and have repairs performed by qualified personnel. Depressurize before installation to prevent injury from high-pressure medium ejection. Strictly avoid using the product beyond its rated pressure, temperature, and medium specifications.

Conclusion

The MGPM12-50Z-M9N guided rod cylinder is the “Precision Drive Expert” in the field of industrial automation. It perfectly combines compact design, high-precision positioning, and high rigidity, providing an efficient, reliable, and precise linear drive solution for various industrial applications.

Choosing the MGPM12-50Z-M9N means choosing to drive your automation system towards higher efficiency with high precision and high reliability!

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