This SMC double-acting MGP Series air cylinder has a compact body, top, bottom, side, and T-side mounting, and comes "switch ready" for connecting to mechanical proximity and limit switches for precise timing in automated applications. The air cylinder (also called a pneumatic cylinder) has an anodized aluminum body to help resist corrosion and tarnishing, and it comes with a single piston rod. The double-acting air cylinder uses airflow through two air ports on opposite ends of the cylinder barrel to push out and retract the piston rod to produce continued movement. Dual carbon-steel guide rods run parallel alongside the air cylinder's piston rod for non-rotating stability, and ball bushing bearings provide smooth movements in lifting and pushing applications. Rubber bumpers (cushions) come standard with this series to absorb kinetic energy and to dampen the sound of the piston striking the end caps, and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) seals contain air and protect the barrel and piston rod. This air cylinder is "switch ready" with a magnet sensor installed for connecting to electrical circuits for pneumatic automation. The air cylinder is equipped for top, bottom, and side mounting for installation on a flat, rigid surface, and also for T-side mounting for work piece attachment. The maximum pressure of the pneumatic cylinder is 145 pounds per square inch (psi), and it has a temperature range of 14 to 140 degrees F. This non-repairable air cylinder is suitable for use in tight spaces and in high side load applications, including pushing and lifting in conveyance lines.

Pneumatic actuators fall into two classes: linear and rotary. Linear actuators move objects in straight lines, while rotary actuators turn objects, or rotate them in varying directions. Air cylinders (also called pneumatic cylinders), the most common type of linear actuators, use pressurized air to pull and push piston rods in and out of cylinder barrels. This motion moves mechanisms connected to the rods, or (for detached items) directs or blocks travel using rod-attached plates. Air cylinders execute pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, pressing, and stopping functions, and they come in several different body types, including round, compact, tie-rod, guided, slide, and clamp. Pneumatic cylinders can be either single acting, with one compressed air port to push the rod in a single direction and a spring to return the rod, or double acting, with two compressed air ports on opposite ends of the cylinder to both extend and retract the rod. For quieter piston operation, air cylinders can come with cushioning in one or both ends of their barrels. Several mounting styles are available both for attaching the air cylinder ends to moving components in a pneumatic system and for mounting to rigid surfaces. Air cylinders are used in industrialized automation tasks in automotive, food processing, material handling, and robotics applications, among others.

SMC Corporation manufactures actuators, valves, airline equipment, connector fittings, electrical products, vacuum products, dryers, temperature control chillers, and accessories. SMC Corporation of America is headquartered in Noblesville, IN, and meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000:2000 standards.