The SMC MXS6-10 is a compact air slide table designed for precision linear motion in small automation assemblies. It belongs to SMC’s MXS Series, a product family built around an integrated table-and-cylinder structure that combines a pneumatic drive with a precision guide mechanism in a compact body. In SMC’s web catalog, the MXS6-10 is listed under the MXS Series Air Slide Table, and SMC describes the series as suitable for precision assembly work with high rigidity, high accuracy, and smooth movement achieved through a cross roller guide design.
For machine builders, the MXS6-10 is typically selected when a standard pneumatic cylinder is not enough. A normal cylinder can provide thrust, but it usually cannot deliver stable, guided table motion with the same level of repeatability and stiffness. The MXS structure solves that problem by integrating the guide and actuator into one module. This reduces design complexity, shortens installation time, and improves alignment consistency in compact automation stations. SMC also notes that the dual-rod function provides higher output than a conventional cylinder layout of similar class, which is one reason the MXS series is widely used in precision handling and positioning tasks.
A key requirement in your request is product weight. According to the MXS Series mass table in the SMC catalog, the MXS6 (standard type) at 10 mm stroke has a mass of 80 g. This is the base mass value used for the MXS6-10 standard configuration and is the correct reference for engineering calculations, bill-of-material planning, and moving-mass estimates.
Product Weight and Main Specifications
Product Weight
The SMC MXS6-10 has a standard mass of 80 g (MXS6, 10 mm stroke, standard type) according to the SMC MXS series catalog mass table.
Specification Summary Table
| Item | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | SMC MXS6-10 |
| Product Series | MXS Series Air Slide Table |
| Bore Size | 6 mm |
| Stroke | 10 mm |
| Product Type | Pneumatic precision air slide table |
| Action | Double acting |
| Guide Mechanism | Cross roller guide (series feature) |
| Fluid | Compressed air |
| Operating Pressure | 0.15 to 0.7 MPa |
| Proof Pressure | 1.05 MPa |
| Ambient / Fluid Temperature | -10 to 60°C |
| Piston Speed | 50 to 500 mm/s |
| Cushion | Rubber bumper (standard), shock absorber optional (not available for MXS6) |
| Lubrication | Non-lube |
| Port Size (ø6) | M3 × 0.5 |
| Product Net Weight | 80 g (standard mass) |
The specification values above are taken from the SMC MXS series specification table and the MXS web catalog entry for the MXS6-10 model. The catalog also notes that some options, such as shock absorber and end lock, are not available for the MXS6 size.
Product Design and Functional Positioning
Integrated Slide Table Structure for Precision Assembly
The MXS6-10 is not just a cylinder with a bracket. It is an integrated air slide table, meaning the worktable and pneumatic drive are combined into a single compact assembly. SMC specifically presents the MXS series as an air slide table that is ideal for precision assembly work, and the design intent is clear: deliver stable linear motion in a small package without the looseness commonly seen in simple cylinder-plus-guide combinations.
This matters in practical production equipment because compact machines often need short, repeatable strokes for tasks such as:
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part positioning,
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sensor engagement,
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stopper movement,
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small transfer actions,
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and fine alignment before clamping or pressing.
In those cases, the mechanical quality of the guide is often more important than raw thrust alone.
Cross Roller Guide for Smooth and Rigid Motion
SMC highlights the cross roller guide as a core feature of the MXS series. This is a major reason the MXS family is preferred in precision automation. A cross roller guide reduces play and improves rigidity compared with simpler slide mechanisms, which supports smoother movement and better repeatability over repeated cycles. SMC’s web catalog explicitly mentions high rigidity, high accuracy, and smooth movement without looseness.
For the MXS6-10, this is especially valuable because the stroke is short (10 mm) and the unit is compact. In short-stroke applications, even small alignment errors can affect process consistency. A rigid guided table helps maintain accuracy when the module carries a small fixture plate, sensor mount, or custom tooling.
Compact and Lightweight Construction
SMC also identifies the MXS series as compact and lightweight, which is directly relevant to the MXS6-10. With a catalog mass of 80 g, this model is well suited to systems where moving mass needs to be minimized, such as:
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small indexing mechanisms,
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lightweight end-of-arm tooling,
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compact pneumatic handling heads,
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and desktop or semi-automatic assembly fixtures.
The low mass can help reduce inertia, improve cycle response, and simplify support structure design. In many machines, that translates into easier tuning and less wear on upstream components.
Engineering Benefits of the MXS6-10
1) Precision Motion in a Small Footprint
The MXS6-10 combines a 6 mm bore with a 10 mm stroke, making it one of the smaller configurations in the MXS range. This is a useful size for compact precision tasks where the machine only needs a short linear travel but still requires controlled, rigid motion.
SMC’s ordering and stroke tables show that the MXS6 platform supports standard strokes including 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm, confirming that 10 mm is a standard catalog stroke for the MXS6 size. This is important because standard configurations are generally easier to source and replace than special-order stroke variants.
2) Strong Practical Output for Compact Pneumatics
SMC’s MXS catalog includes a theoretical output table and notes that the dual-rod arrangement provides about twice the output compared with a conventional cylinder concept. For a compact slide table, that is a practical design advantage because it helps maintain useful thrust while preserving a small body size.
In real automation use, this means the MXS6-10 can handle many light-duty precision tasks without requiring a larger actuator class, provided the payload and friction conditions are properly matched.
3) Simplified Mechanical Integration
Because the table and guide are already integrated, the MXS6-10 reduces the amount of mechanical design work needed compared with building a custom guided slide from separate components. This typically improves:
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alignment consistency during assembly,
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repeatability between machines,
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maintenance convenience,
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and long-term replacement efficiency.
For OEM equipment, that consistency is often more valuable than trying to optimize a custom slide solution from scratch.
Typical Application Scenarios
| Application Scenario | Why MXS6-10 Fits |
|---|---|
| Precision assembly positioning | Cross roller guide supports stable short-stroke movement |
| Small part transfer | Compact body and 10 mm stroke are suitable for short indexing motions |
| Sensor/probe engagement | Smooth guided table motion improves contact consistency |
| Stopper and gate mechanisms | Rigid linear motion in a very small footprint |
| Compact fixture actuation | Lightweight 80 g mass helps reduce moving load |
These use cases align with SMC’s stated positioning of the MXS series for precision assembly work and compact, accurate motion control.
Installation and Selection Considerations
Air Supply and Operating Conditions
The MXS6-10 is designed for compressed air operation within SMC’s specified range of 0.15 to 0.7 MPa, with ambient/fluid temperature of -10 to 60°C and non-lube operation. In practice, clean and stable air supply is still critical for consistent performance and service life. Poor air quality can increase wear and reduce motion smoothness over time.
Option Availability for MXS6
SMC’s MXS catalog notes that shock absorber and end lock options are not available for the MXS6 size. This is important during model selection because some users assume options are shared across all bore sizes. For the MXS6-10, if end-of-stroke impact reduction is a concern, it should be addressed through speed control and system-level tuning rather than relying on an unavailable shock absorber option.
Weight Planning in Machine Design
The 80 g value is the standard mass from the catalog’s MXS mass table. If your actual build adds auto switches, fittings, brackets, or a custom tooling plate, the total moving mass will be higher. For precision systems, it is good practice to calculate the full moving assembly mass before finalizing valve sizing and cycle-speed targets.
Conclusion
The SMC MXS6-10 is a compact, precision-oriented air slide table built for short-stroke guided motion in automation systems. It combines a 6 mm bore, 10 mm standard stroke, and a cross roller guide structure to deliver high rigidity, smooth movement, and accurate positioning in a small package. SMC’s catalog identifies the MXS series as ideal for precision assembly work, and the MXS6-10 is a strong fit for that role in compact fixtures and handling mechanisms.
