Original Genuine New Pneumatic Component SMC MXH16-40 Compact Pneumatic Slide Table Actuator Designed For Automation Equipment Precision Linear Motion

The SMC MXH16-40 is a compact pneumatic slide table actuator designed for precision linear motion in automation equipment. It belongs to SMC’s MXH Series (Compact Slide Series), which uses an endless track linear guide integrated with an air cylinder structure. This design is intended to provide stronger rigidity, better linearity, and improved non-rotating accuracy compared with simpler cylinder-only solutions. SMC’s MXH catalog specifically describes the series as a compact slide with excellent rigidity and linearity, making it suitable for short-pitch mounting and precision transfer applications.

For the requested model MXH16-40:

• MXH = Compact Slide Series

• 16 = 16 mm bore size

• 40 = 40 mm stroke

The MXH catalog shows that 40 mm is a standard stroke option for the MXH16 size, which confirms this is a standard catalog model rather than a special intermediate stroke version.

Product Weight

The MXH catalog includes a weight table arranged by stroke and model size (MXH6 / MXH10 / MXH16 / MXH20). In that table, the row for 40 mm stroke and the column for MXH16 shows a weight of 323 g. This is the catalog weight for the base MXH16-40 unit (without adding switch-specific cable/suffix assumptions).

Weight Table

Main Specifications

The MXH series specification section provides the platform operating parameters for MXH models, including fluid, action, pressure range, speed, temperature range, cushioning, and lubrication requirements. For MXH16-40, the key series specifications are as follows.

Why MXH16-40 Is Used in Automation Systems

1) Integrated Guide + Cylinder Architecture

A major advantage of the MXH series is that the guide mechanism and air cylinder are integrated into one compact body. In many machine designs, a standard rod cylinder plus external guide requires additional brackets, alignment work, and tolerance compensation. The MXH16-40 reduces that complexity by combining the guidance and driving function into a single slide unit.

This integrated approach is especially useful when:

• The machine footprint is limited

• Installation spacing is short

• Repeatable linear travel is required

• Side loads or offset loads are present

SMC also notes the MXH series is suitable for short-pitch mounting, which aligns with compact fixture and transfer applications.

2) High Rigidity for Guided Motion

The MXH catalog highlights that the endless track linear guide provides excellent rigidity and non-rotating accuracy. This matters in applications where the tooling mounted on the table must maintain alignment across the stroke. Compared with general-purpose pneumatic cylinders, guided slides reduce unwanted rotation and help improve consistency in repeated cycles.

In practical terms, MXH16-40 is often selected for:

• Small transfer and shuttle motions

• Part positioning in fixtures

• Stopper and gate movement

• Precision adsorption / vacuum pick positioning

• Assembly and inspection mechanisms

The catalog also includes examples such as transferring component parts and precision adsorption, which are typical use cases for this type of actuator.

3) Balanced Size-to-Stroke Combination

The 16 mm bore is a good mid-range size in the MXH series. It provides more thrust and load capability than the MXH6 and MXH10 sizes, while remaining more compact than MXH20. The 40 mm stroke is also a practical travel length in many automation stations where the slide only needs to move a part from one fixed point to another.

For machine builders, this combination is often attractive because it offers:

• Sufficient stroke for transfer work

• Moderate body size for compact assembly

• Better force margin than smaller bore slides

• Good compatibility with standard pneumatic control systems

Performance and Operating Characteristics

The MXH series specification table lists a piston speed range of 50 to 500 mm/s, which gives users flexibility to tune cycle speed based on payload and impact conditions. It also specifies rubber bumpers on both ends as the cushioning method. This is suitable for many standard duty applications, but high-speed or heavy-load conditions may require additional deceleration measures in the machine design. The MXH operation manual notes that external deceleration/shock absorption may be necessary if load or speed is high.

The catalog also confirms:

• Non-lube operation, which simplifies maintenance planning

• Double-acting operation, allowing controlled extend/retract motion

• Auto switch options, including reed and solid-state switch families for position detection and PLC interlocking

These features make MXH16-40 practical for production equipment that needs straightforward pneumatic integration and basic end-position confirmation.

Engineering Selection Notes

When specifying SMC MXH16-40, there are several points worth checking before finalizing the design:

Load and Moment Conditions

Although the MXH series is rigid, actual performance depends on payload weight, overhang distance, and moment loading. SMC includes displacement and model selection guidance in the MXH documentation, which indicates that slide selection should not be based on bore size alone. This is important if the tooling center of gravity is offset from the table center.

Speed vs. Impact

The standard speed range is broad, but if the slide is carrying a heavy or fragile load, end-of-stroke impact should be controlled by pneumatic speed adjustment and, where necessary, additional deceleration components. Rubber bumpers are standard, but they are not a substitute for full impact management in demanding duty cycles.

Temperature and Switch Choice

If the application uses auto switches, note the lower upper temperature limit with switch-equipped configurations (60°C) compared with no-switch configurations (70°C). This matters in enclosed machinery or warm process environments.

Replacement Considerations

If you are replacing an older MXH16-40 unit, confirm:

• Stroke (40 mm)

• Bore size (16 mm)

• Port thread (M5 × 0.8)

• Mounting style and hole pattern

• Switch groove and switch type (if used)

• Load direction and overhang

Some distributors also note that legacy MXH parts may have newer “Z” variants in current catalogs, so checking interchangeability during procurement is recommended.

Typical Applications

The MXH16-40 is a good fit for compact industrial automation tasks that need guided linear movement rather than free rod motion. Common examples include:

Because it combines compact dimensions with guided accuracy, it is often chosen where repeatability and mechanical alignment are more important than long stroke distance.

SEO-Friendly Product Summary

SMC MXH16-40 is a compact pneumatic slide table actuator in the SMC MXH Series, featuring a 16 mm bore and 40 mm stroke. It uses an endless track linear guide to deliver high rigidity, good linearity, and stable non-rotating motion for automation equipment. The MXH series supports double-acting air operation, 50 to 500 mm/s speed range, M5 × 0.8 ports, and auto switch options for position sensing.This model is suitable for compact transfer slides, assembly fixtures, and precision guided motion applications in industrial machinery.