The SMC MGPM32-50Z is a compact guide cylinder from SMC’s MGP-Z Series, configured with a slide bearing guide, 32 mm bore, and 50 mm stroke. In SMC’s ordering structure, the code elements indicate the MGP family, slide bearing type (M), bore size (32), stroke (50), and the Z generation used in the current compact design platform. This model is built for applications that need guided pneumatic motion rather than a standard rod cylinder, especially where the load creates side force or moment loads during travel.
SMC positions the MGP-Z series as a compact guided cylinder platform with multiple bore sizes, standardized stroke options, and integrated guide functionality. The catalog also highlights the series as suitable for applications where compactness, rigidity, and guided travel are required in one actuator body.
Product Weight
For MGPM32-50Z, the official SMC MGP Series weight table (slide bearing section, MGPM12 to 100) lists the weight for bore size 32 mm at 50 mm stroke as 1.77 kg. This is the catalog weight value for the basic slide-bearing version and is the correct reference for a standard MGPM32-50Z configuration.
Weight Table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | MGPM32-50Z |
| Bearing Type | Slide bearing |
| Bore Size | 32 mm |
| Stroke | 50 mm |
| Catalog Net Weight | 1.77 kg |
Key Specifications
The SMC MGP catalog provides the core specifications for the MGP series, and these apply to the MGPM32-50Z basic type. The series is a double-acting guided cylinder using air as the working fluid, with a rubber bumper cushioning structure and non-lube operation. The catalog also shows the standard stroke table, where 50 mm is a standard stroke for bore sizes 32 to 100, confirming MGPM32-50Z is a standard catalog combination.
Technical Specification Table
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SMC |
| Model | MGPM32-50Z |
| Series | MGP-Z |
| Product Type | Compact guide cylinder (guided pneumatic actuator) |
| Bearing Type | Slide bearing (MGPM) |
| Bore Size | 32 mm |
| Stroke | 50 mm |
| Action | Double acting |
| Fluid | Air |
| Proof Pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Max. Operating Pressure | 1.0 MPa |
| Min. Operating Pressure | 0.1 MPa (for bore size 32 and above) |
| Ambient / Fluid Temperature | -10 to 60°C (no freezing) |
| Piston Speed | 50 to 500 mm/s (series range) |
| Cushion | Rubber bumper on both ends |
| Lubrication | Not required (non-lube) |
| Stroke Tolerance | +1.5 / 0 mm |
| Theoretical Output (OUT, 0.5 MPa) | 402 N |
| Theoretical Output (IN, 0.5 MPa) | 325 N |
| Product Net Weight | 1.77 kg |
All specification values above are from the SMC MGP series catalog tables for the standard MGP platform and the MGPM weight/output tables.
What the MGPM Type Means
Within the MGP family, SMC separates the series by guide/bearing structure:
-
MGPM = Slide bearing type
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MGPL = Ball bushing type
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MGPA = High precision ball bushing type
The MGPM32-50Z specifically uses the slide bearing design, which is commonly chosen for robust guided motion and practical cost-performance in industrial automation. This is distinct from the ball-bushing variants, which are often selected for different friction and precision requirements depending on application conditions.
Functional Advantages in Automation Equipment
1) Guided Motion for Side-Load Applications
A standard air cylinder is efficient for straight push/pull motion, but it is not ideal when the tooling creates offset load or moment load. The MGPM32-50Z solves this by integrating the cylinder and guide mechanism into one compact unit. That integrated structure helps support loads more effectively and maintains a stable moving plate during repeated cycles. This is one of the main reasons guided cylinders are widely used in pick-and-place stations, indexing units, and stopper mechanisms.
2) Compact Body with Practical Stroke
The 32 mm bore + 50 mm stroke combination is a practical configuration for many medium-duty automation tasks. It offers a useful force level (402 N extension theoretical output at 0.5 MPa) while keeping the package compact compared with larger bore guided cylinders. Because 50 mm is a standard stroke in the catalog, the model is also easier to specify, source, and replace than a custom intermediate-stroke version.
3) Balanced Force and Rigidity
For users building machinery around pneumatic transfer or positioning functions, the MGPM32-50Z provides a strong balance between thrust and guided support. The theoretical output table shows a clear force margin for typical fixture or transfer applications, while the slide-bearing guided construction improves stability compared with unguided cylinders. This combination is especially useful when the actuator is carrying a bracket, small gripper, or tooling plate rather than pushing directly on a centered load.
Typical Applications
The MGPM32-50Z is commonly suitable for industrial automation tasks that require short-to-medium stroke guided movement with repeatable travel and resistance to side load. Typical use cases include:
| Application Area | Example Function |
|---|---|
| Assembly Equipment | Guided transfer of parts into a fixture |
| Packaging Machinery | Stopper movement, pusher slide, lane control |
| Material Handling | Short shuttle or positioning movement |
| Inspection Stations | Moving sensors, test heads, or inspection tools |
| Automated Fixtures | Clamp-assist positioning or guided linear adjustment |
Because the MGP series supports multiple mounting styles and standard auto-switch configurations, it is also practical for machine retrofits where the original guided cylinder must be replaced with a catalog-standard part.
Selection and Engineering Notes
Load and Moment Conditions Matter
Although the bore size and thrust are important, MGP selection should also consider load mass, center-of-gravity offset, and mounting orientation. SMC’s MGP catalog includes model selection graphs and examples specifically for guided-cylinder applications, which indicates that proper selection depends on more than force alone. In practical terms, overhung tooling can create moment loads that affect service life and performance if the model is undersized.
Speed and Cushioning
The catalog lists a 50 to 500 mm/s piston speed range and rubber bumper cushioning. While this is suitable for many production tasks, the actual operating speed should be tuned with pneumatic flow controls based on payload and impact level. High-speed operation with heavy tooling may require more conservative settings to reduce end-of-stroke shock and improve cycle stability.
Port Thread and Variant Suffixes
SMC’s ordering format also supports different port thread types (Rc, NPT, G/TF depending on bore range and region), as well as auto switch selections and made-to-order options. The base model name MGPM32-50Z identifies the actuator platform, while procurement-level part numbers may add thread and switch suffixes (for example, variants with G-thread or switch options). This is important when replacing an installed unit: the mechanical model may match, but the full suffix should still be verified.
SEO-Focused Product Summary
SMC MGPM32-50Z is a compact guided pneumatic cylinder in the MGP-Z Series, designed for industrial automation applications requiring stable linear motion under side load. It uses a slide bearing guide, 32 mm bore, and 50 mm standard stroke, with double-acting air operation, rubber bumper cushioning, and non-lube design for straightforward maintenance. According to the official SMC MGP weight table, the MGPM32-50Z product weight is 1.77 kg, making it a practical choice for guided transfer, fixture positioning, and compact automation modules that need reliable rigidity and repeatable motion.
