The SMC MGPM50-25Z is a compact guide cylinder designed for applications that require stable linear motion, high mounting rigidity, and reliable resistance to side loads within a compact installation space. According to SMC’s official web catalog, this model belongs to the MGP-Z Series Compact Guide Cylinder, using a slide bearing structure, a 50 mm bore, and a 25 mm standard stroke. The standard cataloged configuration is supplied without an auto switch, while still featuring a built-in magnet for optional switch use when required.
In practical automation systems, MGPM50-25Z is well suited for workholding, pushing, lifting, stopping, transfer positioning, and other guided pneumatic motion tasks where ordinary cylinders may not provide enough anti-rotation stability. SMC describes the MGPM slide-bearing design as suitable for lateral load applications such as stoppers, while also supporting smooth motion for pushers and lifters. This makes the model a strong choice for machinery builders who need a compact actuator that can manage both thrust output and guided movement in one integrated body.
Key Specifications
The table below summarizes the official specification range relevant to the standard MGPM50-25Z base model.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | SMC MGPM50-25Z |
| Product Type | Compact Guide Cylinder |
| Series | MGP-Z |
| Bearing Type | Slide Bearing |
| Bore Size | 50 mm |
| Stroke | 25 mm |
| Action | Double Acting |
| Fluid | Air |
| Proof Pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 1.0 MPa |
| Minimum Operating Pressure | 0.10 MPa |
| Ambient and Fluid Temperature | -10 to 60°C (no freezing) |
| Piston Speed | 50 to 400 mm/s |
| Cushion | Rubber bumper on both ends |
| Lubrication | Not required (non-lube) |
| Standard Configuration | Without auto switch, with built-in magnet |
| Net Weight | 2.79 kg |
One of the most important points for buyers and machine designers is the weight. In the official MGP-Z weight table, the slide-bearing MGPM model with 50 mm bore and 25 mm stroke is listed at 2.79 kg. That value is useful for transport estimation, mounting bracket design, moving-axis load calculations, and overall equipment weight management. For catalog accuracy, this should be treated as the base body weight, not a guaranteed shipping weight including packaging or optional accessories.
Product Structure and Functional Value
The MGPM50-25Z combines a pneumatic cylinder body with integrated guide rods, allowing the unit to deliver linear thrust while also controlling plate motion more accurately than a standard round-body air cylinder. This configuration is beneficial in assemblies where the load must stay aligned during extension and retraction. In other words, the guide mechanism reduces unwanted movement of the load platform and helps maintain repeatable travel during production cycles.
Because this model uses a slide bearing, it is especially relevant where the application includes contact forces, light shock, or repeated pushing against workpieces. SMC specifically positions the MGPM type for lateral-load duties and stopper-style applications. Compared with a basic unguided cylinder, this is a more robust solution for short-stroke transfer, pressing alignment, gate stopping, and fixture actuation where load stability matters.
Another practical advantage is compactness. The MGP-Z series is presented by SMC as a weight-reduced compact guide cylinder with a shorter guide rod and thinner plate structure compared with earlier designs, helping machine builders reduce occupied space while maintaining function. In real equipment design, that means easier installation in crowded automation frames, smaller handling modules, and more efficient use of cabinet-side or workstation-side space.
Performance in Industrial Applications
From an application standpoint, MGPM50-25Z is appropriate for many common industrial tasks. It can be used as a guided pusher for part transfer, a stopper in conveyor positioning, a vertical or horizontal lifting element for moderate loads, or a fixture actuator where the motion plate must remain stable. Since the model has a 50 mm bore, it offers significantly higher pneumatic output than smaller compact guided cylinders, making it attractive for medium-duty automation stations that still require a compact overall footprint. The official theoretical output data for the 50 mm bore also indicates substantial usable force across normal industrial pressure ranges.
The specified operating pressure up to 1.0 MPa, proof pressure of 1.5 MPa, and speed range of 50 to 400 mm/s make this model flexible for general factory pneumatic systems. The rubber bumper cushioning at both ends supports straightforward and durable end-of-stroke behavior for standard machine use. Because lubrication is listed as not required, the cylinder is also convenient for installations where users want simplified maintenance and cleaner pneumatic operation.
For machine design, the 25 mm stroke is short enough to support fast, repeatable movement in compact tooling, but large enough for clamping approach, part separation, indexing assistance, gate stop motion, or pick-and-place support mechanisms. This stroke length often fits applications where the designer wants controlled guided travel rather than long-axis motion. In many factories, that makes MGPM50-25Z a better fit than a longer-stroke actuator that would consume more space without adding real process value.
Weight, Installation, and Selection Considerations
The 2.79 kg body weight is not trivial, and that is exactly why it matters in engineering selection. A cylinder in this size class may be mounted on aluminum frames, steel machine plates, robotic end units, or transfer modules, so its mass affects support stiffness, fastener choice, vibration behavior, and moving-mass calculations. When mounted on a dynamic axis, this weight should be included together with the workpiece mass, tooling plate, fittings, and tubing in the total payload assessment.
For buyers, it is also important to distinguish this model from related MGP variants. The MGP family includes different bearing types and option structures, and the exact mass changes with bore, stroke, and special versions. The MGPM50-25Z discussed here is the basic MGP-Z slide-bearing type, not the air-cushion version, not the end-lock version, and not a ball-bushing or high-precision ball-bushing configuration. That distinction is essential when checking replacement compatibility or preparing a quotation.
Why Choose SMC MGPM50-25Z
For engineers and purchasing teams, the value of MGPM50-25Z is straightforward. It offers guided linear actuation in a compact package, a meaningful 50 mm bore for higher force capability, stable plate motion through the slide-bearing design, and an officially documented base weight of 2.79 kg for planning and specification work. It is especially suitable when a standard cylinder would be too unstable, but a larger guided unit would be unnecessarily bulky or expensive.
In summary, the SMC MGPM50-25Z Compact Guide Cylinder is a practical and reliable pneumatic actuator for modern automation equipment. Its structure supports accurate guided motion, its compact form helps save installation space, and its 50 mm bore gives it enough output for many medium-duty industrial tasks. With official catalog data confirming a basic weight of 2.79 kg, this model is a sound option for designers who need a durable, compact, and application-ready guided cylinder for transfer, stopping, lifting, and positioning duties.
