The SMC MGPM25-30Z is a compact guide cylinder designed for applications that require stable linear motion, compact installation, and reliable resistance to lateral load. It belongs to SMC’s MGP-Z Series, a family of compact guide cylinders that combines pneumatic actuation with an integrated guide mechanism. In the official SMC catalog, the MGPM type is identified as the slide bearing version, and the family is described as suitable for lateral load applications such as stoppers, while also being appropriate for pusher and lifter duties where plate displacement must be minimized.
For the specific model MGPM25-30Z, the basic configuration corresponds to a 25 mm bore and a 30 mm stroke. SMC’s official weight table for the slide-bearing MGPM series lists the product weight of the 25 mm bore / 30 mm stroke version as 0.95 kg. That makes this model a practical choice for compact machinery, assembly tooling, material transfer modules, and positioning units that need guided pneumatic motion without the larger footprint of a conventional external guide system.
The table below summarizes the key catalog data relevant to the standard MGPM25-30Z basic type.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | SMC MGPM25-30Z |
| Product Type | Compact Guide Cylinder |
| Series | MGP-Z |
| Bearing Type | Slide Bearing |
| Bore Size | 25 mm |
| Stroke | 30 mm |
| Action | Double Acting |
| Fluid | Air |
| Proof Pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 1.0 MPa |
| Minimum Operating Pressure | 0.1 MPa |
| Ambient and Fluid Temperature | -10 to 60°C (No freezing) |
| Piston Speed | 50 to 500 mm/s |
| Cushion | Rubber bumper on both ends |
| Lubrication | Not required (Non-lube) |
| Product Net Weight | 0.95 kg |
One of the main engineering advantages of the MGPM25-30Z is that it integrates the cylinder body and guide function into one compact unit. In the MGP-Z family description, SMC states that the series offers shortened guide rods, reduced weight, and mounting dimensions equivalent to the previous MGP generation. This matters in real machine design because it allows engineers to retain guided motion performance while reducing occupied space around the actuator. In tight workstations, indexing modules, pick-and-place tooling, or part-stop mechanisms, this kind of compact guided construction can simplify layout and reduce the need for additional external support parts.
The slide bearing structure of the MGPM version is also an important selection point. SMC explicitly positions the slide-bearing type for lateral load applications such as stoppers, and also notes its suitability for pushers and lifters where smooth operation and reduced plate displacement are important. In practical terms, that means MGPM25-30Z is not just a cylinder that extends and retracts; it is a guided actuator intended to hold a more controlled motion path under side load than a simple rod-type cylinder. For many automation builders, that makes it a more stable option for repetitive transfer or positioning tasks where workpieces must move in a straight and predictable manner.
From a performance standpoint, the official basic-type specification table shows that the MGP-Z series uses air as the working fluid, operates as a double-acting cylinder, and is rated for a proof pressure of 1.5 MPa with a maximum operating pressure of 1.0 MPa. For the 25 mm bore size, the same table indicates a minimum operating pressure of 0.1 MPa, an ambient and fluid temperature range of -10 to 60°C, and a piston speed range of 50 to 500 mm/s. The cylinder uses a rubber bumper on both ends and is specified as non-lube, meaning no additional lubrication is required under normal use. These features make the model appropriate for a broad range of general factory pneumatic systems where clean and straightforward installation is preferred.
The 30 mm stroke gives the MGPM25-30Z a useful working range for short-travel industrial motion. That stroke length is enough for clamping approach, gate stop movement, part separation, fixture positioning, compact lifting, or transfer assistance, while still keeping the actuator body relatively compact. In many automated assemblies, a short guided stroke is more valuable than a long unguided stroke, because the process depends more on repeatable positioning and stable load handling than on long travel distance. Since SMC lists 30 mm as a standard stroke for the 20 mm and 25 mm bore sizes in the MGP-Z basic series, the MGPM25-30Z fits squarely into a standard catalog configuration rather than a special intermediate-stroke variant.
Weight is often treated as a minor detail in product listings, but for actual machine design it can be critical. SMC’s official weight table lists the MGPM25-30Z at 0.95 kg, and that figure is important for several reasons. First, it affects mounting bracket design and fastener selection. Second, it matters when the cylinder is installed on moving axes or tooling plates where total mass influences speed, response, and vibration. Third, it helps purchasing and engineering teams compare alternative bore sizes and stroke lengths within the same family. The same weight table shows a clear progression upward as stroke length increases, which is useful when selecting the smallest model that still meets the application requirement. For engineers trying to balance stiffness, output, and moving mass, the 0.94 kg weight of MGPM25-30Z places it in a practical middle range: compact enough for many machines, but robust enough to support guided work motion.
Another useful aspect of the MGP-Z family is dimensional consistency. In the official dimensional tables for the relevant bore-size group, SMC provides dimensions for the 25 mm bore version and differentiates between shorter and longer stroke groupings. This indicates that the family has been organized for standardized mounting and straightforward mechanical integration. That kind of catalog structure is valuable when designers need predictable interchangeability across multiple stroke options in the same machine platform. It also helps maintenance teams because replacement planning is easier when a product family maintains a consistent design logic across sizes and strokes.
In application terms, the MGPM25-30Z is well suited for compact automation tasks such as component stopping, small-part transfer, push-out operations, lifting assistance, shuttle positioning, and fixture actuation. Because it is a guided cylinder rather than a plain rod cylinder, it is more appropriate where the tooling or workpiece experiences some off-center load or where anti-deflection behavior matters. It is especially relevant in assembly machinery, packaging equipment, electronic component handling, and small material-transfer devices where available installation space is limited but motion stability is still required. Those application implications follow directly from SMC’s description of the MGPM slide-bearing type as a compact guided solution for lateral-load and pusher/lifter duties.
From a sourcing and listing perspective, MGPM25-30Z is also a strong product to present because the model code itself is clear and structured. Buyers can immediately see the series, bearing type, bore size, and stroke from the designation. That makes the product easier to identify in catalogs, quotations, and spare-parts inquiries. For industrial customers, clarity in the part number reduces ordering risk and improves replacement accuracy, especially when multiple guided-cylinder variants exist in the same equipment line. In practice, a clearly defined model such as MGPM25-30Z is more useful in procurement than a generic cylinder description, because the buyer can link the code directly to the corresponding official SMC configuration and specification table.
In summary, the SMC MGPM25-30Z Compact Guide Cylinder is a compact and practical pneumatic actuator for guided short-stroke motion. Its official catalog configuration includes a 25 mm bore, 30 mm stroke, slide bearing guide structure, double-acting air operation, and an official product weight of 0.95 kg. The model is particularly suitable for machinery that needs compact size, stable linear guidance, and reliable resistance to side load in applications such as stoppers, pushers, lifters, and positioning units. For engineers, buyers, and maintenance teams looking for a compact guided pneumatic solution from SMC, MGPM25-30Z is a solid standard catalog choice with clear technical definition and broad industrial usefulness.
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