Airtec NAD Compact Pneumatic Cylinders
Airtec Series NAD pneumatic cylinders are double-acting compact actuators designed for machinery where installation length must be kept down without sacrificing useful pneumatic force. Their ISO 21287 dimensions provide a standardised compact format, while the magnetic piston allows non-contact position sensing on automated equipment.
The range spans from small machine movements through to 100 mm bore pneumatic cylinders, giving engineers a broad choice of force within the same compact construction. Aluminium end components, an anodised aluminium tube and stainless-steel piston rod provide a durable industrial build for assembly, handling, clamping and fixture applications.
Compare the wider ISO 21287 compact pneumatic cylinder range, browse Airtec pneumatic cylinders, or view all Airtec pneumatic cylinders.
Compact Pneumatic Force Where Axial Space Is Limited
The key reason to choose NAD is packaging. A compact pneumatic cylinder can deliver useful linear force without requiring the longer body of a conventional profile actuator.
This is particularly valuable on assembly fixtures, packaging machinery, test equipment and handling systems where the actuator must fit between closely positioned machine components.
Airtec NAD Technical Specification
| Manufacturer |
AIRTEC |
| Series |
NAD |
| Product Category |
Compact pneumatic cylinders |
| Dimensional Standard |
ISO 21287 |
| Operation |
Double acting |
| Verified Bore Range |
20 to 100 mm |
| Position Detection |
Magnetic piston |
| Head and Foot |
Aluminium |
| Cylinder Tube |
Anodised aluminium |
| Piston Rod |
Stainless steel |
| Seals |
NBR / PUR |
| Maximum Operating Pressure |
10 bar |
| Temperature Range |
-20°C to +80°C |
| Cylinder Switch Types |
Airtec D and A series |
| Piston-Rod Options |
Internal female thread or optional -AG external male thread |
Internal or External Rod Thread
Standard NAD pneumatic cylinders use a female thread in the piston rod, while Airtec also offers -AG versions with an external male thread.
This is an important replacement detail. For example, NAD 40/30-AG uses an external M10 × 1.25 piston-rod thread, while the standard version uses the corresponding female-thread arrangement. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
NAD Bore and Connection Examples
| Bore |
Typical Pneumatic Port |
Typical Rod Connection |
| 20 mm |
M5 |
M6 female / external option available |
| 32 mm |
G1/8 |
M10 × 1.25 external on -AG version |
| 40 mm |
G1/8 |
M8 female or M10 × 1.25 external |
| 63 mm |
G1/8 |
M12 × 1.25 external on -AG version |
| 80 mm |
G1/8 |
M12 female on verified standard version |
| 100 mm |
Check individual MPN |
Check individual MPN |
Connection dimensions change across the range, so the complete manufacturer part number remains the safest basis for replacement rather than assuming every NAD uses the same port or rod thread. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Magnetic Position Sensing for Automated Machinery
NAD pneumatic cylinders use a magnetic piston and accept Airtec D- and A-series switches. This allows the machine control system to confirm extension and retraction positions without mechanical limit switches contacting the actuator.
That is particularly useful on assembly stations, clamps and handling systems where movement confirmation is part of the machine sequence.
NAD or NADA?
The distinction is mechanical rather than cosmetic. Standard NAD uses the conventional piston-rod arrangement, while NADA is the non-rotating version within the same ISO 21287 compact-cylinder family.
If the attached tooling must maintain its angular orientation, NADA may be the more appropriate range. Verified NADA products are double acting and specifically use non-rotating piston-rod construction. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
NAD or NAEE?
NAD is double acting, so both extension and retraction are pneumatically powered. NAEE is a single-acting normally-extended ISO 21287 range, giving the machine a spring-defined rest position instead. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
These families may share compact dimensions but should not be interchanged without considering the pneumatic circuit and required machine behaviour.
Where Airtec NAD Is a Strong Choice
Verified NAD application data highlights machine and fixture building, clamping, feeding, assembly, handling and packaging duties. The combination of compact length, magnetic sensing and broad bore availability makes it a useful general-purpose actuator where machine space is constrained. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Airtec NAD Buying Questions
I need a 100 mm bore pneumatic cylinder but have very little installation length. Does NAD go that large?
Yes. Verified Airtec NAD products extend to 100 mm bore while retaining the ISO 21287 compact format. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What does -AG mean on an NAD part number?
It identifies the version with an external male piston-rod thread. Standard NAD products use a female rod connection, so this detail should be matched to the existing tooling.
Can I replace NAD with NADA?
Not automatically. NADA incorporates anti-rotation functionality, whereas standard NAD does not provide the same rod-guidance behaviour.
Is NAD magnetic?
Yes. Verified NAD products use a magnetic piston and are compatible with Airtec D and A cylinder switches. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Where can I compare another ISO 21287 pneumatic cylinder?
Browse the ISO 21287 compact pneumatic cylinder range for cross-brand options, or return to the Airtec pneumatic cylinder hub for other Airtec configurations.
