Collection: Airtec Series NXDK Through-Rod Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

Technical information & FAQs

Airtec NXDK Through-Rod Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

Airtec Series NXDK pneumatic cylinders combine the short installation length of the NX compact platform with a piston rod extending from both ends of the actuator. This gives machine builders two mechanical connection points without moving to a longer conventional profile pneumatic cylinder.

The through-rod format is particularly useful for fixtures, positioning systems, handling equipment and special-purpose machinery where piston movement needs to be accessed from both sides. Standard NXDK versions are double acting and magnetic, with anodised aluminium construction and a stainless-steel piston rod.

For a conventional single-ended compact actuator, compare Airtec NXD pneumatic cylinders. Where tooling must resist rotation, see Airtec NXDA pneumatic cylinders, or return to the main Airtec pneumatic cylinder range.

Why Use a Through-Rod Compact Pneumatic Cylinder?

A through piston rod provides direct mechanical access to the piston from both ends of the pneumatic cylinder. This can simplify machines where one rod end performs the main working movement while the opposite side drives another mechanism, carries an indicator or connects to external tooling.

Because NXDK keeps that arrangement inside the compact NX body, it is particularly useful where two-sided mechanical connection is required but axial installation space is limited.

Airtec NXDK Technical Specification

Manufacturer	AIRTEC
Series	NXDK
Product Category	Through-rod compact pneumatic cylinders
Operation	Double acting
Piston Rod Arrangement	Through piston rod / double-ended rod
Position Detection	Magnetic piston
Head and Base	Anodised aluminium
Cylinder Tube	Anodised aluminium
Piston Rod	1.4305 stainless steel
Seals	PUR
Maximum Operating Pressure	10 bar
Temperature Range	-20°C to +80°C
Switch Types	Airtec D and A series
Rod Option	External male thread available with -AG option

Compact Body, Mechanical Access on Both Sides

NXDK is useful where a standard compact pneumatic cylinder is physically suitable but the machine needs more than one rod-end connection. The continuous piston rod allows both ends of the actuator to interact with the mechanism while the cylinder body remains comparatively short.

That can be useful for mirrored tooling, external position indicators, synchronised mechanical features or fixtures where movement from one piston must be available on both sides of the pneumatic cylinder.

Verified NXDK Bore Examples

Current verified NXDK products span multiple NX sizes, including 12, 20, 50 and 63 mm bore examples. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

12 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — compact two-sided movement for light fixtures and small automation.
20 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — useful for handling, clamping and feed movements.
50 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — higher-force compact through-rod actuation.
63 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — substantial compact actuator duties where both rod ends are required.

Bore-Dependent Connections

Verified Example	Rod Internal Thread	Pneumatic Port
NXDK 12	M3	M5
NXDK 20	M5	M5
NXDK 50	M8	G1/8

Those dimensions are taken from verified NXDK product data and illustrate why the complete Airtec MPN matters during replacement. Connection sizes change as the pneumatic cylinder grows. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Magnetic Position Detection

NXDK uses a magnetic piston so compatible Airtec D- and A-series cylinder switches can provide non-contact position feedback.

That allows a machine controller to monitor the same through-rod movement that is being used mechanically at both cylinder ends, which is useful for sequencing, interlocking and confirming that fixtures have reached the required position.

NXDK and the -AG Rod Option

Airtec offers an optional external piston-rod thread using the -AG designation. Standard products use the internal rod thread specified for the relevant bore size.

This detail should be matched when replacing an existing NXDK because the tooling interface can differ even when bore and stroke are identical.

NXD, NXDA or NXDK?

Airtec Series	Mechanical Design	Best Used When...
NXD	Standard single-ended piston rod	A normal compact double-acting pneumatic movement is required
NXDA	Non-rotating piston rod	Attached tooling must maintain angular alignment
NXDK	Through piston rod	The machine needs mechanical access to piston movement from both ends

Where NXDK Makes Sense

Verified product descriptions identify handling, assembly, fixture engineering, clamping, ejecting and feed movements as suitable NXDK applications, particularly where short overall length and a double-ended piston rod are required. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For broader comparison, browse the Airtec compact pneumatic cylinder range or return to Airtec pneumatic cylinders.

NXDK Ordering Questions

My existing compact pneumatic cylinder has a rod coming out of both ends. Is NXDK the Airtec range I should investigate?

Yes. The through piston rod is the defining NXDK feature and should be preserved where the machine uses both rod ends.

Can I replace NXDK with standard NXD?

Only if the second rod end is no longer required and the machine is being altered accordingly. NXD uses a conventional single-ended rod arrangement.

Does NXDK use the same body construction as the NX compact family?

Verified NXDK products use anodised aluminium end caps and tube, 1.4305 stainless-steel piston rod and PUR seals, consistent with the wider Airtec NX compact platform. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Is the through-rod feature the same thing as a dedicated guided pneumatic cylinder?

No. A through rod provides mechanical access at both ends of the piston but should not automatically be treated as a substitute for a guided actuator designed to support large external side loads or moments.

Where can I compare other Airtec compact configurations?

Use the Airtec pneumatic cylinder hub to move between NXD, NXDA, NXDK, NXE and the other Airtec compact series.

Request Quote

37 pneumatic cylinder products in this range.

Airtec
NXDA100/30
100mm bore x 30mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA100/30

£281.19 EX VAT

£337.43 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA16/40
16mm bore x 40mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA16/40

£71.53 EX VAT

£85.83 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA16/60
16mm bore x 60mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA16/60

£83.75 EX VAT

£100.50 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA80/50
80mm bore x 50mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA80/50

£235.64 EX VAT

£282.77 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA25/160
25mm bore x 160mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA25/160

£116.95 EX VAT

£140.34 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA25/60
25mm bore x 60mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA25/60

£89.77 EX VAT

£107.72 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA25/80
25mm bore x 80mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA25/80

£104.34 EX VAT

£125.21 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA25/90
25mm bore x 90mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA25/90

£105.92 EX VAT

£127.10 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/125
32mm bore x 125mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/125

£130.52 EX VAT

£156.62 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/160
32mm bore x 160mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/160

£137.92 EX VAT

£165.50 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/200
32mm bore x 200mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/200

£146.37 EX VAT

£175.64 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/25
32mm bore x 25mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/25

£95.83 EX VAT

£114.99 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/70
32mm bore x 70mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/70

£118.89 EX VAT

£142.67 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA32/90
32mm bore x 90mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA32/90

£123.12 EX VAT

£147.74 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA40/125
40mm bore x 125mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA40/125

£151.27 EX VAT

£181.52 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA40/160
40mm bore x 160mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA40/160

£159.92 EX VAT

£191.90 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA40/200
40mm bore x 200mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA40/200

£169.82 EX VAT

£203.78 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA40/70
40mm bore x 70mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA40/70

£137.64 EX VAT

£165.17 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA40/90
40mm bore x 90mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA40/90

£142.55 EX VAT

£171.06 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA50/125
50mm bore x 125mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA50/125

£190.68 EX VAT

£228.81 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA50/160
50mm bore x 160mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA50/160

£201.08 EX VAT

£241.29 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA50/200
50mm bore x 200mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA50/200

£212.93 EX VAT

£255.51 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA50/220
50mm bore x 220mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA50/220

£218.88 EX VAT

£262.65 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA50/70
50mm bore x 70mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA50/70

£174.37 EX VAT

£209.24 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA63/125
63mm bore x 125mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA63/125

£228.85 EX VAT

£274.62 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA63/160
63mm bore x 160mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA63/160

£241.23 EX VAT

£289.47 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA63/200
63mm bore x 200mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA63/200

£255.34 EX VAT

£306.41 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
NXDA63/250
63mm bore x 250mm stroke
Manufacturer Standard | Compact Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number NXDA63/250

£255.34 EX VAT

£306.41 INC VAT

View Details