Airtec NXE Single-Acting Compact Pneumatic Cylinders
Airtec Series NXE pneumatic cylinders are compact single-acting actuators for machinery that needs a defined return position when pneumatic pressure is removed. Depending on the selected version, the piston rod can be normally retracted or normally extended, allowing the pneumatic cylinder to be matched to the required fail position and machine sequence.
The NXE family covers bore sizes from 12 to 100 mm while retaining a short compact body. Magnetic position sensing, built-in cushioning rings and a choice of male or female piston-rod threads make the range suitable for positioning, locking, ejecting, clamping and other short-stroke automation functions.
For powered movement in both directions, compare Airtec NXD compact pneumatic cylinders. You can also browse the wider Airtec compact pneumatic cylinder range or return to Airtec pneumatic cylinders.
Normally Retracted or Normally Extended?
This is the most important NXE purchasing decision. Airtec offers Series NXE with two different spring positions, so the pneumatic cylinder can return to the state required by the machine when air pressure is removed.
| Version |
Rod Thread |
Rest Position |
| 000 |
Male |
Normally retracted |
| 010 |
Female |
Normally retracted |
| 200 |
Male |
Normally extended |
| 210 |
Female |
Normally extended |
These four configurations are not interchangeable details. The rest position affects how the machine behaves when the control signal or compressed-air supply is removed, while the rod-thread version determines how the pneumatic cylinder connects mechanically to the tooling.
Airtec NXE Technical Specification
| Manufacturer |
AIRTEC Pneumatic GmbH |
| Series |
NXE |
| Product Category |
Single-acting compact pneumatic cylinders |
| Bore Sizes |
12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 80 and 100 mm |
| Operation |
Single acting |
| Rest Positions |
Normally retracted or normally extended |
| Maximum Stroke |
60 mm |
| Standard Strokes |
5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm |
| Position Detection |
Magnetic piston for cylinder switches |
| Cushioning |
Built-in cushioning rings |
| Cylinder Tube |
Anodised aluminium |
| End Caps |
Anodised aluminium |
| Piston Rod |
Stainless steel |
| Seals |
PU and NBR; FKM optional |
| Operating Pressure |
1 to 10 bar |
| Temperature Range |
-10°C to +80°C in Airtec's current technical sheet |
Short-Stroke Pneumatic Movement from 5 mm
Series NXE is concentrated on short machine movements. Standard strokes are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm, while additional lengths can be supplied up to a maximum of 60 mm.
That makes NXE particularly relevant to mechanisms that only need enough travel to engage a stop, locate a component, operate a latch, eject a part or move a compact fixture. For longer powered travel, the double-acting Airtec NXD range is usually the more appropriate starting point.
Ten Bore Sizes Without Moving to a Larger Cylinder Format
Although NXE is designed around short strokes, Airtec offers a very broad range of piston diameters. This allows engineers to increase available pneumatic force without abandoning the compact actuator format.
| Bore |
Pneumatic Port |
Male Rod Thread |
Female Rod Thread |
| 12 mm |
M5 |
M6 |
M3 |
| 16 mm |
M5 |
M8 |
M4 |
| 20 mm |
M5 |
M10 × 1.25 |
M5 |
| 25 mm |
M5 |
M10 × 1.25 |
M5 |
| 32 mm |
G1/8 |
M10 × 1.25 |
M6 |
| 40 mm |
G1/8 |
M10 × 1.25 |
M6 |
| 50 mm |
G1/8 |
M12 × 1.25 |
M8 |
| 63 mm |
G1/8 |
M12 × 1.25 |
M8 |
| 80 mm |
G1/8 |
M16 × 1.5 |
M10 |
| 100 mm |
G1/4 |
M20 × 1.5 |
M12 |
A Defined Position When Air Is Removed
The spring arrangement is the feature that gives NXE its particular value on machinery. A normally retracted version returns the piston rod into the cylinder when pneumatic pressure is removed, while a normally extended version returns it outward.
That can be important for machine stops, locks, gates, locating mechanisms and similar functions where the designer wants the actuator to adopt a known mechanical state rather than simply remain wherever the pneumatic circuit leaves it.
Male or Female Rod Connection
Both spring positions can be ordered with male or female piston-rod threads. That gives buyers four distinct standard operating combinations without needing to modify the tooling connection separately.
For replacement work, preserve both parts of the specification: rest position and rod-end type. Two NXE pneumatic cylinders with the same bore and stroke can still behave differently or fail to connect to the existing tooling if those details do not match.
Magnetic Position Feedback
Airtec NXE uses a magnetic piston so compatible proximity sensors can confirm the pneumatic cylinder position without mechanical contact.
This allows the spring-return action to be monitored by the machine control system — useful where the PLC needs confirmation that a lock, stop or locator has returned to its expected position before another movement begins.
NXE or NXD?
| Airtec Series |
Operation |
Maximum Published Stroke |
Primary Reason to Buy |
| NXE |
Single acting |
60 mm |
Defined spring-return position in a compact pneumatic cylinder |
| NXD |
Double acting |
250 mm on Airtec's current public range |
Powered extension and retraction with greater stroke capability |
Both belong to Airtec's wider NX compact-cylinder platform, but they should not be treated as substitutes. Changing NXE to NXD alters the pneumatic circuit and removes the defined single-acting spring position.
NXE Buying Decisions
Should my NXE be normally retracted or normally extended?
Choose the position the machine needs the piston rod to adopt when pneumatic pressure is removed. Airtec provides both arrangements as standard NXE configurations.
The existing NXE has a female piston-rod thread. Does that affect the replacement code?
Yes. Airtec uses different version codes for male and female rod threads, so the connection should be matched to avoid modifying the machine tooling.
Can I order an NXE with a 40 mm stroke?
Yes, Airtec allows additional stroke lengths up to 60 mm even though the principal standard lengths are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm.
Can NXE tell the machine when the spring has returned the piston?
Yes. The standard range incorporates a magnetic piston so compatible Airtec proximity sensors can provide non-contact position confirmation.
I need powered movement in both directions. Should I still use NXE?
No. If both extension and retraction need to be pneumatically powered, start with Airtec NXD compact pneumatic cylinders instead.
