Collection: Airtec Series ZDPM ISO 6432 Cushioned Pneumatic Cylinders
Technical information & FAQs
Airtec ZDPM Cushioned Pneumatic Cylinders
Airtec Series ZDPM pneumatic cylinders are compact ISO 6432 actuators with adjustable pneumatic end cushioning. They are designed for machines where the piston should decelerate progressively as it approaches the end of its stroke rather than stopping against a simple fixed mechanical bumper.
This makes ZDPM particularly useful on repetitive machinery, handling equipment, fixtures and positioning systems where load, speed or cycle frequency make end-of-stroke shock an important consideration.
For a standard compact round-cylinder design, compare Airtec ZDM pneumatic cylinders. Where a through piston rod is required, see Airtec ZDMK pneumatic cylinders. You can also browse the complete Airtec pneumatic cylinder range.
Why Choose Adjustable Pneumatic Cushioning?
When a pneumatic cylinder reaches the end of its travel, the piston and attached load still carry kinetic energy. Adjustable cushioning allows the exhaust flow near the end position to be restricted so the moving assembly slows before reaching the mechanical stop.
For machinery operating continuously, this can help reduce shock, noise and vibration while lowering the mechanical stress transferred into the pneumatic cylinder mountings and surrounding equipment.
Airtec ZDPM Technical Specification
| Manufacturer | AIRTEC |
|---|---|
| Series | ZDPM |
| Product Category | Cushioned round pneumatic cylinders |
| Dimensional Standard | ISO 6432 |
| Verified Bore Sizes | 16, 20 and 25 mm on standard ZDPM products |
| Operation | Double acting |
| Cushioning | Adjustable pneumatic end cushioning |
| Position Detection | Magnetic piston on standard versions |
| Head and Foot | Anodised aluminium |
| Cylinder Tube | 1.4301 stainless steel |
| Piston Rod | 1.4305 stainless steel on verified standard versions |
| Seal Material | NBR / PUR |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 10 bar |
| Standard Temperature Range | -20°C to +80°C |
| Special Versions | FKM and stainless-steel ES variants available on selected configurations |
Compact Round Construction with Controlled End Stops
ZDPM keeps the slim round-body construction associated with Airtec's small pneumatic cylinder ranges while adding adjustable end-of-stroke deceleration.
This makes it a useful choice where there is little room for a larger profile pneumatic cylinder but the machine still needs better control over the way the piston stops at each end of its travel.
ZDPM Bore Options
- 16 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — compact cushioned actuation for lighter machine loads.
- 20 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — a common mid-range size for general industrial automation.
- 25 mm bore pneumatic cylinders — greater force while retaining the ISO 6432 round format.
The current Airtec product range includes many stroke options within these bores, so the complete manufacturer part number should be used wherever possible when replacing an existing pneumatic cylinder.
Magnetic Position Feedback
Standard ZDPM pneumatic cylinders use a magnetic piston, allowing compatible Airtec switches to detect piston position without mechanical contact.
The combination of adjustable cushioning and magnetic sensing makes ZDPM particularly useful on automated machinery where the control system needs both controlled motion and reliable confirmation of cylinder position.
ZDPM Stainless-Steel ES Versions
Airtec also lists ZDPM ES products with more extensive stainless-steel construction. For example, current Airtec product data includes ZDPM 32/200 ES as a clean-profile stainless-steel pneumatic cylinder. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
These ES variants should remain distinct from standard ZDPM products because the material specification is part of the reason they are selected for the machine.
ZDPM or ZDM?
The main difference is end-of-stroke control.
Airtec ZDM pneumatic cylinders are the simpler standard round-cylinder option. ZDPM pneumatic cylinders add adjustable pneumatic cushioning where smoother deceleration is required.
If a machine was originally designed around ZDPM, replacing it with a non-adjustable alternative may change how the load behaves at the end of the stroke.
ZDPM or ZDMO?
The two series solve completely different problems. ZDPM is selected for adjustable end cushioning, while Airtec ZDMO pneumatic cylinders use a hexagonal anti-rotation piston rod to keep attached tooling aligned.
Where both controlled deceleration and anti-rotation are required, the application should be reviewed against the available Airtec configurations rather than assuming either family provides both features.
Airtec ZDPM Selection Questions
When is adjustable cushioning worth paying for?
It becomes especially useful where the attached mass is moving quickly, the pneumatic cylinder cycles frequently or hard end stops would transmit excessive shock into the machine.
Can I simply replace a ZDPM with a standard ZDM of the same size?
Not without checking the application. The two pneumatic cylinders may share similar dimensions, but ZDPM provides adjustable pneumatic cushioning that standard ZDM does not provide in the same way.
Does ZDPM support magnetic sensors?
Yes on verified standard versions. Compatible Airtec cylinder switches can be used for non-contact position detection.
How do I compare ZDPM with other cushioned mini pneumatic cylinders?
Browse the wider ISO 6432 pneumatic cylinder range or return to the Airtec pneumatic cylinder hub to compare other Airtec designs.
What should I preserve when replacing an ES version?
Keep the complete Airtec MPN and material specification. The ES designation identifies a different construction and should not be removed merely because another ZDPM shares the same bore and stroke.
21 pneumatic cylinder products in this range.
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Airtec
ZDPM16/180
16mm bore x 180mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/180 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/15
20mm bore x 15mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/15 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/150
20mm bore x 150mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/150 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/180
20mm bore x 180mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/180 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/300
20mm bore x 300mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/300 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/600
20mm bore x 600mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/600 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/65
20mm bore x 65mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/65 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/800
20mm bore x 800mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/800 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/60
25mm bore x 60mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/60 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/65
25mm bore x 65mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/65 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/800
25mm bore x 800mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/800 -
Airtec
ZDPM16/10
16mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/10 -
Airtec
ZDPM16/20
16mm bore x 20mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/20 -
Airtec
ZDPM16/250
16mm bore x 250mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/250 -
Airtec
ZDPM16/40
16mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/40 -
Airtec
ZDPM16/50
16mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM16/50 -
Airtec
ZDPM20/200
20mm bore x 200mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM20/200 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/125
25mm bore x 125mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/125 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/200
25mm bore x 200mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/200 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/650
25mm bore x 650mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/650 -
Airtec
ZDPM25/80
25mm bore x 80mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZDPM25/80