Airtec ZDPMK Through-Rod Cushioned Pneumatic Cylinders
Airtec Series ZDPMK pneumatic cylinders combine two features that are often required together on compact machinery: a piston rod extending from both ends of the actuator and adjustable pneumatic end cushioning.
The through-rod arrangement gives the machine mechanical access to piston travel on both sides, while the cushioning system allows the end-of-stroke behaviour to be tuned to the moving load and cycle speed. This makes ZDPMK particularly useful for fixtures, transfer mechanisms, positioning equipment and special-purpose machinery where movement must be both mechanically symmetrical and well controlled.
If the application needs a through rod but not adjustable cushioning, compare the Airtec ZDMK pneumatic cylinder range. For single-ended cushioned movement, see Airtec ZDPM pneumatic cylinders. You can also browse the full Airtec pneumatic cylinder range.
Why Choose ZDPMK?
ZDPMK is useful where neither a standard single-rod cylinder nor a basic through-rod cylinder gives the machine enough control.
The second rod end can be used for external tooling, secondary mechanisms or position-related machine functions, while adjustable cushioning helps reduce the shock created as the piston approaches either end of its travel.
That combination makes the range especially relevant to repetitive automation where both directions of movement are mechanically important.
Airtec ZDPMK Technical Specification
| Manufacturer |
AIRTEC |
| Series |
ZDPMK |
| Product Category |
Through-rod cushioned pneumatic cylinders |
| Dimensional Standard |
ISO 6432 |
| Verified Bore Sizes |
16, 20 and 25 mm |
| Operation |
Double acting |
| Piston Rod Arrangement |
Through rod / double-ended piston rod |
| Cushioning |
Adjustable pneumatic end cushioning |
| Position Detection |
Magnetic piston on standard versions |
| Cylinder Tube |
Stainless-steel round tube |
| Piston Rod |
Stainless steel on standard catalogue versions |
| Seal Materials |
NBR / PUR on standard versions |
| Operating Pressure |
Up to 10 bar |
| Standard Temperature Range |
-20°C to +80°C |
| Special Options |
High-temperature, stainless and ATEX configurations available on selected models |
Double-Ended Rod Access
The through piston rod extends beyond both cylinder end caps, allowing the machine designer to connect to piston movement from either side of the actuator.
This can be valuable where one rod end performs the working movement while the opposite end operates a second mechanism, carries an external indicator or interfaces with additional tooling.
For a simpler through-rod arrangement without the same cushioning emphasis, compare Airtec ZDMK pneumatic cylinders.
Adjustable Cushioning at the End of Travel
The defining difference between ZDPMK and a basic through-rod pneumatic cylinder is the adjustable cushioning system.
As the piston approaches the end of the stroke, the cushioning can be tuned to slow the moving mass before it reaches the mechanical end position. This helps reduce impact, noise and stress on both the pneumatic cylinder and the surrounding machine.
On a through-rod actuator, this is especially relevant because the cylinder may be carrying or driving equipment from both sides.
ZDPMK Bore Options
Magnetic Position Detection
Standard ZDPMK pneumatic cylinders use a magnetic piston so compatible switches can detect piston position without mechanical contact.
This gives the machine control system a way to confirm cylinder position while the adjustable cushioning manages the mechanical deceleration at the end of travel.
For cross-brand alternatives, browse the wider ISO 6432 pneumatic cylinder range.
ZDPMK, ZDMK or ZDPM?
| Airtec Series |
Rod Arrangement |
Cushioning Focus |
Best Fit |
| ZDMK |
Through rod |
Standard configuration |
Double-ended mechanical connection |
| ZDPM |
Single rod |
Adjustable pneumatic cushioning |
Controlled stopping with standard rod arrangement |
| ZDPMK |
Through rod |
Adjustable pneumatic cushioning |
Two-sided mechanical access plus controlled end-of-stroke deceleration |
Where ZDPMK Makes Sense
Series ZDPMK is especially suited to applications where both ends of the piston rod are part of the machine function and where repeated end-of-stroke impact needs to be controlled.
Typical uses can include positioning mechanisms, compact handling systems, fixtures, transfer equipment and special-purpose machinery where the pneumatic actuator forms part of a mechanically balanced or two-sided movement.
Airtec ZDPMK Selection Questions
Why would I choose ZDPMK instead of ZDMK?
Choose ZDPMK where the through-rod arrangement is required but the machine also benefits from adjustable pneumatic cushioning. ZDMK provides the double-ended rod format without the same cushioning proposition.
Can I replace ZDPMK with ZDPM?
Not directly if the machine uses the second rod end. ZDPM is a single-ended cushioned pneumatic cylinder, while ZDPMK uses a through piston rod.
Does ZDPMK give more balanced movement than a single-rod cylinder?
A through-rod arrangement gives more symmetrical piston areas on each side than a conventional single-rod cylinder, which can make the operating characteristics more balanced between extension and retraction.
Is adjustable cushioning important on a small 16 or 20 mm pneumatic cylinder?
It can be, especially when cycle speed is high or the attached mechanism has enough mass to create repeated end-of-stroke shock. The value of cushioning depends on the actual kinetic energy in the application.
Where can I compare other Airtec mini pneumatic cylinder designs?
Return to the Airtec pneumatic cylinder hub or browse all ISO 6432 pneumatic cylinders to compare other configurations and manufacturers.
