Collection: Airtec Series ZEM ISO 6432 Single-Acting Pneumatic Cylinders

Technical information & FAQs

Airtec ZEM Single-Acting Pneumatic Cylinders

Airtec Series ZEM pneumatic cylinders are compact single-acting actuators for machine functions that need pneumatic force in one direction with an automatic mechanical return. The slim ISO 6432 round-body design makes ZEM particularly useful for short locating, ejecting, clamping, stop and positioning movements where installation space is limited.

The range covers six bore sizes from 8 to 25 mm and standard strokes up to 50 mm. A stainless-steel cylinder tube and piston rod provide a durable industrial construction, while the magnetic piston allows compatible Airtec cylinder switches to confirm position without mechanical contact.

For powered movement in both directions, compare Airtec ZDM pneumatic cylinders. You can also browse the complete Airtec pneumatic cylinder range, view all Airtec pneumatic cylinders or compare other ISO 6432 pneumatic cylinders.

Why Choose a Single-Acting Pneumatic Cylinder?

A single-acting pneumatic cylinder is useful when compressed air is only required to produce the working movement. The return movement is provided mechanically, reducing the need to pressurise both sides of the piston.

That can suit short repetitive machine functions where the mechanism only needs pneumatic force to push, locate, eject, lock or clamp before returning automatically when pressure is removed.

ZEM is particularly well suited to these duties because the actuator remains physically small, with bore sizes beginning at only 8 mm and strokes concentrated around short machine movements.

Airtec ZEM Technical Specification

Manufacturer	AIRTEC
Series	ZEM
Product Category	Single-acting round pneumatic cylinders
Dimensional Standard	ISO 6432
Bore Sizes	8, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 25 mm
Stroke Range	1 to 50 mm
Operation	Single acting
Position Detection	Magnetic piston
Head and Foot	Anodised aluminium
Cylinder Tube	AISI 304 / 1.4301 stainless steel
Piston Rod	AISI 303 / 1.4305 stainless steel
Seals	NBR / PUR
Maximum Operating Pressure	10 bar
Temperature Range	-20°C to +80°C

Six Bore Sizes for Short Machine Movements

ZEM spans a surprisingly broad force range for such a compact pneumatic cylinder. The smallest 8 and 10 mm versions suit lightweight mechanisms, while 20 and 25 mm bore models provide considerably greater thrust without moving away from the slim ISO 6432 format.

Bore	Pneumatic Port	Piston Rod Thread	Cylinder Mounting Thread
8 mm	M5	M4	M12 × 1.25
10 mm	M5	M4	M12 × 1.25
12 mm	M5	M6	M16 × 1.5
16 mm	M5	M6	M16 × 1.5
20 mm	G1/8	M8	M22 × 1.5
25 mm	G1/8	M10 × 1.25	M22 × 1.5

Short Strokes from 10 to 50 mm

Standard ZEM products are concentrated around short 10, 25, 40 and 50 mm strokes, with customer-specific strokes between 1 and 50 mm also documented for the range. This makes ZEM a natural choice for mechanisms that only need a small amount of linear travel.

Typical applications can include component ejection, stops, short clamps, locating pins, fixture movement and other functions where using a long double-acting pneumatic cylinder would add unnecessary size and complexity.

Magnetic Position Feedback

Airtec ZEM pneumatic cylinders use a magnetic piston on the standard range. Compatible cylinder switches can therefore be added where the control system needs confirmation that the actuator has reached its required position.

This is particularly useful for automated fixtures and machine interlocks, where the next stage of the process should only begin once the single-acting pneumatic cylinder has completed its movement.

ZEM or ZDM?

Airtec Series	Operation	Best Suited To
ZEM	Single acting	Short machine functions requiring pneumatic force in one direction and automatic return
ZDM	Double acting	Applications requiring powered extension and powered retraction

The two families share the compact ISO 6432 round-cylinder concept but perform different machine functions. If the original actuator is marked ZEM, changing to ZDM would also change the pneumatic circuit and operating behaviour.

Airtec Now Offers HE Replacements for Some ZEM Products

Airtec currently identifies newer HE-series alternatives for a number of legacy ZEM pneumatic cylinders. For example, ZEM 16/50 is cross-referenced by Airtec to HE-16-050, while ZEM 20/25 is linked to HE-20-025. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

That does not mean every ZEM should automatically be replaced with HE. Where the original ZEM is still available, buyers may prefer an exact replacement. Where an alternative is required, mounting dimensions, bore, stroke, rod thread, pneumatic connection and sensing should all be checked before substitution.

Replacing an Existing Airtec ZEM Pneumatic Cylinder

The complete manufacturer part number is the strongest starting point. A code such as ZEM 20/50 identifies a 20 mm bore, 50 mm stroke single-acting pneumatic cylinder, while its dimensional data includes an M8 rod thread, M22 × 1.5 mounting thread and G1/8 pneumatic connection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

If the label is damaged, establish the bore, stroke, body thread, piston-rod thread and pneumatic port before choosing a replacement. The Airtec pneumatic cylinder hub can then be used to compare the available ranges.

Questions Buyers Ask About Airtec ZEM

Why would I choose ZEM instead of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder?

ZEM is useful where the machine only needs pneumatic force in one direction. Its single-acting design is particularly suited to short ejection, locating, locking and stop movements where an automatic return is desirable.

Can I buy a ZEM with only 10 mm stroke?

Yes. Airtec catalogue data includes 10 mm stroke ZEM pneumatic cylinders across all six bore sizes from 8 to 25 mm.

My old ZEM has been cross-referenced to Airtec HE. Should I automatically order HE?

Not without checking the application. Airtec does identify HE alternatives for some ZEM codes, but an exact ZEM replacement may still be available. If changing families, compare all critical dimensions and operating characteristics first.

Does ZEM support cylinder switches?

Yes. The standard ZEM construction uses a magnetic piston and is specified for compatible Airtec cylinder switches with the appropriate mounting hardware.

Where can I compare other single-acting or mini pneumatic cylinders?

Browse the wider ISO 6432 pneumatic cylinder collection, return to the Airtec pneumatic cylinder range, or view all Airtec pneumatic cylinders.

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26 pneumatic cylinder products in this range.

Airtec
ZEM10/10
10mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM10/10

£23.27 EX VAT

£27.92 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM10/25
10mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM10/25

£24.23 EX VAT

£29.07 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM10/40
10mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM10/40

£26.83 EX VAT

£32.19 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM10/50
10mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM10/50

£24.32 EX VAT

£29.18 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM12/10
12mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM12/10

£25.07 EX VAT

£30.08 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM12/25
12mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM12/25

£25.35 EX VAT

£30.42 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM16/10
16mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM16/10

£27.29 EX VAT

£32.75 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM16/15
16mm bore x 15mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM16/15

£30.73 EX VAT

£36.87 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM16/25
16mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM16/25

£27.97 EX VAT

£33.56 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM16/40
16mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM16/40

£31.53 EX VAT

£37.83 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM16/50
16mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM16/50

£29.33 EX VAT

£35.19 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM20/10
20mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM20/10

£30.29 EX VAT

£36.35 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM20/25
20mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM20/25

£31.37 EX VAT

£37.64 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM20/50
20mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM20/50

£32.17 EX VAT

£38.60 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM25/25
25mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM25/25

£34.07 EX VAT

£40.88 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM25/40
25mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM25/40

£38.34 EX VAT

£46.01 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM12/15
12mm bore x 15mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM12/15

£25.27 EX VAT

£30.32 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM12/40
12mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM12/40

£28.58 EX VAT

£34.29 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM12/50
12mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM12/50

£25.87 EX VAT

£31.04 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM20/40
20mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM20/40

£35.12 EX VAT

£42.14 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM25/10
25mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM25/10

£33.40 EX VAT

£40.08 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM25/50
25mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM25/50

£34.80 EX VAT

£41.76 INC VAT

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Airtec
ZEM8/10
8mm bore x 10mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM8/10

£23.00 EX VAT

£27.60 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM8/25
8mm bore x 25mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM8/25

£24.08 EX VAT

£28.89 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM8/40
8mm bore x 40mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM8/40

£26.74 EX VAT

£32.09 INC VAT

View Details
Airtec
ZEM8/50
8mm bore x 50mm stroke
ISO 6432 | ISO 6432 Pneumatic Cylinder
Manufacturer Part Number ZEM8/50

£24.23 EX VAT

£29.07 INC VAT

View Details