EMC Series SQN Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

Technical information & FAQs

EMC SQN Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

EMC Series SQN pneumatic cylinders are double-acting compact actuators designed for machinery where a short installation length is more important than using a conventional long-body profile cylinder. The range combines a compact aluminium body, magnetic piston sensing and through-hole mounting with a broad choice of bore and stroke combinations.

SQN uses different body profiles across the range. Smaller bore versions use a diamond-style compact body, while larger pneumatic cylinders use the square-profile format. This allows EMC to cover everything from lightweight short-stroke movements through to considerably higher-force compact actuation within the same series.

Browse all EMC pneumatic cylinders, compare the longer-stroke EMC SQ range, or view the wider compact pneumatic cylinder collection.

Built for Compact Machine Spaces

SQN is designed around reducing the axial space required for pneumatic movement. This makes it particularly useful in assembly fixtures, packaging equipment, handling systems, jigs, clamps and production machinery where the actuator must fit between closely positioned machine components.

The compact construction does not restrict SQN to very small actuators. The wider EMC range extends from miniature bore sizes through to large 100 mm pneumatic cylinders, allowing the same general design philosophy to be used across very different force requirements.

EMC SQN Technical Specification

Manufacturer EMC
Series SQN
Range Eco-Line compact pneumatic cylinders
Product Category Compact pneumatic cylinders
Operation Double acting
Manufacturer Bore Range 12 to 100 mm
Common Standard Strokes 5 to 50 mm, with additional configurations depending on bore
Position Detection Magnetic piston
Cushioning Anti-bump cushioning
Mounting Through-hole mounting
Body Material Anodised aluminium
Piston Rod Hard-chrome-plated steel
Seal Material NBR
Maximum Operating Pressure 10 bar
Temperature Range -20°C to +80°C in the EMC technical catalogue; selected Eco-Line distribution data lists -10°C to +60°C
Cylinder Switch Type D series

Diamond and Square Profile SQN Pneumatic Cylinders

The physical SQN body changes as the bore size increases. Smaller pneumatic cylinders use the more compact diamond-profile construction, while larger sizes adopt a wider square body.

Bore Group Body Format Typical Use
12–25 mm Small / diamond-profile compact body Lightweight stops, pushers, locators and small fixture movements
32 mm and above Square-profile compact body General clamping, lifting, positioning and higher-force machine actuation

This body change is why replacement should always start from the complete EMC MPN rather than assuming every SQN shares identical external geometry.

SQN Bore Options

Short Stroke Options from 5 mm

SQN is particularly strong for short pneumatic movements. EMC catalogue data includes 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 mm strokes across different bore sizes, with additional stroke options available depending on configuration.

This makes the range useful for mechanisms that only need a small amount of movement to clamp, locate, eject, stop or position a component.

Magnetic Position Sensing from Three Sides

The SQN body includes slots that allow magnetic cylinder switches to be mounted on multiple sides of the pneumatic cylinder. This gives machine builders more flexibility when sensor access is restricted by surrounding tooling or guarding.

The magnetic piston allows the control system to confirm extension and retraction without requiring a mechanical limit switch to contact the moving actuator.

Bronze Bearing and Piston-Rod Guidance

EMC specifies self-lubricating bronze bearing support within the SQN design. The purpose is to improve piston-rod guidance and concentricity while maintaining smooth movement and low starting pressure.

The piston rod and rod connection are also designed around a rotary-riveted arrangement intended to maintain alignment through repeated machine cycles.

Anti-Bump End Cushioning

SQN uses anti-bump cushioning rather than manually adjustable pneumatic cushioning. This helps soften the piston at the end of its movement without adding an external cushioning adjustment to the actuator.

Where a machine has high moving mass or particularly high piston speed, the application should still be checked carefully because anti-bump cushioning is not the same as a fully adjustable pneumatic cushion.

SQN and SMC CQ2 / CQ2A Replacement Searches

Published EMC distribution data states that the main mounting dimensions of SQN are identical to the SMC CQ2A / CQ2 compact-cylinder format.

This makes SQN especially interesting where an engineer is looking for a compact replacement around that mounting geometry. However, it should not be treated as an automatic like-for-like substitution from bore and stroke alone.

Before changing manufacturer, confirm the pneumatic port, piston-rod thread, overall dimensions, sensor arrangement, cushioning, mounting holes and any machine-specific options fitted to the original pneumatic cylinder.

Example: EMC SQN 40/40 SZ

SQN 40/40 SZ is a 40 mm bore × 40 mm stroke double-acting compact pneumatic cylinder with G1/8 pneumatic ports.

Its construction includes an anodised aluminium body, hard-chrome-plated steel piston rod and NBR seals, making it representative of the larger square-profile SQN products.

Example: EMC SQN 50/80 SZ

SQN 50/80 SZ is a 50 mm bore × 80 mm stroke compact pneumatic cylinder using a G1/4 pneumatic connection.

This longer configuration demonstrates that installed SQN products can extend beyond the principal short-stroke catalogue listings, so the exact manufacturer code should always be used when sourcing a replacement.

SQN or SQ?

EMC Series Primary Design Choose It When...
SQN Standard compact pneumatic cylinder family A short-body compact actuator and established SQN mounting format are required
SQ Long-stroke compact pneumatic cylinder Greater travel is a primary requirement while retaining compact construction

The series are related but should not be treated as interchangeable. EMC specifically identifies SQ as the long-stroke compact family, while SQN is the broader standard compact platform.

SQN or SFS?

EMC SFS is the better starting point where a recognised ISO 21287 compact mounting standard is required.

SQN is an EMC compact-cylinder format and should not be labelled ISO 21287 simply because it is physically compact. The distinction is important for replacement and cross-brand compatibility.

Replacing an Existing EMC SQN Pneumatic Cylinder

The complete EMC part number gives the safest route to an exact replacement. A code such as SQN 40/40 SZ identifies both the SQN family and its 40 mm bore × 40 mm stroke configuration.

When the original label is unreadable, check the body dimensions, bore, stroke, mounting-hole pattern, piston-rod thread and pneumatic port before selecting an alternative.

Browse all EMC pneumatic cylinders if another EMC configuration is required, or compare the wider compact pneumatic cylinder range for suitable cross-brand alternatives.

EMC SQN Selection Questions

Is EMC SQN ISO 21287?

No. EMC lists SQN as its own compact pneumatic cylinder family. The dedicated EMC ISO 21287 range is SFS / SF depending on catalogue generation.

What is the SQN bore range?

The wider documented family spans 12 to 100 mm bore, with different body styles used across the size range.

Is SQN double acting?

Yes. Standard SQN pneumatic cylinders are double acting.

Can SQN use magnetic position switches?

Yes. SQN uses a magnetic piston and includes switch mounting grooves on multiple sides of the body.

What cushioning does SQN use?

The standard specification uses anti-bump end cushioning rather than adjustable pneumatic cushioning.

Is SQN dimensionally similar to SMC CQ2?

Published EMC distribution data states that its main mounting dimensions correspond to the SMC CQ2A / CQ2 format. Any substitution should still be checked against the complete mechanical and pneumatic specification.

What is the difference between SQN and SQ?

SQN is EMC's standard compact pneumatic cylinder platform. SQ is separately identified by EMC as the long-stroke compact-cylinder range.

Where can I compare EMC compact ranges?

Compare EMC SQ, EMC SFS, browse all EMC pneumatic cylinders, or view all compact pneumatic cylinders.

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87 pneumatic cylinder products in this range.

  • EMC | SQN 25/20 SZ | 25mm Bore x 20mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 25/20 SZ

    25mm bore x 20mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 25/20 SZ
    £29.00 EX VAT
    £34.80 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 25/10 SZ | 25mm Bore x 10mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 25/10 SZ

    25mm bore x 10mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 25/10 SZ
    £26.69 EX VAT
    £32.03 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 16/25 SZ | 16mm Bore x 25mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 16/25 SZ

    16mm bore x 25mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 16/25 SZ
    £27.84 EX VAT
    £33.41 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 16/5 SZ | 16mm Bore x 5mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 16/5 SZ

    16mm bore x 5mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 16/5 SZ
    £20.64 EX VAT
    £24.77 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 16/30 SZ | 16mm Bore x 30mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 16/30 SZ

    16mm bore x 30mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 16/30 SZ
    £28.59 EX VAT
    £34.31 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 16/10 SZ | 16mm Bore x 10mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 16/10 SZ

    16mm bore x 10mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 16/10 SZ
    £20.42 EX VAT
    £24.50 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 12/15 SZ | 12mm Bore x 15mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 12/15 SZ

    12mm bore x 15mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 12/15 SZ
    £23.16 EX VAT
    £27.79 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 12/20 SZ | 12mm Bore x 20mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 12/20 SZ

    12mm bore x 20mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 12/20 SZ
    £24.35 EX VAT
    £29.22 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 12/10 SZ | 12mm Bore x 10mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 12/10 SZ

    12mm bore x 10mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 12/10 SZ
    £18.63 EX VAT
    £22.36 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/75 SZ | 80mm Bore x 75mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/75 SZ

    80mm bore x 75mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/75 SZ
    £120.33 EX VAT
    £144.40 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/45 SZ | 80mm Bore x 45mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/45 SZ

    80mm bore x 45mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/45 SZ
    £110.90 EX VAT
    £133.08 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/35 SZ | 80mm Bore x 35mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/35 SZ

    80mm bore x 35mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/35 SZ
    £107.15 EX VAT
    £128.58 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/90 SZ | 80mm Bore x 90mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/90 SZ

    80mm bore x 90mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/90 SZ
    £134.33 EX VAT
    £161.20 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/60 SZ | 80mm Bore x 60mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/60 SZ

    80mm bore x 60mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/60 SZ
    £116.75 EX VAT
    £140.10 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/50 SZ | 80mm Bore x 50mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/50 SZ

    80mm bore x 50mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/50 SZ
    £112.35 EX VAT
    £134.82 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 80/40 SZ | 80mm Bore x 40mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/40 SZ

    80mm bore x 40mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/40 SZ
    £109.34 EX VAT
    £131.21 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 80/30 SZ | 80mm Bore x 30mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/30 SZ

    80mm bore x 30mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/30 SZ
    £104.96 EX VAT
    £125.95 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 80/20 SZ | 80mm Bore x 20mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/20 SZ

    80mm bore x 20mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/20 SZ
    £101.63 EX VAT
    £121.96 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 80/100 SZ | 80mm Bore x 100mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 80/100 SZ

    80mm bore x 100mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 80/100 SZ
    £138.18 EX VAT
    £165.82 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 50/75 SZ | 50mm Bore x 75mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/75 SZ

    50mm bore x 75mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/75 SZ
    £63.80 EX VAT
    £76.56 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 50/45 SZ | 50mm Bore x 45mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/45 SZ

    50mm bore x 45mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/45 SZ
    £52.58 EX VAT
    £63.10 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 50/25 SZ | 50mm Bore x 25mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/25 SZ

    50mm bore x 25mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/25 SZ
    £57.47 EX VAT
    £68.96 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 50/80 SZ | 50mm Bore x 80mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/80 SZ

    50mm bore x 80mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/80 SZ
    £72.96 EX VAT
    £87.55 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 50/70 SZ | 50mm Bore x 70mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/70 SZ

    50mm bore x 70mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/70 SZ
    £67.05 EX VAT
    £80.46 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 50/50 SZ | 50mm Bore x 50mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/50 SZ

    50mm bore x 50mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/50 SZ
    £54.38 EX VAT
    £65.26 INC VAT
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  • EMC | SQN 50/40 SZ | 50mm Bore x 40mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/40 SZ

    50mm bore x 40mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/40 SZ
    £61.20 EX VAT
    £73.44 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 50/30 SZ | 50mm Bore x 30mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/30 SZ

    50mm bore x 30mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/30 SZ
    £58.22 EX VAT
    £69.86 INC VAT
    View Details
  • EMC | SQN 50/20 SZ | 50mm Bore x 20mm Stroke | Compact | Pneumatic Cylinder

    EMC

    SQN 50/20 SZ

    50mm bore x 20mm stroke

    Compact Pneumatic Cylinder

    Manufacturer Part Number SQN 50/20 SZ
    £44.25 EX VAT
    £53.10 INC VAT
    View Details