CS2 Tie Rod Cylinders
The SMC CS2 is a large-bore, non-lube tie rod air cylinder engineered specifically for weight-critical applications where the CS1 is too heavy for the machine structure or where reducing self-weight deflection on long strokes is a design requirement. Aluminum die-cast rod and head covers deliver up to 58% weight reduction compared to the equivalent CS1 configuration — without sacrificing bore range, mounting flexibility, or stroke capability. As an authorized SMC Corporation of America distributor, Automation Distribution stocks 274 CS2 series SKUs including single rod, double rod, smooth cylinder, and accessory variants.
SMC CS2 tie rod cylinder overview
The defining feature of the CS2 is its aluminum die-cast rod cover and head cover, replacing the heavier cast iron end caps used in the CS1. At ø160mm bore and 100mm stroke (basic mounting), the CS2 weighs approximately 11.3kg compared to 27.2kg for the equivalent CS1 — a 58% reduction. This weight advantage is most significant in applications where the cylinder itself contributes meaningful inertia to the machine's moving mass, in long-stroke horizontal installations where cylinder self-weight causes sag, and wherever machine builders are working to reduce overall equipment weight for transport or installation reasons.
Like the CS1, the CS2 uses tie rod construction for full field serviceability — seals and wear components can be replaced without specialized tooling. Air cushions are standard on both ends for end-of-stroke damping. The CS2 is non-lube as standard; no line lubricator is required.
CS2 series specifications
Bore sizes: ø125mm, ø140mm, ø160mm, ø180mm, ø200mm, ø250mm, ø320mm (single rod); ø125mm–ø250mm (double rod)
Stroke range: Up to 1600mm (single rod, depending on mounting configuration); up to 1200mm (double rod)
Maximum operating pressure: 0.97 MPa
Minimum operating pressure: 0.05 MPa
Proof pressure: 1.57 MPa
Piston speed: 50 to 500 mm/s
Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C (without auto switch); 0°C to 60°C (with auto switch)
Lubrication: Non-lube — no line lubricator required
Cushion: Air cushion standard on both ends
Auto switch: Auto-switch capable; built-in magnet available (CDS2 prefix)
Port thread options: Rc, NPT, or G
Rod end options: Rod boots available; Rc, NPT, G thread types
Mounting styles: Basic (B), foot (L), rod flange (F), head flange (G), single clevis (C), double clevis (D), trunnion (T)
Weight advantage vs CS1: Up to 58% lighter (basic ø160mm, 100mm stroke)
CS2 series variants
C(D)S2 — double acting, single rod (standard)
The base CS2 configuration. Double acting, single rod, non-lube. Bore sizes ø125–ø320mm with strokes up to 1600mm depending on mounting style. Air cushions standard on both ends. The "D" prefix (CDS2) indicates a built-in piston magnet for auto switch use — always specify CDS2 when position sensing is required or may be added in the future. Available port threads: Rc, NPT, G. Optional rod boots for environments with particulate contamination or fluid splash.
C(D)S2W — double acting, double rod
Double rod variant providing thrust from both ends of the cylinder. Bore sizes ø125–ø250mm, maximum strokes up to 1200mm depending on mounting configuration. Air cushions standard. Suited for applications requiring equal push/pull force, symmetric load attachment, or where the non-working rod is used as an external stop or position reference point. Available in both standard (CS2W) and magnet-equipped (CDS2W) configurations.
CS2Y — smooth cylinder, double acting
The CS2Y smooth cylinder variant uses lower-friction seal geometry optimized for low-pressure and low-speed applications where standard seal drag causes inconsistent actuation or sticking at startup. Bore sizes ø125mm, ø140mm, ø160mm with strokes up to 1600mm. Suited for precision positioning at low supply pressure, slow-feed pressing and forming operations, and applications where the cylinder must move smoothly without a pronounced break-away event.
CS2 with environmental options
Environmental variants of the CS2 single rod cylinder are available for applications in tougher operating conditions — including rod boot options for protection against weld spatter, chips, coolant, and dust in machine tool and fabrication environments. Available in bore sizes ø125mm, ø140mm, ø160mm.
CS2P — axial centralized piping
The CS2P is an axial piping variant with ports oriented in the rod side or head side axial direction, enabling centralized piping runs that reduce hose routing complexity in dense multi-cylinder installations. Useful when the standard radial port location on the cylinder body creates interference with adjacent machine structure.
CS2 accessories — mounting brackets and knuckle joints
SMC CS2 add-on mounting brackets are available for all standard mounting styles and are ordered by bore size. Single and double knuckle joints (I-type and Y-type) are available for rod end pivot connections. A rod end bracket version (CS2-XC86) includes the rod end bracket as part of the ordered assembly, eliminating a separate line item for common configurations.
CS2 vs CS1 — when to choose which
The CS2 and CS1 overlap significantly in bore range (both cover ø125–ø200mm+) and share the same tie rod construction philosophy. The decision between them comes down to three factors. Choose the CS2 when machine weight is a constraint, when long-stroke horizontal installations require minimizing cylinder sag, when a non-lube design is mandatory, or when maximum stroke needs are within 1600mm. Choose the CS1 when bore sizes above ø200mm are required (up to ø300mm), when strokes beyond 1600mm are needed (CS1 goes to 2400mm), or when an air-hydro configuration is required for controlled high-force low-speed output.
How to read a CS2 part number
Example: CDS2F125TN-300-A93L
C = cylinder; D = built-in magnet; S2 = CS2 series; F = mounting style (F = rod flange, B = basic, L = foot, G = head flange, C = single clevis, D = double clevis, T = trunnion); 125 = ø125mm bore; TN = rod end thread type; 300 = 300mm stroke; A93L = auto switch type with 3m lead wire. As with the CS1, always specify the CDS2 (with built-in magnet) over the CS2 unless auto switch use is definitively ruled out.
CS2 large-bore cylinder applications
The CS2's weight advantage over the CS1 is most valuable in automated equipment where minimizing moving mass improves cycle time, reduces structural loading, and lowers energy consumption per cycle. Common applications include automotive assembly jigs and fixtures where multi-cylinder tooling must be suspended overhead, long-stroke material handling and transfer systems where cylinder self-weight causes rod deflection, packaging and filling machinery requiring high-force at moderate speed with a lightweight machine frame, and general industrial automation where machine builders are targeting overall equipment weight targets for transportation and installation.