Mechanically Jointed Rodless Cylinders

SMC Mechanically Jointed Rodless Cylinders by Guide Type

A mechanically jointed rodless cylinder connects the internal piston directly to an external carriage through a slot in the barrel, sealed by an inner seal band and an outer dust band. Because the load rides on a guided carriage instead of a piston rod, these actuators handle long strokes and moment loads in a compact, low-profile package. Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor carrying the MY1, MY2, and MY3 series.

The first decision is the guide: an unguided basic cylinder you pair with your own guide, or an integrated slide bearing, cam follower, or linear guide matched to your load and accuracy requirement. Start with the guide type below, then select bore, stroke, and stroke adjusting unit.

Not sure which guide fits? See the guide type comparison and FAQ below the products, or build a part number in our SMC rodless cylinder configurator.

Selecting a Mechanically Jointed Rodless Cylinder by Guide Type

SMC builds the MY1 platform in several guide styles so the bearing can be matched to the load mass and accuracy the application needs. Bore ranges below are from SMC product data; maximum stroke depends on bore, with standard strokes up to 2000 mm and a long stroke option to 5000 mm on some bores.

Series Guide Bore Sizes (mm) Best Fit
MY1B None (basic type) 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100 Machines with an existing external guide; largest bores in the family
MY3 None (basic type) 16, 25, 40, 63 Tight envelopes; reduced height and length compared to MY1; vertical or lateral mounting
MY1M Slide bearing 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 General transfer with an integrated guide
MY1C Cam follower 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 Smooth operation when the load is offset from the carriage center
MY1H High precision linear guide 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 Pick and place where positioning accuracy and repeatability matter
MY1HT Two linear guides, high rigidity 50, 63 Transfer and pick and place of high load workpieces
MY2H / MY2HT High precision single or double axis guide 16, 25, 40 Low profile precision axes; maximum standard stroke 600 mm

Variants to Know

  • MY1*W, protective cover: for cylinders exposed to powder, dust, or water drops.
  • -Z versions (MY1B-Z, MY1H-Z): use an enhanced magnetic dust seal band to protect the slot from contaminants.
  • 25A- prefix: secondary battery versions that eliminate copper and zinc where possible and suit low dew point environments. Offered for MY1B, MY1M, MY1C, MY1H, and MY2H/HT.
  • MY1H10: the 10 mm bore MY1H uses rubber bumpers as standard; standard MY1H bores use air cushions and offer an end lock option.

Options That Cause Ordering Mistakes

Option What to Check
Stroke adjusting unit Choose none, A (adjustment bolt), L (low load shock absorber plus adjustment bolt), or H (high load shock absorber plus adjustment bolt), on one end or both. Size the shock absorber to the load and speed at the stroke end.
Piping Standard piping or G (centralized piping). Centralized piping brings both ports to one end, which simplifies tubing on long strokes.
Port thread Small bores use M threads; larger bores default to Rc. Specify NPT or G in the part number if your fittings require it.
Auto switches The cylinders include a built-in magnet. Switch type, lead wire length, and quantity are part of the part number, so order them with the cylinder or separately as spares.

Mechanically Jointed Rodless Cylinder FAQ

What is the difference between a mechanically jointed and a magnetically coupled rodless cylinder?

A mechanically jointed rodless cylinder links the piston to the carriage through a slot in the barrel, sealed by an inner seal band and an outer dust band. A magnetically coupled rodless cylinder transfers force through magnets across a sealed tube, with no slot. The mechanical joint carries load directly and supports integrated guides for moment loads; the magnetic design has no slot to seal against contaminants.

Which SMC rodless cylinder guide type should I choose?

Use MY1B or MY3 if the machine already has an external guide. Choose MY1M (slide bearing) for general transfer, MY1C (cam follower) when the load is offset from the carriage, and MY1H (high precision linear guide) when positioning accuracy matters. For heavy workpieces at 50 or 63 mm bore, MY1HT uses two linear guides for higher rigidity.

How long a stroke can an SMC MY1 rodless cylinder have?

SMC offers MY1 standard strokes up to 2000 mm, with a long stroke option up to 5000 mm on some bore sizes. The maximum depends on the series and bore, so confirm the stroke when configuring the part number.

What does the stroke adjusting unit letter (A, L, H) mean on an MY1 part number?

A is an adjustment bolt only, L adds a low load shock absorber, and H adds a high load shock absorber, each with an adjustment bolt. The unit can be specified on one or both ends, or omitted. Choose the shock absorber based on the moving load and the carriage speed at the stroke end.

What is the difference between MY1H and MY2H?

Both are SMC mechanically jointed rodless cylinders with high precision guides. MY1H covers 10 to 40 mm bores, while MY2H and MY2HT are a lower profile design in 16, 25, and 40 mm bores with a maximum standard stroke of 600 mm. MY2HT uses a double axis guide.

Can a mechanically jointed rodless cylinder be used in a dusty or wet environment?

SMC offers MY1 models with a protective cover (MY1*W) for exposure to powder, dust, and water drops. The -Z versions of MY1B and MY1H also use an enhanced magnetic dust seal band to keep contaminants out of the slot.

Need Help Sizing a Rodless Cylinder?

Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor. Send us your load mass, stroke, speed, and mounting orientation, and our team will help you select the guide type, bore, and stroke adjusting unit.

Contact Automation Distribution