SMC AC30-N03E-3Z-D Air Combination, Air Filter + Regulator + Lubricator, 3/8" NPT, Embedded Gauge, 0.05-0.85 MPa
SMC
$121.30
The SMC AC30-N03E-3Z-D is a size 30, three-unit modular air combination on 3/8" NPT ports: an AF30-D air filter, AR30-D regulator with square embedded pressure gauge, and AL30-D lubricator. It filters to 5 microns, regulates from 0.05 to 0.85 MPa (approx. 7 to 123 psi), and delivers metered oil mist downstream for pneumatic tools, cylinders, and machinery that require lubricated air. This configuration includes a lubricator drain cock, relieving-type regulator, left-to-right flow, transparent bowl guards, and psi/°F imperial-unit labeling for North American installations.
Direct Replacement for the Discontinued AC30-N03E-3Z-B
SMC ended production of the AC-B series in March 2025 and designates the AC-D series as its successor. The AC30-N03E-3Z-D carries the identical configuration string as the discontinued AC30-N03E-3Z-B: NPT 3/8 ports, square embedded pressure gauge (E), lubricator drain cock (3), and imperial-unit labeling (Z). Ports, regulation range, gauge type, and function all cross over directly - this is one of the cleanest generational swaps in the SMC FRL line.
Part Number Breakdown: AC30-N03E-3Z-D
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AC30 | Air combination, air filter + regulator + lubricator (three units), body size 30 |
| N03 | NPT thread, 3/8" ports |
| E | Square embedded type pressure gauge, integrated in the regulator body |
| 3 | Lubricator with drain cock |
| Z | Name plate, caution plates, and pressure display in imperial units (psi, °F) |
| D | AC-D series (current generation) |
Unlisted options default to standard: no float-type auto drain, standard 0.05-0.85 MPa regulating spring, polycarbonate bowls, relieving-type exhaust, and left-to-right flow direction.
Specifications
| Specification | AC30-N03E-3Z-D |
|---|---|
| Components | AF30-D air filter + AR30-D regulator + AL30-D lubricator |
| Port size | 3/8" NPT (IN/OUT) |
| Pressure gauge | Square embedded type, integrated in regulator, psi display (Z) |
| Set pressure range | 0.05 to 0.85 MPa (approx. 7 to 123 psi) |
| Max. operating pressure | 1.0 MPa (145 psi) |
| Proof pressure | 1.5 MPa |
| Nominal filtration rating | 5 µm |
| Ambient/fluid temperature | -5 to 60 °C (23 to 140 °F), no freezing |
| Recommended lubricant | Class 1 turbine oil (ISO VG32) |
| Bowl | Polycarbonate, covered by transparent bowl guard (standard on size 30 AC-D) |
| Regulator construction | Relieving type |
| Flow direction | Left to right |
Full dimensional data, drain and oil capacities, and flow curves are in SMC's AC-D series catalog; contact Automation Distribution for a datasheet.
Specifying This Unit in a New Design
Selection checks before committing this configuration to a BOM:
- Confirm the equipment actually requires lubricated air. Modern pre-lubricated cylinders and valves run dry; once a circuit is fed oiled air, the mist washes out factory grease and the circuit must stay lubricated for life. Spec the lubricator leg for air tools and equipment whose documentation calls for oil mist. If nothing downstream needs oil, the AC30B-D (air filter + regulator, same body family) is the cleaner and cheaper choice.
- Three units vs. two. The AC30-D separates filtration and regulation into individual AF30-D and AR30-D bodies. That costs mounting length versus the two-body AC30A-D (filter regulator + lubricator) but buys independent service: elements, bowls, and the regulator can each be isolated, replaced, or upgraded without touching the others, and the modular stack accepts additions like a mist separator later. High-duty or dirty-air installations tend to justify the three-body layout; tight panels tend toward the AC30A-D.
- Embedded gauge trade-off. The E option gives a flush, low-profile gauge face protected in the regulator body - but on embedded-gauge units SMC does not provide the separate gauge connection port, so there is no spare port for adding a round gauge or pressure switch later. If the design may need a switch or transmitter down the line, spec the round gauge (G) or digital pressure switch (E1-E4) version instead.
- Check lubricator minimum flow. Lubricators need a minimum airflow before oil begins dripping. Circuits that idle at very low flow, such as a single small-bore cylinder cycling intermittently, can pass air without picking up oil - verify the AL30-D minimum dripping flow in the datasheet against your real duty cycle, not the peak.
- Port and flow headroom. Size 30 covers 1/4" and 3/8" ports. For 1/2" branch lines or higher flow, step up to the AC40-D in the same modular family with the same option structure.
Crossover Notes: AC30-N03E-3Z-B to -D
This is a cleaner crossover than the AC-A generation swaps - the -B already carried the 0.05-0.85 MPa range and the embedded gauge, so nothing about regulation or readout changes:
- Identical function. Same set pressure range, same square embedded gauge, same relieving regulator, same left-to-right flow, same 3/8" NPT ports. Setpoints and work instructions carry over unchanged.
- Improved bowl protection. The -D generation's two-layer construction covers the polycarbonate bowl with a transparent guard as standard on size 30, keeping 360-degree visibility while shielding the pressurized bowl from ambient chemical and oil exposure.
- Attachments move to the Y-D series. SMC ended production of the prior-generation spacers alongside the FRL bodies, so replacement mounting hardware should be ordered as Y300-D and Y300T-D. Interchangeability is maintained in both directions - new Y-D spacers connect to existing-generation bodies and existing spacers connect to -D bodies - so mixed stacks remain serviceable during transition.
Mounting and Attachments: What You May Need
The AC30-N03E-3Z-D ships as a three-body combination with no mounting attachment. Current size 30 AC-D hardware, all stocked by Automation Distribution:
- Y300T-D spacer with bracket - the wall/panel mounting solution for size 30 AC-D units.
- Y300-D spacer - joins modular bodies where no bracket is required.
- E300-N03-D piping adapter - 3/8" NPT adapter that lets the unit be removed for service without breaking the line piping. Worth adding on any installation where downtime for element changes matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaces the SMC AC30-N03E-3Z-B?
The AC30-N03E-3Z-D is the direct factory replacement. SMC discontinued the AC-B series in March 2025 and the AC-D series carries the identical configuration string, so the crossover keeps the same ports, embedded gauge, lubricator drain cock, and imperial-unit labeling.
Is the AC30-N03E-3Z-D a drop-in replacement?
Yes. Same 3/8" NPT ports, same 0.05-0.85 MPa regulation range, same square embedded gauge, same relieving regulator and left-to-right flow. For bracket-mounted installations, order the current Y300T-D spacer with bracket, since prior-generation spacers are also discontinued.
What is the difference between the SMC AC30-D and AC30A-D?
The AC30-D is the three-unit combination: separate air filter (AF30-D), regulator (AR30-D), and lubricator (AL30-D). The AC30A-D is the two-unit version that merges filtration and regulation into a single AW30-D filter regulator, paired with the AL30-D lubricator. The letter after the body size is the body-type code, not an option - when crossing over a discontinued part, match it exactly.
Can a pressure switch be added to this unit later?
Not on the gauge port - embedded-gauge (E) units do not include the separate gauge connection port. If the design needs a switch or transmitter later, spec the round gauge (G) or digital pressure switch (E1-E4) version of the same combination instead.
Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor. Browse the full range of SMC air combination units, or contact our team at 1-888-600-3080 for crossover help on any discontinued SMC part number.
