SMC AC40-N03E-Z-D Air Combination, Filter Regulator + Lubricator, 3/8" NPT, Embedded Gauge, 0.05-0.85 MPa
SMC
$149.65
The SMC AC40-N03E-Z-D is a size 40 modular air combination pairing an AW40-D filter regulator with an AL40-D lubricator on 3/8" NPT ports, with a square embedded pressure gauge integrated in the regulator body. 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 uses a relieving-type regulator with left-to-right flow, a transparent bowl guard, and psi/°F imperial-unit labeling for North American installations.
Direct Replacement for the Discontinued AC40-N03E-Z-B
SMC ended production of the AC-B series in March 2025 and lists the AC20-AC40-D as the replacement series. The AC40-N03E-Z-D carries the identical configuration string as the discontinued AC40-N03E-Z-B: NPT 3/8 ports, square embedded pressure gauge (E), and imperial-unit labeling (Z). Ports, regulation range, gauge type, and function all cross over directly - the -B generation already carried the 0.05-0.85 MPa range and the embedded gauge, so nothing about regulation or readout changes.
Part Number Breakdown: AC40-N03E-Z-D
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AC40 | Air combination, filter regulator + lubricator, body size 40 |
| N03 | NPT thread, 3/8" ports |
| E | Square embedded type pressure gauge, integrated in the regulator body |
| 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, no lubricator drain cock, standard 0.05-0.85 MPa regulating spring, polycarbonate bowl, relieving-type exhaust, and left-to-right flow direction.
Specifications
| Specification | AC40-N03E-Z-D |
|---|---|
| Components | AW40-D filter regulator + AL40-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 40 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 combo for air tools and equipment whose documentation calls for oil mist. If nothing downstream needs oil, the AC40B-D (filter + regulator, same body family) is the cleaner and cheaper choice.
- Size 40 is a flow decision. The size 40 body handles higher flow than the 20 and 30 combinations on the same 3/8" port. If the branch runs 3/8" purely for thread convenience but flow is modest, an AC30-D combination costs less and mounts shorter. Choose 40 when the flow demand, not just the port thread, calls for it.
- 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 pressure switch or transmitter later. If the design may need a switch 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 can pass air without picking up oil - verify the AL40-D minimum dripping flow in the datasheet against your real duty cycle, not the peak.
- Drain cock option. This configuration has no lubricator drain cock. If the install needs to drain the lubricator bowl without disassembly, spec the "3" semi-standard (AC40-N03E-3Z-D) instead.
Crossover Notes: AC40-N03E-Z-B to -D
This is a clean generational swap - 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 40, 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 Y400-D and Y400T-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 AC40-N03E-Z-D ships as a two-body combination with no mounting attachment. Current size 40 AC-D hardware:
- Y400T-D spacer with bracket - the wall/panel mounting solution for size 40 AC-D units.
- Y400-D spacer - joins modular bodies where no bracket is required.
Both spacer pages are stocked by Automation Distribution and interchange in both directions with prior-generation size 40 bodies during a transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaces the SMC AC40-N03E-Z-B?
The AC40-N03E-Z-D is the direct factory replacement. SMC discontinued the AC-B series in March 2025 and lists the AC20-AC40-D as the replacement series; the -D carries the identical configuration string, so the crossover keeps the same ports, embedded gauge, and imperial-unit labeling.
Is the AC40-N03E-Z-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 Y400T-D spacer with bracket, since prior-generation spacers are also discontinued.
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.
Does this unit have a lubricator drain cock?
No. This configuration omits the drain cock. For a version that drains the lubricator bowl without disassembly, specify the "3" semi-standard: AC40-N03E-3Z-D.
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.
