CM2 Round Body Cylinders
The SMC CM2-Z series is a compact, lightweight stainless steel round body air cylinder offering high performance across a wide range of industrial automation applications. As an authorized SMC Corporation of America distributor, Automation Distribution stocks 2,800+ CM2 series SKUs covering every standard configuration, mounting style, and special option — with same-day shipping on in-warehouse inventory.
SMC CM2-Z series overview
The CM2-Z is SMC's stainless steel round body cylinder, designed for applications requiring corrosion resistance, compact installation, and long seal life. The stainless steel cylinder tube and rod deliver superior durability compared to standard aluminum cylinders in environments exposed to moisture, coolant, mild chemicals, or wash-down cycles. Rubber bumpers are standard on all configurations. The transparent auto switch bracket provides direct visibility of switch status without removing covers or disassembling the cylinder.
A key differentiator of the CM2-Z over comparable round body cylinders is its space-saving rod end flexibility: a female rod end option reduces overall cylinder length by up to 29mm, and the boss-cut type reduces it by up to 16mm — useful when fitting the cylinder into a constrained machine frame without relocating porting or mounting hardware.
CM2-Z specifications
Bore sizes: ø20mm, ø25mm, ø32mm, ø40mm
Stroke range: 25mm to 500mm (standard strokes; intermediate strokes available to order)
Operating pressure: 0.05 to 1.0 MPa
Fluid: Compressed air (non-lube)
Rod end thread: Male or female standard
Cushion: Rubber bumper standard
Auto switch: Compatible with SMC reed and solid-state auto switches; transparent bracket included
Mounting options: Basic, foot, front flange, rear flange, clevis, trunnion, and direct mount (CM2R variant)
Body material: Stainless steel cylinder tube and piston rod
CM2 series variants
C(D)M2-Z — double acting, single rod (standard)
The base CM2-Z configuration. Double acting, single rod, stainless steel round body cylinder in ø20–ø40mm. Available in stroke options, port options, environmental options (water resistant, clean room), and temperature resistant variants. The CDM2 prefix indicates a built-in magnet for auto switch use; CM2 without the "D" is without magnet. Always specify CDM2 when position sensing may be required — the cost difference is negligible and the retrofit requires full cylinder replacement.
C(D)M2W-Z — double acting, double rod
Double rod variant for applications requiring thrust output from both ends of the cylinder, or where a symmetrical connection point is needed on each side of the actuator. ø20–ø40mm bore.
C(D)M2K-Z — non-rotating, double acting, single rod
Non-rotating rod version for applications where piston rod orientation must be maintained throughout the stroke — labeling, dispensing, and any application where a tool or fixture must stay aligned. Available in single rod and double rod (CM2KW) configurations.
C(D)M2-Z single acting — spring return and spring extend
Single acting variants use air pressure for one direction of travel and a mechanical spring for the return. Spring return (rod retracts on air loss) or spring extend (rod extends on air loss) options available for fail-safe positioning requirements. Lower air consumption per cycle than equivalent double acting configurations.
C(D)BM2 — double acting, single rod, end lock
The CBM2 end lock variant includes a mechanical lock at end of stroke to hold the load in position in the event of air supply loss. ø20–ø40mm, 8 mounting options. Used in vertical axis applications, clamping fixtures, and safety-critical hold positions where dropping a load on loss