RSQ-Z and RSQ Bore and Stroke Guide
Size from pallet weight and conveyor speed using SMC's operating range charts. In SMC's examples, a 30 kg pallet at 15 m/min falls in the range of the 40mm roller type, and a 60 kg pallet at 15 m/min (friction coefficient 0.1) falls in the range of the 40mm lever type. Higher lateral load from conveyor friction calls for higher operating pressure.
| Bore (mm) | Series | Standard Stroke (mm) | Long Stroke -XB11 (mm) | Rod Ends | Port |
|---|
| 12 | RSQ | 10 | 15, 20 | Round bar, chamfered, roller | M5 |
| 16 | RSQ-Z | 10, 15 | 20, 30 | Round bar, chamfered, roller, female rod end versions | M5 |
| 20 | RSQ-Z | 10, 15, 20 | 30, 40 | Round bar, chamfered, roller, female rod end versions | Rc, NPT 1/8, M5 (TF), One-touch |
| 32 | RSQ-Z | 10, 15, 20 | 30, 40 | All ten, including lever types | Rc, NPT, G 1/8, One-touch |
| 40 | RSQ-Z | 20, 25, 30 | 40, 50 | All ten, including lever types | Rc, NPT, G 1/8, One-touch |
| 50 | RSQ-Z | 20, 25, 30 | 40, 50 | All ten, including lever types | Rc, NPT, G 1/8, One-touch |
Long stroke (-XB11) is made to order for double acting, round bar models only. All bores: maximum operating pressure 1.0 MPa (proof 1.5 MPa), piston speed 50 to 500 mm/s, rubber bumper cushion, non-lube, -10 to 70°C without auto switch and -10 to 60°C with one (no freezing).
Choosing the Rod End
| Code | Rod End | Bores | Use It When |
|---|
| None | Round bar | 12 to 50 | Basic stop for light loads. |
| F | Round bar with female rod end | 16 to 50 | You will attach your own stop block to the rod. |
| K | Chamfered (non-rotating rod) | 12 to 50 | The contact face must stay square to the pallet. |
| G | Chamfered with female rod end | 16 to 50 | Non-rotating rod plus a custom stop block. |
| R | Roller | 12 to 50 | Rolling contact against the pallet face. |
| L | Lever, fixed absorber | 32 to 50 | Heavier pallets with consistent weight and speed. |
| B | Lever, adjustable absorber | 32 to 50 | Pallet energy varies. An adjustment bolt sets the absorber stroke. |
| C | Lever, adjustable, with cancel cap | 32 to 50 | Some pallets must pass. The cancel cap holds the lever horizontal. |
| D | Lever, adjustable, with lock mechanism | 32 to 50 | Light pallets would rebound. The lock holds the lever upright. |
| E | Lever, adjustable, with lock and cancel cap | 32 to 50 | Both needs on one stopper. |
SMC notes that a lever without a lock can be pushed back against the transfer direction by the shock absorber's return force if less than 10 N of conveyor thrust holds the pallet against it. If the lever must stay upright, choose D or E.
Reading an RSQ-Z Part Number
Example: RSDQB32-20DRZ with an auto switch suffix such as -M9BWL
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|
| RSDQ | D = built-in magnet for auto switches. RSQ without the D cannot take an auto switch. |
| B | Mounting: B through-hole, A both ends tapped (12mm uses one tube for both and is always written B) |
| 32 | Bore. A port code follows if not standard: TN (NPT), TF (G; M5 on 20mm), F (One-touch, 20 to 50mm) |
| 20 | Stroke (see guide above) |
| D | Action: D double acting, B double acting with spring loaded, T single acting spring extend |
| R | Rod end (none for round bar; see table above) |
| Z | RSQ-Z series (16 to 50mm). Not used on 12mm. |
| -L | Optional: mounting bolts shipped together (through-hole B models only) |
| -M9BWL | Auto switch model, lead length (none 0.5m, M 1m, L 3m, Z 5m), and S for one switch instead of two |
Ordering and Installation Notes
- Auto switches: RSQ-Z accepts compact switches (D-M9, D-A9) on four faces without separate mounting brackets. The magnetic field resistant D-P3DWA fits 32 to 50mm. Switches ship with the cylinder.
- Lever side mounting: if a lever model is installed from the lever side, the mounting hole must clear the lever: 38mm for 32mm bore, 48mm for 40mm, and 57mm for 50mm.
- Orientation: roller and lever models ship with the piping port flush with the pallet contact surface. The rod orientation can be changed; keep the pallet face parallel to the cylinder so no rotational torque reaches the rod.
- Single acting models: do not apply pressure to the head side, or air will blow by.
- Made to order: rod end shape changes (-XA), long stroke (-XB11), and special port location (-XC3A, B, C).
- 25A- series: SMC's secondary battery compatible version of the RSQ-Z, such as 25A-RSDQB40-30DZ.
Maintenance Parts
Seal kits are ordered by bore and action, for example RSQ32D-PS (double acting), RSQ32B-PS (double acting with spring loaded), and RSQ32T-PS (single acting); 12mm has D and T kits only. Lever replacement shock absorbers are RB1007-X225 for 32mm and RB1407-X552 for 40 and 50mm, and the grease pack is GR-S-010. Find them in Stopper Cylinder Parts.
Replacing a Discontinued RSQ with RSQ-Z
SMC discontinued the RSQ in 16 to 50mm bore in April 2018 and lists the RSQ-Z as the mounting interchangeable replacement. The 12mm RSQ was not affected and is still current. To convert a part number, add Z after the stroke, action, and rod end letters, before any auto switch or option suffix.
Each discontinued RSQ page on our site links to its RSQ-Z replacement. Special codes such as -XC3 or customer specials should be confirmed with us before ordering.
Fixed Mounting Height Stopper FAQ
What is the difference between SMC RSQ and RSQ-Z?
RSQ-Z replaced the RSQ in 16 to 50mm bore when SMC discontinued the RSQ in April 2018, and SMC lists it as mounting interchangeable. RSQ-Z offers ten rod end styles, including female rod end versions, and accepts compact auto switches on four faces without mounting brackets. The 12mm RSQ remains current.
What is the difference between RSQA and RSQB?
The letter after RSQ is the body mounting. B is through-hole, mounted with bolts through the body, and A is tapped at both ends. On 12mm, one tube supports both and the part number always uses B.
Which RSQ-Z bore sizes offer a lever rod end?
Lever rod ends with a built-in shock absorber are available only on 32, 40, and 50mm bore. For 12 to 20mm, choose round bar, chamfered, or roller. The lever shock absorber can be replaced by loosening one set screw.
What does the D in RSDQ mean?
The D means the cylinder has a built-in magnet so auto switches can detect the stopper position. Without the D, an auto switch cannot be mounted. Order the D version whenever the PLC needs a stopper up or down signal.
What stroke lengths are available for RSQ-Z stoppers?
Standard strokes are 10 and 15mm on 16mm bore, 10, 15, and 20mm on 20 and 32mm, and 20, 25, and 30mm on 40 and 50mm. Longer strokes up to 50mm are available made to order (-XB11) on double acting, round bar models.
Need help selecting or replacing an RSQ stopper?
Send us the pallet weight, conveyor speed, or your old part number. Automation Distribution, an authorized SMC distributor, will confirm the RSQ-Z equivalent, rod end, and auto switch.
Contact Automation Distribution
