SMC CQ2A80-250DCZ Compact Cylinder — 80 mm Bore, 250 mm Stroke

The SMC CQ2A80-250DCZ is a long-stroke member of SMC’s CQ2-Z compact cylinder family. Designed for spaces where every millimeter counts, it delivers the thrust and repeatability of a standard pneumatic cylinder while keeping overall length and weight under control. The updated “-Z” body style supports clean, flush auto-switch mounting and broad size coverage, making it a practical drop-in for modern machine designs and retrofits alike.

Key Specifications

Sources: Bore, stroke, and operating type confirmed by distributor listings for CQ2A80-250DCZ; “A” mounting style noted in SMC’s CQ2 catalog; “-Z” body and switch-mount details in the latest CQ2-Z literature; weight reference from a stocked listing.

---

What the model code tells you

• CQ2 — Compact cylinder platform (short overall length, space-saving form factor). The CQ2 family is a general-purpose compact actuator line with sizes spanning micro to large bores.

• A — Mounting style with female threads (helpful when you want a flush face or need to avoid through-bolt protrusion). Exact mounting style definitions are in SMC’s model table for CQ2.

• 80-250 — 80 mm bore and 250 mm stroke; the longer stroke expands the usable envelope compared with typical compact-cylinder travel.

• D…Z — Suffix characters belong to the CQ2-Z option matrix (switch readiness, body style, new-type features). In the CQ2-Z generation, SMC standardized no-projection switch mounting across surfaces to simplify sensor layout and cabling. For exact switch part numbers and counts, refer to the CQ2-Z option table.

Practical takeaway: CQ2A80-250DCZ is a double-acting, single-rod compact cylinder with an 80 mm bore and 250 mm stroke, using the A-style female-thread mounting, in the updated “-Z” body that accommodates tidy, multi-surface auto-switch installation.

---

Why choose CQ2A80-250DCZ for your design

Compact power in long travel. The 80 mm bore provides robust thrust for lifting, clamping, and pressing, while the 250 mm stroke gives generous travel without the penalty of a full-size ISO cylinder length. The compact form makes it easier to tuck the actuator inside frames, under guards, or between close-coupled stations.

Clean sensor integration. The CQ2-Z body supports auto-switches on multiple faces with no external brackets, keeping machines neat, reducing snag points, and improving serviceability. This also makes it simpler to standardize parts across different orientations of the same station.

Mounting flexibility. The “A” style female-thread mounting enables rigid, flush-face connections to plates or manifolds and can reduce stack-up length versus through-bolting. If your fixture design needs other mounting geometries, the CQ2 ecosystem includes foot, flange, clevis, and trunnion accessories that share the same body standard. (See the CQ2 catalog’s accessory pages.)

Proven, widely stocked platform. CQ2 is one of SMC’s most common compact cylinders, with plenty of availability and accessory options. That translates to shorter lead times and simpler global sourcing when you need replacements or spares.

---

Application notes (engineering-focused)

• Sizing and thrust: With an 80 mm bore, theoretical push force at 0.5 MPa is roughly $pi times (0.04,text{m})^2 times 0.5,text{MPa} approx 2.5,text{kN}$ before friction and efficiency losses. Always derate for pressure fluctuations, valve Cv, tubing losses, and safety margin.

• Guiding the load: Compact cylinders have short bearings relative to stroke; for overhung loads, add external guides or a linear rail. If bending moments are unavoidable, reduce speed and extend cushioning time.

• Position sensing: Use SMC auto-switches compatible with CQ2-Z grooves. Pick 2-wire/3-wire and lead-out type to match your PLC I/O. Mount on opposing faces to keep cable runs short in tight bays.

• Pneumatic circuit tips: For heavy payloads, specify a meter-out speed controller to stabilize extension. Add a soft-start valve on machine air to avoid sudden rod motion at power-on.

• Maintenance: Keep supply air clean/dry (5 µm filtration typical) and check rod seal wear on long-stroke applications; schedule inspections based on cycle counts rather than calendar time.

---

Typical use cases

• Vertical lifters or slide tables where travel is long but the actuator envelope must stay compact.

• Packaging and palletizing nests that need long approach and retract distances without crowding adjacent stations.

• Assembly fixtures that benefit from clean sensor integration and minimal projecting hardware.

---

Compatibility and alternatives

• Same family: If you require a magnet for auto-switch detection by model code, select the CDQ2 variant (magnet-equipped) in the same dimensions; consult the option table to match switches and lead wires.

• Different mounting: If the “A” mounting style is not ideal, the CQ2 family includes both-ends-tapped, boss-in-head, foot, and flange options with the same envelope logic, so you can pivot to a different code without redesigning the station.

---

Quick spec snapshot (copy-ready)

• Model: SMC CQ2A80-250DCZ — CQ2-Z compact air cylinder

• Bore × Stroke: 80 mm × 250 mm

• Operation: Double acting, single rod

• Mounting: A-style (female-thread)

• Auto-switch accommodation: Recessed grooves on multiple faces

• Approx. mass: ~4.33 kg (reference)

• Family: CQ2-Z, compact body, wide size lineup and accessories
  

---

FAQs

Q1: Does the CQ2A80-250DCZ include auto-switches out of the box?
The body is auto-switch ready; switches are typically specified and ordered separately per the CQ2-Z option matrix. Check your supplier’s listing for bundled kits if you prefer a pre-configured package.

Q2: What’s the difference between CQ2A… and CDQ2A…?
CDQ2 codes denote magnet-equipped versions for auto-switch sensing by default. The mechanical envelope is shared, so swapping between CQ2 and CDQ2 for sensing reasons is usually straightforward—verify switch/groove compatibility in the catalog.

Q3: Is the 250 mm stroke suitable for vertical loads?
Yes, provided you size thrust for worst-case pressure and add external guides for side loads. For heavy vertical payloads, consider counterbalance circuits to prevent rapid drop on air loss.

---

SEO-friendly summary

SMC CQ2A80-250DCZ is a compact pneumatic cylinder with 80 mm bore and 250 mm stroke, built on the CQ2-Z platform for space-constrained machines. It offers double-acting, single-rod operation, A-style female-thread mounting, and clean auto-switch integration on multiple faces—ideal for packaging, assembly, and material-handling stations that need long travel in a short body.