Choosing a pneumatic cylinder usually means balancing bore, stroke, and what you're willing to spend. The bore affects the surface area that air pressure pushes on, the stroke sets how far the rod travels, and the format determines how well it fits your existing setup. The four cylinders below show how different those choices are, from a tiny mini to a large cylinder designed for long strokes. The price spread is wide, so the right choice depends on the job.
Quick Take
All four are double-acting, so the deciding factor is size and stroke. If you need a small cylinder for a light-duty jig, the SWZHAI mini unit is the easy pick. For higher air pressure in a short stroke, the PARKER Series 2A cylinder is the one to watch. Need more reach? The TECHTONGDA is the distance option, while the BAOMAIN brings a much wider bore. The price comparison below shows where each lands.
Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Position |
|---|---|---|
| SWZHAI Mini Air Cylinder | $24.37 | |
| PARKER Series 2A 1-Inch Bore x 2-Inch Stroke | $29.95 | |
| TECHTONGDA SC 100 x 450 | $64.17 | |
| BAOMAIN SC125x380 | $77.17 |
Decision Matrix
- Smallest footprint: The SWZHAI mini cylinder uses a 16 mm bore and 50 mm stroke.
- Highest pressure rating: The PARKER Series 2A cylinder is rated for 250 PSI.
- Longest stroke: The TECHTONGDA SC 100 x 450 standard cylinder offers 18 inches of travel.
- Largest bore: The BAOMAIN SC125x380 has a 5-inch bore with a 15-inch stroke.
Product Notes
PARKER Series 2A 1-Inch Bore x 2-Inch Stroke
This is the compact tie-rod cylinder that stands out for higher air pressure work. It has a 1-inch bore, 2-inch stroke, 1/2-inch rod diameter, and 5/16''-24 male rod threads, plus 1/4'' NPT ports. The Series 2A design is double-acting, and the steel construction gives it a more industrial feel. It is new old stock, and the condition is marked open box, so the cylinder may not arrive in retail packaging. Choose it when you need a short-stroke cylinder that can handle up to 250 PSI and you want a tie-rod format. Skip it if you need more than two inches of travel. The extra-long tie rods on the rod end are a useful detail for secure setups.
SWZHAI Mini Air Cylinder 16mm Bore 50mm Stroke
On the opposite end of the size range, this mini double-acting air cylinder uses a 16 mm bore and 50 mm stroke. The red body houses a bidirectional sealing structure with high-quality seals, which is meant to reduce air leakage and keep the piston working smoothly. The package includes one cylinder, one Y connector, and four pneumatic quick fittings, so you have the basic hookups to start a small automation or jig project. It carries the lowest price in this comparison, making it an easy entry point. The trade-off is that a 16 mm bore and 50 mm stroke only suit light push-pull jobs; if you need real force or a long reach, this is too small.
BAOMAIN SC125x380 5-Inch Bore x 15-Inch Stroke
This standard SC125x380 pneumatic cylinder pairs a 5-inch bore with a 15-inch stroke, making it the largest bore in this group. The aluminum alloy body is designed for industrial automation and uses a double-acting design, so it can push and pull. A self-lubricating bearing means the piston rod can operate without adding extra lubrication, which keeps maintenance simple. It comes in a silver finish and is a new open-box unit. The main drawback is the price: at the top of this range, it costs more than the other three cylinders, and the open-box condition may not be ideal if you want a factory-sealed package. If your setup needs a wide bore and a moderate stroke, this is worth a close look.
TECHTONGDA SC 100 x 450 4-Inch Bore x 18-Inch Stroke
This SC 100 x 450 standard cylinder gives you a 4-inch bore and an 18-inch stroke, the longest travel in the group. The high-precision aluminum alloy body is anticorrosive, high-seal, high-hardness, and high-temperature resistant, with small stroke error and good stability. It is a double-acting, single-rod cylinder designed for air at piston speeds from 50 to 800 mm/s, and it is rated for ambient and fluid temperatures between -20 and 80°C. That long stroke makes it a strong pick before stepping up to a larger bore, but the 18-inch travel also means it takes up more space in your setup. For a standard SC-series replacement or a build with real travel needs, this balances reach and price.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Small bench projects and low-cost automation: Start with the SWZHAI mini cylinder. It has the smallest footprint and the lowest price.
- Higher-pressure compact work: The PARKER Series 2A tie-rod cylinder is the one to start with.
- Long-stroke motion for standard SC builds: The TECHTONGDA SC 100 x 450 gives you more travel in a standard SC-series format.
- Maximum bore in a standard SC format: The BAOMAIN SC125x380 takes the top price spot.
