Replacement engineering
SMC and Festo compatible pneumatic components
Buyers searching for an “SMC equivalent” or a “Festo alternative” are usually asking one question: will this part bolt on and last as long? Below is how we answer it before quoting, and what we need from you to confirm a replacement.
Same series designation
Some series share the original catalogue code, for example MHZ2, MHC2, MHL2, MXS or SC. That means the footprint follows the same convention, but it does not remove the need to check stroke, jaw travel, port thread and sensor groove.
Dimensionally interchangeable
A different code can still replace an original if the mounting interface, envelope and function match. This is the normal case for imported machines where the original brand is not available locally.
Six checks before we call a part “equivalent”
Mounting standard
ISO 15552, ISO 21287, ISO 6432 or a series-specific footprint. The bolt pattern, spigot diameter and overall envelope decide whether the part bolts straight on.
Bore and stroke range
A replacement only works if the bore and the available stroke steps cover your duty. Stroke often has to match exactly when a cylinder is used as a hard stop.
Port thread and air connection
M5, G1/8, G1/4, NPT or Rc. A different thread is solvable with an adapter, but it changes the installed height and must be checked against surrounding parts.
Sensor groove and magnet
Switch grooves differ between brands. If your machine uses reed or solid-state switches, confirm the groove profile and magnet position, not just the cylinder dimensions.
Cushioning and end position
Adjustable cushioning, rubber bumpers or shock absorbers change the overall length. Keep the same cushioning type unless the machine is re-tuned.
Load and duty
Moment load, cycle rate and side load determine whether an equivalent size is genuinely equivalent in service life, not only in drawing.
Cross-reference starting points
Use this as a starting point for a quote, not as a fit guarantee. Every line still needs the checks above, and the confirmation comes back with the quotation.
| Our series | Commonly cross-referenced original | Basis | Still needs checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHZ2 series | SMC MHZ2 | Same series designation, two-finger parallel gripper | Jaw stroke, body height, mounting holes |
| MHC2 series | SMC MHC2 | Same series designation, angular gripper | Opening angle, jaw mounting |
| MHL2 series | SMC MHL2 | Same series designation, wide-opening parallel gripper | Opening range, body width |
| MHS2 / MHS3 / MHS4 | SMC MHS2 / MHS3 / MHS4 | Same series designation, three-finger gripper | Finger stroke, centre bore |
| MRHQ series | SMC MRHQ | Same series designation, rotary gripper | Rotation angle, gripping force |
| MXS / MXQ / MXH | SMC MXS / MXQ / MXH | Same series designation, guided slide | Table size, stroke, load offset |
| SC series | ISO 15552 profile cylinder (SMC SC / CP96 family) | ISO 15552 mounting and envelope | Cushioning type, rod end thread |
| SDA series | Compact cylinder in AirTAC-style SDA designation | AirTAC-style model convention, compact body | Body length, port position |
| 4V series | AirTAC-style 4V directional valve (SMC SY family equivalent role) | AirTAC-style model convention | Port size, coil voltage, manual override |
| AC / AW series | SMC AC / AW air preparation | Same series designation, FRL combination | Port size, bracket, bowl guard |
| PC / PL fittings | SMC KQ2 / AirTAC PC-PL push-in | Push-in metric and inch tube sizes | Tube OD, thread type, release ring clearance |
| YAM oil mist separator | AirTAC-style YAM separator | AirTAC-style model convention | Port size, element rating |
What to send for a confirmed replacement
- Photo of the nameplate or the old part, including the full model code.
- Bore, stroke, port thread, and the distance between mounting holes.
- Whether the machine uses magnetic sensors, and the switch groove if possible.
- The original drawing if you have one, or a sketch with the envelope dimensions.
A photo and two dimensions are usually enough to start. We confirm the fit before you place an order.
Trademark notice
SMC, Festo, AirTAC and other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Pneumatic China is not affiliated with, authorised by, or an official distributor of these companies. References are used only to describe the interface a replacement is checked against.
Always validate a replacement against the machine builder’s specification before production use.