Pneumatics · Actuators
ISO 21287 Compact Cylinders – Short-Stroke Cylinders and Matching Mounting Accessories
Compact cylinders are the answer where standard ISO 15552 cylinders take up too much space: short strokes, minimal installation length, and standardised connection and mounting dimensions to ISO 21287. At STASTO you will find the complete short-stroke range – from the basic SHD series cylinder and compact magnetic cylinders with piston position sensing to the mounting parts you can add to the same order. Select the bore size and stroke, check the standard dimensions, and add a flange, foot, clevis, rod eye or angular pivot mounting directly.
Short-stroke range at a glance
Why STASTO
Short stroke, standard and accessories from a single source
Compact cylinders are rarely ordered on their own: bore size, stroke, piston position sensing and mounting belong together. That is exactly how our range is built.
Standard instead of special solutions
All SHD series compact cylinders follow the installation and mounting dimensions of ISO 21287. This keeps replacement in existing installations simple and makes design data from other catalogues, such as SMC compact cylinders, directly comparable.
Basic cylinders and magnetic versions in the same range
Whether purely mechanical or with a permanent magnet for piston position sensing: the SHD, PC07-P, NSKU-M and NSKU-F-SEA series cover both options, including variants with a sensor rail.
Accessories that can be ordered seamlessly together
Flange (SKFL), foot (SKP), clevis (SKCF), clevis bracket (SKCM) and angle pivot mounting (SKI/SKZ) are available to match the common bore sizes, so there is no need to reorder from a second source.
Technical consulting instead of catalogue self-service
Stroke force, mounting position, attachments, special versions: our application engineering team checks your design before you order.
Range
Compact cylinders and mounting accessories at a glance
Basic cylinders, magnetic versions with sensor groove and the matching mounting range – all series in the compact cylinder category with accessories.
Guide
How to Choose the Right Compact Cylinder
Force, stroke, piston position sensing and mounting – four decisions lead you to the right part number in the short-stroke range.
Sizing: Force, Bore Size and Stroke
- Piston force
- The theoretical piston force results from piston area and operating pressure; allow a reserve for friction and dynamic loads.
- Bore size
- The required force determines the bore size – the SHD series is listed from Ø 12 to 200 mm.
- Stroke
- The SHD range covers strokes from 5 to 400 mm. The longer the stroke, the more important it becomes to assess buckling and lateral load.
- Limit to the ISO standard cylinder
- For long strokes and guiding tasks, cylinders to ISO 15552 or guided cylinders are often the better choice.
Piston Position Sensing and Mounting
- Magnetic version
- If the controller needs an end-position signal, choose a magnetic version such as SHDM, PC07-P or NSKU-M.
- Sensor rail
- The NSKU-F-SEA variant is worthwhile if several sensing points are required or if sensors will be repositioned later.
- Rigid mounting
- Fixed attachment to a wall via SKFL flange mounting; horizontal mounting on a base plate via SKP foot mounting.
- Articulated connection
- Swiveling load: clevis mounting SKCF plus clevis bracket SKCM; if the cylinder follows the movement, the angle pivot mounting SKI/SKZ is the right fit.
Comparison
Short-stroke, standard or mini cylinder?
Compact cylinders are short-stroke cylinders with ISO 21287 dimensions. For long strokes STASTO supplies cylinders to ISO 15552, and cylinders to ISO 6432 for low forces and slim installation space.
| ISO 21287 | ISO 15552 | ISO 6432 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder type | Compact cylinder / short-stroke cylinder | Standard cylinder | Mini cylinder |
| Design objective | Minimum overall length at short stroke | Long strokes, extensive mounting accessory range | Low forces, slim installation space |
| Bore sizes at STASTO | Ø 12–200 mm (SHD series) | Range in the ISO 15552 category | Range in the ISO 6432 category |
| Stroke range | 5–400 mm (SHD series) | Designed for long strokes | For short to medium strokes |
| Mounting accessories | SKFL, SKP, SKCF, SKCM, SKI/SKZ | Dedicated mounting range, not interchangeable with ISO 21287 | Dedicated mounting range |
| Typical application | Clamping, gripping, fixtures | Long-travel feed | Tight installation spaces, light loads |
Applications
Where compact cylinders really show their strengths
Short strokes, high forces, little installation space – typical real-world applications.
Clamping and gripping in fixtures
Short strokes, high forces, minimal installation space – typical use for SHD sizes Ø 20–50 mm with flange or foot mounting.
Diverting, sorting out and stopping
In conveyor technology, magnetic versions such as PC07-P and NSKU-M deliver the position signal to the controller at the same time.
Flaps, levers and deflections
Clevis and eye mounting or the SKI/SKZ angular swivel mounting absorb the angular movement and relieve the piston rod of lateral forces.
Tool and mould making
Short strokes in tight spaces, often with end-position sensing via the NSKU-F-SEA series sensor rail.
Retrofitting existing equipment
Thanks to ISO 21287 dimensions, compact cylinders from other manufacturers can in many cases be replaced with identical dimensions – check the connection and mounting dimensions against the data sheet beforehand.
Cycling and Portioning
Compact stroke tasks in cycled lines: magnetic versions report the end position, and the mounting series match the respective kinematics. Please clarify the suitability of the variant beforehand.
Availability
Availability, variants and delivery
The compact cylinder range is broad – availability and lead time depend on series, bore size and stroke and are confirmed on the respective product page or in the quotation. Special strokes and variants with non-standard equipment are scheduled on a project basis.
Availability by variant
Availability differs by series, bore size and stroke – please check the specific part number or contact us.
Lead time per article
Lead time is confirmed per article; for series requirements we are happy to arrange call-offs and framework agreements.
Operating limits per datasheet
Operating pressure, temperature range and seal material depend on the series and variant – please refer to the relevant datasheet or ask us.
Clarify special requirements in advance
Explosive atmospheres, non-standard lubrication or special materials: please clarify in advance with our application engineering team; suitability is confirmed per variant.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about compact cylinders
Answers on the standard, bore sizes, magnetic versions and mounting accessories.
What is a compact cylinder?
A compact cylinder is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder with a greatly shortened overall length, designed for short strokes at high force. Its installation and mounting dimensions are standardised in ISO 21287; in everyday usage it is also called a short-stroke cylinder.
How do compact cylinders differ from standard cylinders to ISO 15552?
ISO 15552 covers standard cylinders with long strokes and an extensive range of mounting options, while ISO 21287 covers minimum overall length with short strokes. Both are standardised, but the mounting parts of the two standards are not interchangeable.
Which bore sizes and strokes does STASTO offer?
The SHD series is listed from Ø 12 to 200 mm, with strokes from 5 to 400 mm. The mounting accessories cover Ø 12 to 100 mm: SKFL and SKP from Ø 12/16 mm, SKCF and SKCM from Ø 32 mm.
Can I replace a compact cylinder from another manufacturer – for example SMC?
In many cases, yes: as long as the existing cylinder conforms to the dimensions of ISO 21287, the installation length as well as the connection and mounting dimensions match. Please compare piston diameter, stroke, port thread and mounting type against the data sheet – or send us the existing type designation and we will check the cross-reference.
When do I need a compact magnetic cylinder?
Whenever the controller needs to know the piston position. The built-in permanent magnet is detected by proximity switches, so additional mechanical limit switches are not needed – the PC07-P, NSKU-M and NSKU-F-SEA series as well as the SHDM versions offer this function.
What does the sensor rail offer on the NSKU-F-SEA series?
The sensors sit protected in a slot on the cylinder profile and can be positioned freely along the stroke. This simplifies commissioning and later adjustments without significantly increasing the outer contour.
Which mounting accessories fit my cylinder?
The mounting series are organised by piston diameter, for example SKFL/40 for Ø 40 mm. Choose the mounting style according to the kinematics: flange and foot mounts for rigid installation, clevis and rod eye for articulated connection, and angular pivot mounting for cylinders that swing with the load.
What operating conditions are the cylinders approved for?
Pressure, temperature and media ratings differ depending on the series and variant. The binding values are given in the data sheet for the respective part number; for special ambient conditions, we are happy to clarify suitability in advance.
Related products
Related product ranges
Compact cylinders are part of the pneumatic actuator range. These categories complement the sizing.
How we work
From enquiry to part number
You send the key data, we check the sizing and provide part numbers with pricing.
Send us the key data
Bore size, stroke, mounting position and required force – plus whether piston position sensing is needed.
Sizing check
Our application engineers check force reserve, buckling, lateral loads and the suitable mounting style from SKFL, SKP, SKCF, SKCM, SKI or SKZ.
Quotation with part numbers
You receive a concrete proposal with part numbers, accessories and pricing; availability and lead time are confirmed per item.
Get started now
Found your bore size – or still have questions about sizing?
Select your compact cylinder directly from the range and add the matching mounting accessories. If stroke, force or mounting situation are still open, we will do the sizing: send us the bore size, stroke, mounting position and required force – you will receive a concrete proposal with part numbers and price.