Compact Air Cylinder, The Original Pancake®

Since its invention in 1958 by Al Schmidt, the Original Pancake® pneumatic actuator has been satisfying designers’ needs for short-stroke, low-profile air cylinders that can fit into tight spaces. The Pancake line’s combination of features, options, quality, strength, appearance and longevity have made us the leader in compact air cylinders.

Pancake cylinders offer novel features and durable construction to ensure greater reliability. We machine the cylinder body and the bores from high-quality solid bar stock at the same time for good bore concentricity, perpendicularity, high strength and rigidity, and the rod-bushing’s non-metallic high performance composite gives it exceptional load-bearing capability. The composite even polishes the 303 stainless steel shaft for a better shaft life. And the hard chrome-plated stainless piston rod extends the lifetime of the cylinder.

Pancake air cylinders are available in eight bore sizes from one-half to four inches and stroke lengths to four inches, providing excellent stroke and rod support in a small height package. The cylinder line offers pressure ratings to 250 psi pneumatic and 500 psi hydraulic service. Select from a wide range of options including a magnetic piston for cylinder position sensing or a non-rotating unit with internal pins to ensure proper rod orientation. Custom designs are also available. Each Pancake air cylinder comes pre-lubed with Magnalube-G® — a Teflon™ impregnated grease that resists corrosive moisture, water and oil separation.