American Cylinder Co., Inc.
Low Profile LPC Series Compact Air Cylinder
Low-profile air cylinders (also called compact pneumatic cylinders or pancake cylinders) are engineered for industrial environments when space is limited. Their flat, aluminum small shape makes installation easier in confined places and saves precious floor space. These cylinders are commonly used in sectors such as automation, robotics, medical device assembly, and packaging to provide accurate, repeatable movement in a variety of systems. American Cylinder is an ISO 9001:2015 certified low profile pneumatic cylinder manufacturer committed to meeting your low profile air cylinder needs, including custom bore and non-standard configurations, and welcomes your challenge to demonstrate our problem-solving talents.
Industries We Serve
American Cylinder's LPC Series is trusted across space-constrained applications, including:
- Medical — Compact, reliable actuation for diagnostic devices, patient care equipment, and automated medical assembly systems where installation space is at a premium.
- Automation & Robotics — High force-to-height ratio makes the LPC Series ideal for clamping, punching, and ejecting motions in tight machinery footprints.
- Packaging — Precise, repeatable linear motion for packaging lines where floor space and machine footprint are limited.
Looking for a different industry? Visit our full list of industries served, including Food & Beverage, Agriculture, Marine, Dairy Farms, and Car Washes.
Low Profile Pneumatic Cylinders Types (Pancake & Compact Cylinder Styles)
- Single Acting
- Double Acting
- Reverse Acting
- LPC Switches
Rod Types
- Single End Rod
- Double Rod End
Low Profile Air Cylinder Options
- Bore Sizes Ranging From 9/16" thru over 2"
- Stroke Selection
- Mounting Style
- Magnet Option
- Seal Material
- FKM
- Rod End Options
- Extra Rod Extension
STANDARD CYLINDER BENEFITS AND FEATURES
Body
American Cylinder’s custom designed aluminum extrusion. Machined, burnished and hardcoated inside and out to provide long life, low friction and reliable operation.
Rod
Hard chrome plated Type 303 Stainless Steel provides a hard interface for the high quality Duralon® Rod Bearing.
Rod Bearing
High performance self-lubricating Duralon® rod bearings provide high load carrying capacity and low running friction. Unsightly dark oily residue is eliminated by using the Duralon® Bushing in conjunction with the hard chrome plated rod material.
End Caps (Rod Guide & Rear Head):
High strength anodized aluminum for light weight and corrosion resistance.
Springs
Springs for spring action cylinders are made from music wire and designed for millions of trouble free cycles.
Carboxylated Nitrile Rod & Piston Seals
Special compound internally lubricated carboxylated nitrile Quad-X rod & piston seals ensure positive sealing while providing low friction and maximum resistance against seal wear. Additional special seal compounds and lubricants are available upon request.
Repairable
Snap ring construction with a minimal amount of component parts offers ease of disassembly. (See Warning on page 6 of the Product Catalog)
Prelubricated
All cylinders are factory lubricated with a non-toxic, non-flammable, USDA listed teflon based lubricant. The non-staining, odorless, non-migratory nature of this lubricant provides lubricity for millions of trouble free cycles
Temperature Rating
The standard LPC® Series seals are recommended for temperatures from -20°F to 200°F (-25°C to 95°C). Fluoroelastomer seals are available as an option for high temperature applications up to 325°F (163°C) and/or chemical compatibility. Special seal compounds and lubricants are available upon request.
Pre-Tested
The quality of each cylinder is assured by testing each unit for leakage prior to shipment. Quality control provides added value to American cylinders.
Magnet for Sensing Switch Actuation
American Cylinder’s custom internal magnet designed to actuate American’s Low Profile Reed or Solid State Switches. (Optional, Refer to page 1 of the Product Catalog.)
Body Grooved T Slots
Designed to accept American’s Low Profile Reed or Solid State Switches. (See pages 7 and 8 of the Product Catalog for specification data on switches)
The LPC Series interchanges with many other pancake/flat/space saving cylinders
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Profile Pneumatic Cylinders
What is a low profile pneumatic cylinder?
A low profile pneumatic cylinder — also called a pancake or compact air cylinder — is a short, flat-bodied cylinder built for tight installation spaces. American Cylinder's LPC Series uses a hardcoated aluminum body and hard chrome-plated stainless steel rod, available in single-acting or double-acting configurations from 9/16" bore.
How is a low profile cylinder different from a standard pneumatic cylinder?
Low profile cylinders reduce overall length and height while preserving bore size and force output, using a compact body instead of a long round barrel. This lets engineers save valuable space in automation, robotics, and packaging equipment without sacrificing clamping, punching, or ejecting force.
What industries use low profile pneumatic cylinders?
Low profile pneumatic cylinders are widely used in automation, robotics, packaging, and medical device equipment where installation space is limited. American Cylinder's LPC Series is available in single-acting, double-acting, and double-rod-end configurations, giving machine builders a compact, reliable actuation solution for tight-footprint applications.
