--- title: "Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation" description: When you need high-force linear actuation but space is limited, compact pancake air cylinders can be the ideal solution. image: https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/ULTRIQ.png --- [UPDATE !!! New Product Warranty Was 12-, Now 24-Months for Branham Trademark Manufactured Products. See Details... →](https://www.wcbranham.com/terms-and-conditions) [![W.C. Branham Logo](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Wcbranham_April2024/images/wcb-logo.svg "W.C. Branham Logo")](https://www.wcbranham.com/) [Questions? Call 715-426-2000](tel:715-426-2000) [3D Product Configurator](https://www.wcbranham.com/product-configurator) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.wcbranham.com/) - [Downloads](https://info.wcbranham.com/downloads-page) - About - [Our History](https://www.wcbranham.com/about) - [Careers](https://www.wcbranham.com/about/careers) - [Our Team](https://www.wcbranham.com/about/team) - [Contact](https://www.wcbranham.com/contact) [tel:715-426-2000](tel:715-426-2000) - Air Over Oil Intensifiers - [Overview](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers) - [OVLBOOST™ 44mm 7.8:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/ovlboost-44mm-71) - [INT05 - 5:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/ovlboost-44mm-71) - [INT09 - 9:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/91-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT10 - 10:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/101-air-oil-intensifer) - [INT18 - 18:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/181-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT20 - 20:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/181-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT36 - 36:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/181-air-oil-intensifier) - Caliper Disc Brakes - [Overview](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc) - [Pneumatic Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc) - [Hydraulic Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/hydraulic-brakes) - [Mechanical Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/mechanical-brakes) - [Pneumatic Spring Applied Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/mechanical-brakes) - [Hydraulic Spring Applied Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/hydraulic-spring-applied-brakes) - [Dual Function Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/dual-function-mechanical-hydraulic) - [Brake Disc and Hub Assemblies](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies) - [Brake Repair Kits and Spare Parts](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/repair-kits-and-parts) - Pneumatic Linear Actuators - [Overview](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic) - [OVLPRO® Low Profile Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/ovlpro-low-profile-rod-cylinders) - [ARTEC® ISO & UNITOP Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-standard-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Compact & Short Stroke Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-compact-short-stroke-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Round Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-round-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Stainless Steel ISO & Round Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-round-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Stopper Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-stopper-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Rod Cylinder Accessories](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-accessories) - [DURATRK® Band-Type Rodless Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/duratrk-rodless-band-cylinders) - [MAGTEC® Magnetically Coupled-Type Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/magtec-rodless-cylinders) - [PNEU-SA® Enclosed Cable-Type Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/pneusa-rodless-cylinders) - [Rodless Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/rodless-cable-cylinders) - [Guided Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/guided-cable-cylinders) - [Single Acting Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/single-acting-cable-cylinders) - [Linear Tension Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/linear-tension-cable-cylinders) - [Branham Cable Cylinder Repair Kits](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/cylinder-repair-kits) - [ARTEC® Pneumatic Angular Grippers](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-pneumatic-grippers) - Right Angle Gearboxes - [Overview](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle) - [MICROGEAR®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-microgear) - [INCLUDE-A-SHAFT®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/include-a-shaft-series-10-mini) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-gearboxes) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® Metric](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-gearboxes-metric) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® CRL](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-gearboxes-crl) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® CRL Washdown](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/insert-a-shaft-crl-washdown-series) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® Stainless Steel](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/stainless-steel-gearboxes) - [GLIDE RIGHT™ Crossover](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-glide-right-crossover) - [Spiral Bevel Right Angle Gearboxes, 1:1 or 2:1 Ratio](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/spiral-bevel-gearboxes) - [Worm - BWG4™](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/series-4-worm-gearboxes) - [Helical Gearbox Repair Kits](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/series-4-worm-gearboxes) - [Custom Products](https://www.wcbranham.com/custom-products) - Our Company - [About Us](https://www.wcbranham.com/about) - [Our Team](https://www.wcbranham.com/about/team) - [Careers](https://www.wcbranham.com/about/team) - [Blog](https://blog.wcbranham.com/) [3D Product Configurator](https://www.wcbranham.com/product-configurator) [Contact Us](https://www.wcbranham.com/contact) - [Downloads](https://info.wcbranham.com/downloads-page) - [FAQ](https://www.wcbranham.com/faq) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.wcbranham.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.wcbranham.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Air Over Oil Intensifiers](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers) - - Traditional - [INT05 - 5:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/51-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT09 - 9:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/91-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT10 - 10:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/101-air-oil-intensifer) - [INT18 - 18:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/181-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT20 - 20:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/201-air-oil-intensifier) - [INT36 - 36:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/361-air-oil-intensifier) - OVLBOOST® - [OVLBOOST™ 44mm 7.8:1](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers/ovlboost-44mm-71) - [Caliper Disc Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc) - - Caliper Disc Brakes - [Pneumatic Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/pneumatic-brakes) - [Hydraulic Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/hydraulic-brakes) - [Mechanical Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/mechanical-brakes) - [Pneumatic Spring Applied Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/pneumatic-spring-applied-brakes) - [Hydraulic Spring Applied Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/hydraulic-spring-applied-brakes) - [Dual Function Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/dual-function-mechanical-hydraulic) - Repair Kits and Parts - [Brake Repair Kits and Spare Parts](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/repair-kits-and-parts) - - Brake Discs and Hub Assemblies - [6 5/16" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/brake-discs-6-5-16) - [8" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/brake-discs-8) - [10" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/brake-discs-10) - [12" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/brake-discs-12) - [16" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/brake-discs-16) - [Hubs for 6 5/16" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/hub-assemblies-6-5-16) - [Hubs for 8"/10" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/hub-assemblies-6-5-16) - [Hubs for 12"/16" Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/hub-assemblies-12-16) - [Machined Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/machined-discs) - [Blank Discs](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc/disc-and-hub-assemblies/blank-discs) - [Pneumatic Linear Actuators](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic) - - Rod Cylinders - [ULTRIQ™ Compact Pancake Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/ultriq) - [OVLPRO® Low Profile Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/ovlpro-low-profile-rod-cylinders) - [ARTEC® ISO & UNITOP Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-standard-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Compact & Short Stroke Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-standard-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Round Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-round-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Stainless Steel ISO & Round Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-stainless-steel-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Stopper Rod Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-stopper-cylinders) - [ARTEC® Pneumatic Angular Grippers](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-pneumatic-grippers) - [ARTEC® Rod Cylinder Accessories](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/artec-accessories) - - Rodless Cylinders - [DURATRK® Band-Type Rodless Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/duratrk-rodless-band-cylinders) - [MAGTEC® Magnetically Coupled-Type Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/magtec-rodless-cylinders) - [PNEU-SA® Enclosed Cable-Type Air Cylinder](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/pneusa-rodless-cylinders) - [Rodless Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/rodless-cable-cylinders) - [Guided Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/rodless-cable-cylinders) - [Single Acting Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/single-acting-cable-cylinders) - [Linear Tension Cable Air Cylinders](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/linear-tension-cable-cylinders) - [Branham Cable Cylinder Repair Kits](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/cylinder-repair-kits) - [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle) - - Helical Gearboxes - [INCLUDE-A-SHAFT®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/include-a-shaft-series-10-mini) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/include-a-shaft-series-10-mini) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® Metric](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-gearboxes-metric) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® CRL](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-gearboxes-crl) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® CRL Washdown](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/insert-a-shaft-crl-washdown-series) - [INSERT-A-SHAFT® Stainless Steel](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/stainless-steel-gearboxes) - [GLIDE RIGHT™ Crossover](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-glide-right-crossover) - [MICROGEAR®](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/helical-microgear) - - Other Gearboxes - [Spiral Bevel Right Angle Gearboxes, 1:1 or 2:1 Ratio](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/spiral-bevel-gearboxes) - [Worm - BWG4™](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/series-4-worm-gearboxes) - Repair Kits - [Helical Gearbox Repair Kits](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle/repair-kits) - [Custom Products](https://www.wcbranham.com/custom-products) [![W.C. Branham Logo](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Wcbranham_April2024/images/sticky-wcb-logo.svg "W.C. Branham Logo")](https://www.wcbranham.com/) - [Air Over Oil Intensifiers](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers) - [Caliper Disc Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc) - [Pneumatic Linear Actuators](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic) - [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle) - [Custom Products](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle) ![Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/ULTRIQ.png) # Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation [W.C. Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham) 09/04/2025 [Pneumatic Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/pneumatic-actuators) ![Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/ULTRIQ.png "Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation") Pancake versus standard air cylinders – how are they different, and which type should you use? For engineers, the two most significant factors to consider are needed travel distance and the amount of force required to perform the linear movement – open, close, lift, lower, push, slow, stop. The pancake cylinder is a rodded actuator, but it has a shorter, flatter shape that makes it more compact. This gives engineers a versatile option that[fits efficiently even where space is limited](https://blog.wcbranham.com/how-ultriq-cylinders-help-maximize-workspace-efficiency).  ## How Pancake Cylinders Work Bore size and stroke length work together to produce the force required for actuation. The force from air or hydraulic pressure on the piston area is calculated in pound force. Changing either bore size or stroke length affects results, so engineers need to identify the most efficient balance. Standard rod or rodless cylinders usually have a small bore compared to their stroke length. Pancake cylinders reverse that ratio. So, instead of a long travel (stroke), the shorter pancake style has a large bore so it can deliver more available force with a shorter stroke. Single-acting pancake cylinders produce pressure on either side of the piston to extend or retract. They can use external force for the counter stroke or spring action to return the piston. For example, if there is something external pulling on the rod to maintain tension, then you can pressurize the front side to retract the rod and return it. Of course, the pressure has to be stronger than the external pulling force to effectively counter it. As a practical example, suppose your assembly line uses a welding jig to hold a piece in place while another piece is welded to it. A pancake cylinder can provide the holding pressure, then when it is released the now-joined piece can be removed from the jig. ## Simple, Reliable, Versatile Compact cylinder design principles allow us to create our[ULTRIQTM](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic/ultriq) line of pancake cylinders that can achieve desired performance even though the design is simple. In fact, it is one of the simplest cylinders available because it has fewer components. The cylinder’s design does limit its size, so it’s not necessarily practical in applications that require longer actuation distance. For example, if you need 12-inch linear movement to close a door, a pancake cylinder may not be sufficient. There are other types of pneumatic compact cylinders. However, they typically have a smaller bore so they cannot produce as much force as the pancake cylinder, which is specifically designed to deliver maximum force in a small-stroke area. Simple design also makes pancake cylinders very reliable, especially in the double-acting configuration where the piston and rod have two heads and there is one port for extension and another for retraction. Pancake cylinders may be small, but they are mighty when it comes to versatile application. Our ULTRIQTM series supports multiple design configurations: - Stroke and bore sizes - Single or double acting - Male or female rod - Optional spring extension/retraction - Accessories such as clevis can be attached - Mounting options ## No-Delay Solution Even the best possible cylinder won’t help if you can’t[get it quickly when you need it](https://blog.wcbranham.com/ultriq-cylinders-zero-delay-solutions-for-critical-operations). That matters for drawing-board design purposes, but it is mission-critical for operations that are up and running because production delays can be catastrophic. Branham has your back here. We’re a US-based manufacturer. Our ULTRIQTM products can be used to replace other brands, and we maintain ready inventory of the most commonly needed pancake cylinder options. We typically ship within a week. You can learn more about all of our pancake cylinder options by consulting our[pneumatic actuator selection guide](https://info.wcbranham.com/pneumatic-actuators-a-complete-guide). [![click here to download the guide to air cylinders](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2024592/90e04edd-f49d-4dee-8fd3-6a9e231a97d2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2024592/90e04edd-f49d-4dee-8fd3-6a9e231a97d2) --- #### Tag: [Pneumatic Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/pneumatic-actuators) #### Share: - [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.wcbranham.com/pancake-air-cylinders-101-the-science-behind-low-profile-high-force-actuation) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.wcbranham.com/pancake-air-cylinders-101-the-science-behind-low-profile-high-force-actuation&text=Pancake%20Air%20Cylinders%20101:%20The%20Science%20Behind%20Low-Profile,%20High-Force%20Actuation) - [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.wcbranham.com/pancake-air-cylinders-101-the-science-behind-low-profile-high-force-actuation) --- ##### [Previous Post](https://blog.wcbranham.com/creating-value-with-strategic-partners-vs.-transactional-suppliers) ##### [Next Post](https://blog.wcbranham.com/smart-strategy-for-selecting-industrial-brake-calipers-to-maximize-system-performance) ### Popular Posts [Troy Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/troy-branham) 03/28/2023 [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/right-angle-gearboxes) [As the Worm Turns: How Worm Gears Control Speed in Industrial Machinery](https://blog.wcbranham.com/worm-gears-regulate-speed) [Troy Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/troy-branham) 06/19/2025 [Caliper Disc Brakes](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/caliper-disc-brakes) [What is a Fail-Safe Brake? \[VIDEO\]](https://blog.wcbranham.com/fail-safe-brake) [Troy Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/troy-branham) 11/05/2024 [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/right-angle-gearboxes) [Gearbox Repair and Maintenance: How to Ensure Durability](https://blog.wcbranham.com/gearbox-repair) [W.C. Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham) 09/27/2024 [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/right-angle-gearboxes) [Understanding Right-Angle Gearboxes: Different Types and Selection Tips](https://blog.wcbranham.com/selecting-a-right-angle-gearbox) --- ## Related Posts It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. [Pneumatic Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/pneumatic-actuators) [W.C. Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham) 27 August, 2026 #### [Comparing Power Sources for Linear Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/comparing-power-sources-for-linear-actuators) A linear actuator converts a power source into straight-line motion. All three actuator types —… [Read More](https://blog.wcbranham.com/comparing-power-sources-for-linear-actuators) [Pneumatic Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/pneumatic-actuators) [W.C. Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham) 12 May, 2026 #### [Pneumatic Spring-Applied Brakes FAQ: Fail-Safe Stopping and Holding](https://blog.wcbranham.com/pneumatic-spring-applied-brakes-faq-fail-safe-stopping-and-holding) This FAQ covers the most common questions engineers ask when evaluating, sizing, and specifying PFS… [Read More](https://blog.wcbranham.com/pneumatic-spring-applied-brakes-faq-fail-safe-stopping-and-holding) [Pneumatic Actuators](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/pneumatic-actuators), [OVLPRO](https://blog.wcbranham.com/topic/ovlpro) [W.C. Branham](https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham) 16 December, 2025 #### [OVLPRO Low Profile Rod Cylinder FAQ](https://blog.wcbranham.com/ovlpro-low-profile-rod-cylinder-faq) Model Selection & Configuration What OVLPRO models are available? The OVLPRO line is available in… [Read More](https://blog.wcbranham.com/ovlpro-low-profile-rod-cylinder-faq) ![W.C. Branham Logo](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Wcbranham_April2024/images/wcb-logo-footer.svg "W.C. Branham Logo") ![An American Company: Family Owned and Operated](https://blog.wcbranham.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Wcbranham_April2024/images/american-owned-badge.png?width=192&name=american-owned-badge.png "An American Company: Family Owned and Operated") - Products - [Air Over Oil Intensifiers](https://www.wcbranham.com/air-oil-intensifiers) - [Caliper Disc Brakes](https://www.wcbranham.com/brakes-caliper-disc) - [Pneumatic Linear Actuators](https://www.wcbranham.com/actuators-pneumatic) - [Right Angle Gearboxes](https://www.wcbranham.com/gearboxes-right-angle) - [Custom Products](https://www.wcbranham.com/custom-products) - Resources - [Careers](https://www.wcbranham.com/about/careers) - [Downloads](https://info.wcbranham.com/downloads-page) - [Blog](https://info.wcbranham.com/downloads-page) - [FAQ](https://www.wcbranham.com/faq) - [Contact](https://www.wcbranham.com/contact) [800-428-1974 (Toll-free US & Canada)](tel:800-428-1974) [715-426-2000 (Main)](tel:715-426-2000) 715-426-1400 (Fax) [AskWCB@wcbranham.com](mailto:AskWCB@wcbranham.com) W.C. Branham, Inc. 398 Troy Street River Falls, WI 54022 [Facebook icon](https://www.facebook.com/WCBranham/) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/wcbranham) [LinkedIn icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/w.c.-branham-inc.) - [Privacy Statement](https://www.wcbranham.com/privacy) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.wcbranham.com/terms-and-conditions) © 2026 W.C. Branham, Inc. All rights reserved.   ARTEC® is a trademark of Artec S.R.L. Cento (FE) Italy Back to Top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "W.C. Branham", "url" : "https://blog.wcbranham.com/author/w-c-branham" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-04T16:00:01.726Z", "datePublished" : "2025-09-04T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Pancake Air Cylinders 101: The Science Behind Low-Profile, High-Force Actuation", "image" : [ "https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/ULTRIQ.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.wcbranham.com/pancake-air-cylinders-101-the-science-behind-low-profile-high-force-actuation", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.wcbranham.com/hubfs/Logos/wcb-email.png" }, "name" : "W.C Branham" } } ```