Press Release

Steinheim, February 2025

FLEX sets new standards: with the GE 6 R-EC and GE 6 X-EC, the company presents the lightest and most flexible long-neck sanders of all time. In addition to the lightest Giraffe of all time, the rotary GE 6 R-EC, FLEX now tops that by offering the greatest flexibility with a product novelty: the GE 6 X-EC Giraffe with an eccentric grinding movement for smoother sanding on a wide range of surfaces. These two models offer new records in terms of performance, weight, ergonomics and versatility.

GE 6 R-EC: The lightest Giraffe ever

This is what progress looks like: the GE 6 R-EC long-neck sander by FLEX offer 50 percent less weight and 60 percent more power at the same time. These figures make this model the lightest Giraffe on the market. With a carbon fibre tube, gimbal suspension of the sanding head and a swivel range of 160 degrees, it offers more in terms of ergonomics and efficiency than any other Giraffe to date. "The main criteria of a long-neck sander - effective extraction, low weight, flexibility of the sanding head, a high removal rate and ergonomics - are the focus of our new Giraffes. They are the perfect solution for tradespeople who value performance combined with maximum user-friendliness,” explains FLEX Product Manager Ralf Paertmann.

GE 6 X-EC: Eccentric movement for gentle sanding of a wide range of surfaces

Along with the rotating GE 6 R-EC, FLEX is now adding another model to its portfolio: the GE 6 X-EC, which is particularly gentle with an eccentric sanding movement and so is ideal for sanding a wide range of surface materials. It offers the tradesperson optimised control, and is perfect for delicate surfaces. Weighing just 2.9 kg, this model also sets new standards in the long-neck sander segment.

A new take on the sanding concept

The very flat sanding head design with an edge segment and gimbal suspension facilitates a 160-degree swivel range (Best in Class!) for extremely flexible working. The lower weight is all the more noticeable when working overhead due to the laws of leverage. And talking of leverage: for the first time, the tube of the new Giraffes is made of carbon fibre, allowing an enormous reduction in weight and so significantly improving ergonomics.

In order to achieve these significant optimisations, the FLEX engineers redesigned the entire sanding head structure from scratch. This involved completely redesigning the backing pad. To ensure that the sanding pads are positioned centrally, centring aids were fitted to the Velcro sanding disc which is mounted in a centring ring. A foam rubber interface pad placed on top guarantees the perfect surface sanding for the optimum sanding effect by preventing vibrations. This prevents irregularities that might otherwise be transferred to the wall and vibrations in the user's arms and shoulders. Combined, these newly designed elements of the sanding head ensure a cleaner work result with improved ergonomics and optimised handling.

Optimised air flow for ideal dust extraction

The ideal extraction is ensured by the optimised air flow, with an air guidance system that boosts the extraction performance. Eliminating edges throughout the entire casing means that significantly less residual dust is trapped in the system. A brush ring also supports the extraction. "These three elements - sanding media, sanding pad and backing pad - must be perfectly coordinated so that this fine tuning delivers a clean, optimised air flow," explains FLEX Product Manager Ralf Paertmann.

The decisive plus in ergonomics

But it's not just the up to 50 percent lighter weight during operation that makes the new FLEX Giraffes so ergonomic. In addition, an elastic rubber membrane upstream on the user's side not only absorbs vibrations, but also provides better feedback while sanding and, as a consequence, a cleaner and more even sanding pattern overall. The flexible shaft means there's less weight on the sanding head, making handling much easier. In combination with the planetary gearbox for low-vibration and smooth running, the result of this development is a significant improvement in ergonomics.

Flexible shaft for perfect balance

FLEX Product Manager Ralf Paertmann explains why this unit is easier to use than others. "A flexible shaft drives the disc so that there's no heavy weight on the front of the sanding plate, but the drive and the weight are close to the user. This greatly improves handling. This balance is crucial for comfort and ease of use."

Safety and quality thanks to protected connections

Another plus in terms of quality and safety: the connection points for cables and hoses are protected on the new Giraffes. For example, the suction connection is protected by being laid downwards so that the suction hose cannot bend. The switch has also been designed to be protected and the spade-type handle enables ergonomic and safe handling.

Innovative technology for maximum efficiency

The new GE 6 X-EC uses the latest technology in the form of a wear-free magnetic eddy current brake. The rotation of a metal plate in a magnetic field induces eddy currents in it, which generate a magnetic field. This magnetically brakes the metal plate - without wear, as it is contactless.

www.flex-tools.com

Photos

GE 6 X-EC with eccentric movement for gentle sanding of a wide range of surfaces.

The lightest Giraffe ever: the handy GE 6 R-EC is up to 50 per cent lighter in operation while delivering 60 per cent more power at the same time.

The GE 6 R-EC has a practical flattened edge segment on the sanding head and a 160 degree head swivel range.

Light and handy: Ergonomic sanding head with edge segment and gimbal suspension, carbon fibre hand tube on the FLEX GE 6 R-EC.

A new sanding concept from scratch: FLEX multi-hole sandpaper with foam rubber interface pad and Velcro sanding disc with centring aids ensure less vibration and better extraction.

Another advantage in terms of safety and quality: protected switches and connection points for hoses and cables make the GE 6 R-EC robust and durable.

Contact:

FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
Sebastian Glasner, Head of International Marketing
Bahnhofstraße 15
71711 Steinheim/Murr
Mail: press@flex-tools.com

About FLEX

For FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, based in the south German town of Steinheim/Murr, the craftsman comes first. For this reason, this renowned power tools manufacturer has for over 90 years been going to wherever these are used: Building sites, workshops and factories. Continuous dialogue and many years of experience mean that FLEX is constantly coming up with new and innovative solutions that ensure better and more economical working. FLEX products have already received many awards, including the Plus X Award 2020, 2019 & 2014, and the Red Dot Design Award 2018 & 2014, and the 'Designpreis Deutschland' 2011 and the IF product design award 2011. FLEX currently employs 240 people and sells its products via a global network of trade vendors. More information is available at www.flex-tools.com

In our texts, the generic masculine is used for better readability. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included as far as it is necessary for the statement.