History

"Flexen" comes from FLEX.

Everyone has heard of it. Many use it every day. But very few people know that ' flexen', a common German verb, actually refers back to an invention developed by FLEX, formerly known as Ackermann + Schmitt. But let's start at the beginning:

In 1922, Hermann Ackermann and Hermann Schmitt started a company in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt  to produce and sell their new invention: the MS 6 hand-held grinding machine, featuring an electrical motor that drove a flex ible shaft. This feature was the inspiration for this brand-new tool's name: Flex . And this is the origin of today's brand name and a verb that has become an integral part of everyday German vocabulary: 'flexen' .

       

Hermann Ackermann    Hermann Schmitt

In the late 1920s, the engineers succeed in replacing the flexible shaft with an angle gear set. This was the world's first angle grinder, also sold under the brand name Flex. Flex started becoming established as a new word.

In 1935, Ackermann + Schmitt launched a low-speed angle grinder. In 1954, it unveiled the first high-speed angle grinder: the DL 9. By now, Flex was synonymous with angle grinder, while the verb 'flexen' completely replaced the less snappy verb 'trennschleifen' ("abrasive cutting") in colloquial German.

In 1996, Ackermann + Schmitt renamed itself Flex. In 2006, 'flexen' was officially added to the Duden spelling dictionary

Innovation comes from tradition.

The Flex still uses the same basic approach, but the tool itself continues to evolve and improve. High-tech plastics replaced cast iron, making the tools considerably lighter. Motor power has increased, but motors have grown smaller and smaller. The motor and gears have become better protected against grinding and cutting dust; the tools have are now more durable, quieter and more ergonomic. The basic idea of the angle grinder proves to be so efficient and successful that it is incorporated into other machines and will continue to drive new innovations.

1987: High finish polishing
FLEX develops dedicated systems for sensitive polishing of automotive paint and lacquers, furnitures and natural stone floors.

 

1989: Mirror finish!
FLEX introduces a new method of treatment: burnishing for surfaces - without transition lines or shadow on metal and stainless steel.





1997: Sanding ceilings without scaffold!
"The revolution for painters": the long-necked FLEX Giraffe enables the operator to sand from top to bottom of a wall or ceiling without stilts of scaffolds. The dust extraction system does a thorough job. The long-necked sander Giraffe and its patented sanding paper with perforation across the whole surface achieves a high-quality.

2002: Innovation in every detail!

FLEX introduces the angle grinder generation for the 21st century. From the inventor of FLEX there are 8 new models in the 710 to 1300 Watt range available in a new, extremely slim design, with superior handling characteristics and many innovative product features, e.g. microprocessor controlled electronics or the FLEXgrip-handle with integrated pin spanner.

2009: Vario-Giraffe® WST 700 VV

The continued development of the successful FLEX Giraffe® has now reached new heights with its telescopic function and exchangeable heads.

2010: RETECFLEX RE 14-5 115  The innovative tool system.
Easily and quickly converted whatever the requirements are: the specialist for grinding, sanding, scouring, perforating and polishing.