The lightest Giraffe in the world
More power, less weight and maximum flexibility: the new GE 6 R-EC and GE 6 X-EC Giraffes by FLEX
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.
