FlexArm
Flex Machine Tools is a veteran-owned U.S. manufacturer of precision capital equipment, including FlexCNC vertical machining centers, FlexJet waterjets, FlexBeam drill lines, and FlexArm tapping and ergonomic arms, serving fabricators, job shops, and OEMs in aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial sectors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersWapakoneta, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What FlexArm does
Flex Machine Tools, doing business as FlexArm, is a privately held, veteran-owned U.S. manufacturer of precision metalworking capital equipment headquartered in Wapakoneta, Ohio, with 50+ years of operating history and a stated customer base of more than 25,000 worldwide. The company sells four principal equipment platforms — FlexCNC vertical machining centers (C-Series, G-Series, DT-Series with bed lengths from 10ft to 80ft), FlexJet abrasive waterjet cutting systems (FL, F, FLX Series) running up to 90,000 PSI, FlexBeam drill lines for steel profile drilling, and FlexArm tapping, drilling, ergonomic, and die-grinding arms — supported by the FlexCare+ automated CNC programming service. Underlying technology includes an Omron FlexCNC controller paired with ANCA Motion Control System Software, IGEMS CAD/CAM integration for waterjets, Renishaw probing packages for setup automation, and compatibility with Mastercam, GibbsCAM, and Autodesk Fusion CAM systems.
The company monetizes primarily through one-time capital equipment sales with custom configuration pricing (tapping arms start at $2,995; CNC machines priced via Request a Quote), supplemented by professional services including training, FlexCare+ on-demand programming, and field service. Distribution combines a direct inside-sales team, trade-show-driven enterprise engagement (IMTS 2024 Booth #135204, FABTech), channel partners such as Gladwin Machinery for FlexJet, and a small e-commerce storefront for taps and accessories. Customer segments span fabricators, job shops, aerospace and defense, automotive, oil and gas, OEMs, and architectural metalwork. Following the July 2024 acquisition of TARUS, a 57-year-old Detroit-based manufacturer of large 5-axis CNC machines, Flex Machine Tools now operates a second manufacturing facility serving automotive, aerospace, defense, heavy industry, energy, and mold/die customers globally.
FlexArm firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FlexArm
- Legal name
- Flex Machine Tools
- Website
- https://flexmachinetools.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Flex Machine Tools is a veteran-owned U.S. manufacturer of precision capital equipment, including FlexCNC vertical machining centers, FlexJet waterjets, FlexBeam drill lines, and FlexArm tapping and ergonomic arms, serving fabricators, job shops, and OEMs in aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial sectors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FlexArm industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machine Tools
- NAICS
- Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515), Power-Driven Handtool Manufacturing (333991)
- SIC
- Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)
- akta.pro primary industry
- CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)
Keywords
Where FlexArm is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wapakoneta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
FlexArm business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Manufacturing Equipment Sales: Sale of capital equipment including FlexCNC vertical machining centers (C-Series, G-Series, DT-Series), FlexJet waterjet cutting systems (FL-Series, F-Series, FLX-Series), FlexBeam drill lines, and FlexArm products. Machines are sold with various configurations and options, pricing varies by specifications. Machine financing available with terms up to 8 years and deferred payment options.
- FlexArm Product Sales: Direct sale of FlexArm tapping arms, drilling arms, ergonomic arms, die grinding arms, and accessories. Tapping arms starting at $2,995. Online stores for taps and accessories (OSG tap store, tap holder store).
- Professional Services & Support: Training services (included with installation, additional on-site training available), FlexCare+ programming services, technical support, remote diagnostics, and on-site technician service through FlexCare program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Tapping Arms - Starting Price |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | CNC Machines - Custom Pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
FlexArm product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Flex Machine Tools (DBA FlexArm) designs and manufactures precision capital equipment for metalworking and fabrication shops, including FlexCNC long-bed vertical machining centers, FlexJet abrasive waterjet cutting systems, FlexBeam drill lines, and the FlexArm family of pneumatic/electric/hydraulic tapping, drilling, ergonomic, and die-grinder arms. The company sells directly to fabricators, machine shops, OEMs, and aerospace/defense customers, supplemented by FlexCare+ on-demand CNC programming services and machine financing.
Product overview
FlexArm is a product line within Flex Machine Tools offering tapping arms, drilling arms, ergonomic arms, and die grinding arms designed to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce worker fatigue. Flex Machine Tools, the parent company, also offers FlexCNC vertical machining centers (C-Series, G-Series, DT-Series), FlexJet waterjet cutting systems (FL/F/FLX Series), and FlexBeam drill lines. The product ecosystem includes FlexCare+ automated CNC programming services and integrates with IGEMS waterjet software, Renishaw probing systems, and standard CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Autodesk Fusion).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FlexCNC: Vertical machining centers for large-format CNC machining
- FlexJet
- FlexBeam
- FlexArm
- FlexErgo
- FlexCare+
- TARUS
Products and services
- FlexArm Tapping Arms Pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic tapping arms designed to offload tapping from CNC machining centers, improve productivity, and reduce worker fatigue. Line includes entry-level A-32, S-36, M-60, RNR-20 pneumatic arms, RE-16D and RE-24D electric arms, and heavy-duty GH-30, GH-45, GH-60 hydraulic arms with up to 811/162 ft/lbs torque for taps up to 2 inch in hardened steel.
- FlexArm Mag Drill Arms Magnetic drilling arms including MAG-35-H, MAG-35, and MAG-50 models that simplify magnetic drilling operations and reduce operator fatigue for fabrication and metalworking shops.
- FlexArm Ergonomic Arms
Companies that use FlexArm
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
FlexArm technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
FlexArm partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- TARUSflagshipFlex Machine Tools acquired TARUS, a 57-year-old machine tool manufacturer based in metropolitan Detroit. TARUS is the world leader in car design studio solutions and one of the few companies building large-volume, high-precision 5-axis CNC machines for heavy industry. In 1984, TARUS invented the claymill. TARUS continues operating under its own name from its Detroit-area facility.
- IGEMScoreFlexJet powered by IGEMS CNC and CAD/CAM software is a collaboration between Ohio-based Flex Machine Tools and IGEMS of Sweden. The FlexJet is integrated with IGEMS software providing TAC (Taper Angle Control), tilter cutting head functionality, and Bridge feature for part control during cutting.
- Gladwin MachinerycoreGladwin Machinery has been a strong partner for Flex since 2019 and represents FlexJet Waterjet products as a distributor.
- RenishawcoreRenishaw Probing Package for FlexCNC includes spindle-mounted workpiece probe, Optical Tool Setter (OTS) for tool measurement, and integrated probing cycles. Enables automated workpiece location, tool measurement, and in-process inspection.
- OSGminorOSG Tap Store partnership through flexarminc.com offering OSG taps and accessories for purchase alongside FlexArm products.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FlexArm competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Mazak: Global Japanese CNC machine tool maker with broad product portfolio including vertical and horizontal machining centers. Competes with FlexCNC across multiple VMC sizes.
- Okuma: Japanese CNC machine tool maker with vertical/horizontal machining centers and lathes. Overlaps with FlexCNC, particularly for larger-format VMC applications.
- DN Solutions (formerly Doosan Machine Tools): Korean CNC machine tool manufacturer with broad VMC and turning portfolio; comparable to FlexCNC's C/G-Series in size and target customer profile.
- Lincoln Electric: Diversified industrial equipment manufacturer including welding, cutting, and fabrication automation. Adjacent to FlexBeam drilling and broader fabrication/machining customer base.
- DMG Mori: Largest global CNC machine tool manufacturer with extensive 5-axis and automation offerings. Overlaps with Flex Machine Tools' expanded 5-axis capability post-TARUS acquisition.
Direct peers
- Bystronic: Swiss manufacturer of sheet metal cutting (laser, waterjet) and bending machinery. Directly comparable to FlexJet in waterjet cutting systems with overlapping end markets.
- Haas Automation: US-based CNC machine tool manufacturer (vertical machining centers, lathes, 5-axis) competing head-to-head with FlexCNC in the broader VMC market. Most direct US private competitor in machine tools.
- TRUMPF: German-based manufacturer of sheet-metal processing machinery including laser and waterjet cutting systems. Closest comparable to FlexJet in waterjet/cutting technology and similar mid-market manufacturing customer base.
- Shape Technologies (Flow International): Waterjet cutting systems manufacturer (parent of Flow International, OMAX, etc.) — directly comparable product to FlexJet waterjet cutting systems across the same customer segments.
Emerging players
- Tormach: US-based smaller-format CNC machine and tooling company serving small shops and prosumers. Adjacent in CNC machining center category though at smaller scale/format than FlexCNC.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
FlexArm social profiles
Digital presenceFlexArm financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FlexArm leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
FlexArm funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FlexArm M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FlexArm
What does FlexArm do?
Flex Machine Tools (DBA FlexArm) designs and manufactures precision capital equipment for metalworking and fabrication shops, including FlexCNC long-bed vertical machining centers, FlexJet abrasive waterjet cutting systems, FlexBeam drill lines, and the FlexArm family of pneumatic/electric/hydraulic tapping, drilling, ergonomic, and die-grinder arms. The company sells directly to fabricators, machine shops, OEMs, and aerospace/defense customers, supplemented by FlexCare+ on-demand CNC programming services and machine financing.
Is FlexArm a public or private company?
FlexArm is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was FlexArm founded?
FlexArm was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is FlexArm based?
FlexArm is headquartered in Wapakoneta, United States, in the North America region.
How does FlexArm make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Manufacturing Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are flexArm Product Sales and professional Services & Support.
Who are FlexArm's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Mazak, Okuma, DN Solutions (formerly Doosan Machine Tools), Lincoln Electric and DMG Mori. Direct peers are Bystronic, Haas Automation, TRUMPF and Shape Technologies (Flow International). Tormach is listed as an emerging player.
Does FlexArm have an API?
No public API is recorded for FlexArm.
What industry is FlexArm in?
FlexArm's product category is Industrial Machine Tools. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAA, CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers), with a secondary code of IMAHADAD, Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching). Its NAICS code is 333517 and its SIC code is 3541.