Wälz

Wälz is a German term from the verb Wälzen, meaning to roll. In technical usage it denotes a rolling element or function that operates through rolling contact. The word is often encountered in discussions of metal forming, machinery, and bearing technology.

In metalworking, Wälzen refers to the rolling process by which material is shaped or reduced in thickness through rotation of rollers. Components used in this process are called Walzen (rollers), and the equipment that holds and drives them is often described in terms of rolling mills and rolling stands. Rolling is used for a wide range of metals and products, including sheets, bars, and wires, and can occur hot or cold depending on material properties and tolerances.

In bearing technology, the related concept is expressed through Wälzkörper, the rolling bodies that transmit loads in rolling bearings (Wälzlager). Common Wälzkörper include balls, cylindrical rollers, and tapered rollers, which support radial and axial loads while minimizing friction. The arrangement and material of these rolling elements determine bearing performance, efficiency, and service life.

Historically, rolling processes and rolling bearings have been central to modern manufacturing, enabling large-scale metal shaping and precision motion control. Today, the term Wälz appears primarily in German-language engineering texts and in the names of components and processes that rely on rolling contact.

See also: Walze, Walzen, Walzwerk, Wälzlager.