A flange is an external or internal rib, or rim, for strength, as the flange of an iron beam; or for a guide, as the flange of a car wheel; or for attachment to another object, as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc. Knight.
Alternatively, a flange can be a plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe. A blind flange is a plate for covering or closing the end of a pipe. A Flange joint is a joint, as that of pipes, where the connecting pieces have flanges by which the parts are bolted together. A Flange rail is a rail with a flange on one side, to keep wheels, etc. from running off.
Flange turning is the process of forming a flange on a wrought iron plate by bending and hammering it when hot.
See also flanging.