355 Clamp Design Update — In Progress

Work is underway on an update to the 355 butt fusion platform, focusing on the upper and lower main clamps.

The intention is not to change how the machine performs in use, but to refine how the clamp structure is designed and produced. The existing design has already been proven in long-term applications, particularly in terms of strength and stability.

This update builds on that foundation.

Why This Update

The current 355 clamp structure has been used across a wide range of projects and has shown consistent performance over time.

The direction of this update is therefore practical rather than performance-driven.
The focus is on making the design more consistent in production and more efficient to manufacture, while keeping the original mechanical behavior unchanged.

In simple terms, it is less about making the clamp “stronger,” and more about making it “more consistent.”

Changes in the New Design

Die-Cast Clamp Structure

The updated clamps are developed around a new die-casting mold.

This allows for a more controlled structural layout and a more uniform form, while maintaining the same load-bearing capability as before.

Metric and Inch Compatibility

The new design supports both:

• 355 mm

• 14 inch

This makes the same clamp configuration applicable across different standards, without the need for separate versions.

Mobility Improvements

Transport wheels and a carrying handle will be included as standard in the new configuration.

This is a small change, but it makes a noticeable difference when moving the machine between positions, especially on site.

Compatibility Across Series

The updated clamp structure will be compatible with:

• WELPING FX Series

• WELPING A Pro Series

• WELPING A Series

This keeps the design aligned across different product lines and avoids unnecessary variation.

What This Means in Practice

From a user perspective, the machine will feel familiar.

The main differences are in how the clamps are produced and how consistently they can be replicated at scale. The structure is more uniform, the assembly process is more straightforward, and the overall appearance is cleaner.

The goal is not to introduce something new in operation, but to make what already works more stable in production.

Next Step

The updated 355 configuration is currently being prepared for production and will be introduced gradually.

More details, including on-site usage and real application feedback, will be shared once units are in operation.