Systems & compatibility
Ø28 or Ø16 system: which system suits you?
Ø28mm or Ø16mm: it's the first choice you make with a welding table, and it determines which clamping tools you use. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose based on your work, not on a brand.
Short answer
Choose Ø28mm for general and heavy welding: 28 mm holes, a coarse grid and high load capacity, interchangeable with Siegmund and Demmeler. Choose Ø16mm for fine precision work and small jigs: a finer grid of 50 × 50 mm that lets you clamp closer together. Not sure? Then Ø28mm is the logical choice for most workshops.
What is the difference between Ø28 and Ø16?
The number is the diameter of the clamping holes; Ø28 has larger holes and a coarser grid, Ø16 finer holes and a denser grid.
In the Ø28mm system the clamping holes are 28 mm in diameter, with a coarse grid built to carry heavy workpieces and large clamping forces. In the Ø16mm system the holes are 16 mm, with a finer grid of 50 × 50 mm. That lets you clamp closer together and position small parts more accurately.
The difference determines not only the table but also the tools: clamps, bolts and stops are made per system. So you're really choosing a complete clamping system.
When do you choose Ø28mm?
Ø28mm is the standard for general welding, steel fabrication and heavy workpieces.
If you work with sturdy profiles, frames and larger assemblies, Ø28mm gives you the load capacity and clamping force you need. It's the most used system in metalworking, which is why there's also the widest range of tools for it.
- Heavy welding and steel fabrication
- Large and heavy workpieces
- Wide range of clamps, bolts and stops
When do you choose Ø16mm?
Ø16mm is meant for fine and small work where accuracy matters more than load capacity.
If you build jigs, fixtures or smaller parts, the fine grid of 50 × 50 mm gives you more clamping points close together. That way you position accurately and keep small workpieces steady in place.
- Jigs, fixtures and templates
- Small, fine parts
- Precision and decorative work
Compatibility: are you tied to a brand?
No. Ø28mm is interchangeable across brands, and DCT's Ø16mm matches Siegmund's Ø16mm system.
The Ø28mm grid is a de facto standard. DCT tools fit Siegmund and Demmeler tables and vice versa, so you're not tied to one supplier. Existing accessories stay usable, and you reorder more cheaply without rebuilding your whole workshop.
Can you combine both systems?
Yes, many workshops use a Ø28mm table for coarse work and a Ø16mm setup for fine jobs.
The systems don't exclude each other. If you have both heavy and fine work, a Ø28mm table alongside a Ø16mm plate or table is a practical combination. That way you have the right grid at hand for every job.
Ø28mm vs Ø16mm
| Feature | Ø28mm | Ø16mm |
|---|---|---|
| Hole diameter | 28 mm | 16 mm |
| Grid size | 100 × 100 mm | 50 × 50 mm |
| Best for | Steel fabrication & heavy welding | Jigs & precision work |
| Load capacity | Very high | Medium |
| Compatible with | Siegmund & Demmeler Ø28 | Siegmund Ø16 |
| Clamping tools | Wide range | Compact range |
Frequently asked questions
The number is the diameter of the clamping holes in the top plate. Ø28mm has 28 mm holes with a coarse grid for heavy work; Ø16mm has 16 mm holes with a fine grid of 50 × 50 mm for precision work.
Neither is better; it depends on your work. Ø28mm is the logical choice for general and heavy welding, Ø16mm for fine, small parts and jigs.
No, the systems have different hole diameters and are not interchangeable. Both systems are available at DCT, including matching tools.
Yes. The Ø28mm system is interchangeable across brands, and DCT's Ø16mm matches Siegmund's Ø16mm system. So your tools stay usable.
You can use the systems side by side. Many workshops combine a Ø28mm table for heavy work with a Ø16mm setup for fine jobs.
Which system suits you?
Take a look at the Ø28mm and Ø16mm welding tables or request advice with no obligation. In stock, with fast delivery across Europe.
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