Thompson machines are not only designed to weld drill rods for water wells and directional drilling, but also heavyweight API drill pipe for oil and gas exploration.

They include extended back stops and special forge clamps for friction welding an unlimited range of pipe sizes and lengths, and can be equipped with facing and full or partial automation for loading and unloading components.

Thompson has long-established relationships with manufacturers such as Sandvik, VAM, Atlas Copco and Baosteel.