Do you provide forged or pressed cuplock blades?

We offer both options. Forged blades (drop-forged steel) provide superior strength and dimensional accuracy — recommended for rental fleets and projects requiring frequent assembly/disassembly. Pressed/fabricated blades offer cost savings and are suitable for single-project use or markets where initial purchase price is the primary concern. Both types are tested to EN 12810 loading requirements before shipment.

Cuplock Scaffolding System | Sino East China

Name: Cuplock Scaffolding System
Brand: Sino East
Price: Contact for Factory Price USD
Availability: InStock

About the System

The Industry's Most Cost-Effective Modular Scaffolding System

Cuplock scaffolding is a proven modular scaffolding system that uses a unique cup-and-blade node connection mechanism. Each vertical standard has welded bottom cups at 500 mm or 1,000 mm intervals, with sliding top cups that lock forged ledger blades in place with a single hammer blow — no special tools, no loose bolts, no complicated assembly steps.

With 4 horizontal connections per node, cuplock is the most cost-effective modular scaffolding system in the market. At just USD 500–600 per ton FOB, it delivers reliable performance for general construction projects up to 30m height. Manufactured by Sino East Steel Group from Q235 structural steel with hot-dip galvanized finish, our cuplock is fully compliant with EN 12810, EN 12811, and BS 1139.

The system is widely used in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa for commercial buildings, residential towers, industrial maintenance, and concrete slab formwork support. For Gulf-region clients requiring lower cost, a durable painted finish option is also available.

Explore Components ↓

🔧 4-Way Cup Lock · 500mm Spacing · Ø48.3mm Tube Cuplock scaffolding system being used for concrete slab formwork support on a construction site

Why Cuplock

Why Cuplock Is the Smart Choice for General Construction

Sino East cuplock gives you the best return on equipment investment — lower upfront cost, faster assembly, and proven reliability on thousands of sites worldwide.

Best Value in Modular Scaffolding

At USD 500–600 per ton FOB, cuplock costs approximately 20% less than ringlock while providing reliable performance for all standard construction needs. Your equipment budget goes further.

Proven Cup-Lock Mechanism

The cup-and-blade design was invented by SGB and has been field-proven on millions of construction sites since the 1970s. A single hammer blow locks the top cup — the simplest, most intuitive connection in scaffolding.

4-Way Node Connection

Each node supports up to 4 horizontal connections (ledgers and transoms). Perfect for orthogonal grid layouts on straight facades, rectangular floor slabs, and standard building geometries.

Captive Top Cup — No Lost Parts

The top cup is permanently attached to the standard — it slides up and rotates into position but can never be lost or dropped. This is a significant safety and inventory advantage over traditional loose-fitting systems.

15+ Year Service Life

Hot-dip galvanized 80µm zinc coating protects against rust and corrosion. In the dry Gulf climate, painted-finish cuplock can last 10+ years with basic maintenance — ideal for rental fleets and repeat-project use.

Optimized Container Loading

Cuplock components stack efficiently inside containers — 25–28 tons per 20ft with mixed components. Maximize your shipping budget with the densest packing of any modular system.

Components

Cuplock System Components

Every component is manufactured from Q235 structural steel, hot-dip galvanized or painted, and load-tested in our in-house laboratory before shipment.

Cuplock Standard (Vertical)

Q235 · OD 48.3 × 3.25mm

Bottom cups welded at 500mm/1000mm. Sliding top cup. Lengths 0.5–3.0m.

Cuplock Ledger (Horizontal)

Q235 · OD 48.3 × 2.5mm

Forged blade ends lock into cup node. Lengths 0.6–3.0m. SWL up to 16kN.

Diagonal Brace

Q235 · OD 48.3 × 2.5mm

Swivel blade/clamp ends. Stabilizes bay laterally. Lengths match bay width × lift height.

Base Jack (Adjustable Screw)

Q235 · SWL 30–50kN

Threaded adjustment for leveling. Base plate 150×150mm. Height 400–800mm.

U-Head Jack (Fork Head)

Q235 · SWL 40kN

U-shaped fork head for beam/deck support. Threaded stem for fine height adjustment.

Steel Plank (with Hooks)

Q235 · Anti-slip Surface

Galvanized steel deck with locking hooks. Widths 230/320mm. EN 12811 compliant.

Cuplock Access Ladder

Q235 · 400mm Wide

Steel ladder with hooks for cuplock ledger. Standard lengths 2.0–3.0m.

Hop-Up / Board Bracket

Q235 · 2/3 Board Width

Extends working platform width. Supports 2–3 scaffold boards. Quick hook-on to standard.

Quick Comparison

Cuplock vs Ringlock — Which System Is Right for Your Project?

Understand the key differences between the two most popular modular scaffolding systems to make the best purchasing decision.

Feature	Cuplock (This System)	Ringlock
Connections per Node	4 (horizontal only)	8 (4 horizontal + 4 diagonal)
Locking Mechanism	Cup + Blade (hammer blow)	Rosette + Wedge (hammer blow)
Assembly Speed	Fast	Fastest (≈20% quicker)
Loose Parts	Top cup (captive — cannot be lost)	None (wedge only)
Typical Cost per Ton (FOB)	USD 500–600	USD 600–750
Steel Grade (Standard)	Q235	Q345
Best Application	General construction ≤30m, formwork support	Heavy industrial, complex geometry, Oil & Gas
Diagonal Brace Connection	Via swivel clamp (extra fitting)	Direct wedge into rosette slot
Container Load (20ft)	25–28 tons	22–26 tons
Regional Preference	Middle East, SE Asia, Africa, India	Europe, Americas, Australia
Surface Finish Options	HDG / Painted	HDG standard

Both systems are EN 12810 / BS 1139 certified. Sino East manufactures both — contact us for side-by-side samples.

Specifications

Cuplock System Technical Specifications

Detailed dimensions, weights, and load ratings for standard cuplock components. Custom lengths and wall thicknesses available on bulk orders.

Standards (Verticals)

Code	Length	Weight (KG)	Weight (LBS)
WCS050	0.5 m	3.53	7.77
WCS100	1.0 m	6.31	13.88
WCS150	1.5 m	9.05	19.91
WCS200	2.0 m	11.82	25.99
WCS250	2.5 m	14.58	32.09
WCS300	3.0 m	17.34	38.16

Ledgers (Horizontals)

Code	Length	Weight (KG)	Weight (LBS)
WCL060	0.60 m	2.47	5.44
WCL100	1.00 m	3.92	8.62
WCL150	1.50 m	5.73	12.62
WCL200	2.00 m	7.54	16.58
WCL250	2.50 m	9.35	20.58
WCL300	3.00 m	10.98	24.16

System Technical Parameters

Steel Grade	Q235 (S235 equivalent); Q345 available for heavy-duty
Tube OD × Wall (Standard)	48.3 × 3.25 mm (vertical); 48.3 × 2.5 mm (horizontal)
Cup Spacing	500 mm standard; 1,000 mm optional
Surface Finish	Hot-dip galvanized 80μm; Painted (blue/orange/grey)
Compliance	EN 12810, EN 12811, BS 1139
Load Test: 3-Bay Tower ULS	101.62 kN → SWL 33.87 kN (3:1 safety factor)
Load Test: 3m Standard ULS	153.47 kN → SWL 51.16 kN
Base Jack SWL	35.33 kN (400mm extended) to 57.67 kN (100mm)
Certifications	CE EN 1090-1, ISO 9001, ISO 3834-2, EN 10204 3.1 MTC

Cuplock Scaffolding Master Material List & Component Catalogue

Sino East Steel Group manufactures the complete Cuplock modular scaffolding system conforming to BS 1139 Part 5 and EN 12810 / EN 12811 standards. Fabricated from premium Q235B / Q345 structural steel (OD 48.3 × 3.2 mm tube), our cuplock system features ductile iron drop-forged top cups and pressed bottom cups welded at 500 mm intervals, offering fast hammer-lock erection and superior multi-directional versatility.

1. Cuplock System Master Material Breakdown

Component Name	Tube Dimension & Grade	Node / Connection Detail	Standard Lengths	Weight Range (kg / lbs)	Part Code Prefix
Cuplock Standard (Vertical)	OD 48.3 × 3.2 mm (Q235 / Q345)	Cups welded at 500 mm (19.7 in) pitch, 150 mm spigot	0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, 2.5m, 3.0m	3.53 – 17.35 kg (7.77 – 38.25 lbs)	WCS-050 ~ WCS-300
Cuplock Ledger (Horizontal)	OD 48.3 × 3.2 mm (Q235)	Drop-forged blade ends fit directly into bottom cup	0.6m, 0.9m, 1.2m, 1.3m, 1.8m, 2.5m	2.45 – 9.50 kg (5.40 – 20.94 lbs)	WCL-060 ~ WCL-250
Diagonal Face Brace	OD 48.3 × 2.5 / 3.2 mm (Q235)	Swivel blade ends for bay bracing	Bay sizes: 1.8×2.0m, 2.5×2.0m	8.80 – 12.50 kg (19.40 – 27.56 lbs)	WCB-1820 ~ WCB-2520
Intermediate & Omega Transom	OD 48.3 mm Tube / Inverted T-Section	Spans across ledgers to provide intermediate board support	0.8m, 1.2m, 1.3m, 1.8m, 2.5m	4.50 – 11.20 kg (9.92 – 24.69 lbs)	WCT-120 ~ WCT-250
Hop-Up Bracket (Cantilever)	Structural steel bracket with cup locator	1-Board (0.3m), 2-Board (0.6m), 3-Board (0.9m)	0.3m, 0.6m, 0.9m cantilever width	3.80 – 9.20 kg (8.38 – 20.28 lbs)	WCH-030 ~ WCH-090
Cantilever Frame / Beam	Reinforced triangular welded frame	For facade overhangs and access bridge support	1.0m, 1.5m projection	12.50 – 18.00 kg (27.56 – 39.68 lbs)	WCC-100 ~ WCC-150
Adjustable Base Jack & Spigot	M38 Solid / Hollow Spindle + Steel Plate	Cold-rolled Acme thread with ductile handle	400, 600, 700 mm length	3.50 – 5.80 kg (7.72 – 12.79 lbs)	SJB-H38 / SJB-S38

2. Cuplock Diagonal Braces, Transoms & Hop-Up Brackets

Part Code	Component Description	Bay Length / Grid Size	Tube Specification	Surface Finish	Unit Weight (kg)	Unit Weight (lbs)
WCB-1220	Diagonal Face Brace	1.2 m Bay × 2.0 m Lift	OD 48.3 × 2.5 mm Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	7.60 kg	16.76 lbs
WCB-1820	Diagonal Face Brace	1.8 m Bay × 2.0 m Lift	OD 48.3 × 2.5 mm Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	8.85 kg	19.51 lbs
WCB-2520	Diagonal Face Brace	2.5 m Bay × 2.0 m Lift	OD 48.3 × 2.5 mm Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	10.60 kg	23.37 lbs
WCT-120	Intermediate Transom	1.2 m Width (4-Board)	OD 48.3 × 3.2 mm Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	4.80 kg	10.58 lbs
WCT-180	Intermediate Transom	1.8 m Width (6-Board)	OD 48.3 × 3.2 mm Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	7.20 kg	15.87 lbs
WCH-060	2-Board Hop-Up Bracket	0.6 m Cantilever Platform	Welded RHS / Plate Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	5.80 kg	12.79 lbs
WCH-090	3-Board Hop-Up Bracket	0.9 m Cantilever Platform	Welded RHS / Plate Q235	Hot-Dip Galv	8.60 kg	18.96 lbs

Cuplock Load Capacity & Structural Engineering Performance

Cuplock scaffolding is widely recognized as the industry standard for heavy-duty falsework, shoring towers, and high-load civil engineering projects. Below are verified engineering load ratings tested in compliance with BS 5973, BS 1139 Part 5 and EN 12810.

Structural Parameter	Vertical Lift (Ledger Spacing)	Design Ultimate Load	Safe Working Load (SWL)	Engineering Standard Compliance
Standard Axial Leg Load Capacity (Q235)	1.0 m Lift (3.3 ft)	114.0 kN	57.0 kN (5.81 Tons)	EN 12810 / BS 1139-5
	1.5 m Lift (4.9 ft)	85.0 kN	42.5 kN (4.33 Tons)	EN 12810 / BS 1139-5
	2.0 m Lift (6.6 ft)	61.0 kN	30.5 kN (3.11 Tons)	EN 12810 / BS 1139-5
Ledger Bending Moment Capacity	1.8 m Span	3.45 kNm	1.73 kNm SWL	BS 1139 Part 5
Cup Node Slip Resistance (Downward)	4 Connected Ledgers	50.0 kN	25.0 kN SWL	EN 12811-1
Cup Node Bending Resistance	Rigid Lock Joint	3.60 kNm	1.80 kNm SWL	EN 12811-1

Export Packaging & 20ft / 40ft HQ Container Loading Solutions

Sino East Steel Group optimizes container space utilization for overseas contractors and equipment rental fleets. All cuplock verticals and ledgers are bundled on steel export pallets or strapped in heavy steel stillages for rapid crane and forklift handling.

Scaffolding Package Type	Estimated Scaffold Coverage	Included Key Components	20GP Container Qty	40HQ Container Qty	Total Shipment Weight
Facade Access Scaffolding Kit	Approx. 1,000 – 1,200 m² Facade	Standards (2.5/3.0m), Ledgers (1.8/2.5m), Steel Planks, Jacks, Braces	1 x 20GP Container	—	24.50 – 26.00 Metric Tons
Heavy Shoring & Falsework Kit	Approx. 500 – 650 m³ Slab Shoring	Standards (1.5/2.0m), Ledgers (1.2/1.8m), Base Jacks, U-Head Jacks	1 x 20GP Container	—	25.00 – 26.50 Metric Tons
Commercial Project Bulk Package	Approx. 2,500 – 3,000 m² Structure	Full balanced system: 3.0m Standards, 2.5m Ledgers, Planks & Ladders	—	1 x 40HQ Container	26.50 – 27.80 Metric Tons

🔨 Rapid 4-in-1 Node Locking

Up to 4 components (ledgers, transoms, or braces) can be secured in a single node point with a single hammer blow to the top cup, reducing erection labor by up to 50% compared to tube & clamp.

🛡️ Certified Drop-Forged Top Cups

Top cups are drop-forged from high-grade ductile steel, resisting cracking under heavy hammer strikes, while fixed bottom cups are deep-drawn and robotically welded to standards.

🚢 Complete Project Takeoff & CAD Service

Send us your project drawings (DWG/PDF). Our engineering team will produce an optimized 3D BOM (Bill of Materials) and container packing plan within 24 hours.

Applications

Where Cuplock Is Used — 7 Proven Applications

Cuplock is the workhorse of general construction. From simple facade access to complex concrete formwork support, here's where it delivers the best value.

Facade Scaffolding

External access for building construction, renovation, and finishing work on straight facades.

Concrete Slab Formwork

Modular shoring towers for suspended concrete floor slabs. Compatible with drop-head early-stripping systems.

Birdcage Scaffolding

Dense grid access platforms for large interior spaces — auditoriums, atriums, industrial halls.

Maintenance Access

Quick-build platforms for plant turnaround, equipment servicing, boiler inspection, and facility maintenance.

Stair Access Towers

Safe, dedicated stair towers for worker access alongside main scaffolding. Integrated handrails and landings.

Mobile Scaffold Towers

Rolling towers with castor wheels for interior finishing, ceiling work, and short-duration tasks.

Certifications

International Certifications & Standards Compliance

Sino East cuplock is fully certified for international markets. Every shipment includes full quality documentation and test reports.

EN 1090-1

Structural steel execution

ISO

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system

3834

ISO 3834-2

Welding quality requirements

EN 12810

Facade scaffolds made of prefabricated components

EN 12811

Temporary works equipment

BS 1139

Metal scaffolding British Standard

3.1

EN 10204 3.1

Mill test certificates

SGS

SGS / BV

Third-party inspection

CIDB

CIDB Malaysia

Construction industry approval

Quality Control

In-house load testing lab

HDG

Galvanized 80μm

ASTM A123 / ISO 1461

MTC

Material Traceability

Full batch documentation

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Cuplock Scaffolding

What is cuplock scaffolding and how does it differ from ringlock?

Cuplock scaffolding uses a cup-and-blade locking mechanism where each vertical standard has welded bottom cups at 500mm/1000mm intervals and a sliding top cup. Ledgers with forged blade ends are locked by hammering the top cup down. Cuplock supports 4 horizontal connections per node — compared to ringlock's 8 connections (including diagonals). Cuplock is approximately 20% more cost-effective (USD 500–600 vs 600–750 per ton FOB) and is the preferred choice for general construction in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

What standards and certifications does your cuplock comply with?

Sino East cuplock scaffolding is manufactured in compliance with EN 12810, EN 12811, and BS 1139. Our factory holds CE EN 1090-1, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 3834-2 welding certifications. All shipments include EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificates. CIDB Malaysia approval is available for Southeast Asian projects. SGS/BV third-party inspection can be arranged at buyer's request.

What is the minimum order quantity and typical lead time?

Standard MOQ is one 20ft container (approximately 22–27 tons of mixed cuplock components). Trial orders from 5 tons are available via LCL. Production lead time is 15–25 days after deposit. Sea freight to Middle East ports (Jebel Ali, Dammam, Doha) takes 20–25 days; to Africa (Durban, Lagos, Mombasa) 25–35 days. Cuplock achieves excellent container utilization — 25–28 tons per 20ft.

Can cuplock be used for concrete slab formwork support?

Yes — cuplock is one of the most widely used systems for concrete slab formwork support. Vertical standards at close grid spacing (typically 1.2–1.8m) combined with U-head jacks and decking beams create stable shoring towers capable of supporting slab loads up to 6 kN/m². For early-stripping requirements, we offer the cuplock drop-head system that allows formwork removal after 24 hours while props remain in place for the full curing period. See our Cuplock Slab Formwork page for details.

What surface finish options are available for cuplock?

Two standard options: (1) Hot-dip galvanized — 80μm minimum zinc coating to ASTM A123/ISO 1461, 15+ year service life in most environments, preferred for coastal/humid regions and rental fleets. (2) Painted finish — multiple color options (blue, orange, grey, green), lower initial cost, particularly popular in dry Gulf/Middle East climates where corrosion risk is low. Both finishes comply with EN 12810 requirements for temporary works equipment.

Do your cuplock components have forged or pressed blade ends?

We supply both options depending on application and budget. Drop-forged blades offer superior dimensional accuracy, grain structure continuity, and fatigue resistance — recommended for rental fleets and projects with frequent assembly cycles. Pressed/fabricated blades provide approximately 15–20% cost savings and are suitable for single-project deployment where upfront cost is the primary consideration. Both types are EN 12810 load-tested before shipment and include full traceability documentation.

Cuplock Scaffolding Specifications

Component	Specification
Vertical Standard	48.3 mm OD × 3.2 mm wall, S235/Q235 steel (S355/Q345 optional); lengths 1.0 – 3.0 m; cups welded at 500 mm pitch
Ledger	48.3 mm; blade ends; lengths 1.2 – 2.4 m
Transom	48.3 mm; lengths 0.6 – 1.8 m
Cup Assembly	Cast or pressed steel, zinc-plated; fixed lower cup + sliding upper cup
Diagonal Brace	48.3 mm; fixed or adjustable; lengths 1.8 – 2.4 m
Base Jack	38 mm spindle, 60 – 100 cm adjustment
U-Head Jack	Adjustable fork head for formwork beam support
Coating	Hot-dip galvanized to EN ISO 1461 (55+ microns)
Compliance	EN 12810, EN 12811, BS 1139, EN 1090 EXC2, ISO 9001:2015

Cuplock Scaffolding FAQ

What is cuplock scaffolding?

Cuplock scaffolding is a modular steel system using a cup-and-blade connection: a fixed lower cup and a sliding upper cup are welded to the vertical standard, and the blades of up to four ledgers or transoms seat into the lower cup before the top cup is hammered down. One blow locks all four connections — no loose fittings, no bolts. It is the most widely used modular system for slab formwork and straight facade access across Asia and the Middle East.

How much load can cuplock scaffolding carry?

A single cuplock standard (48.3 mm × 3.2 mm) delivers approximately 60 kN ultimate vertical leg capacity in axial compression. Typical light-duty bays of 1.8 m × 1.8 m support 2 kN/m² per EN 12811, and slab shoring grids of 1.2 m × 1.2 m handle substantially higher loads.

Is cuplock scaffolding certified to EN 12810 and BS 1139?

Yes. Sino East manufactures cuplock under EN 12810 / EN 12811 and BS 1139, with EN 1090 EXC2 CE marking, ISO 3834-2 welding quality and ISO 9001:2015. Certificates and load test reports are provided with every order. View our certificates →

What is the difference between cuplock and ringlock?

Cuplock connects in 4 directions with a cup-and-blade mechanism, costs 15-25% less per ton, and is ideal for slab formwork and straight facades. Ringlock connects in 8 directions with a rosette and wedge, carries ~80 kN per leg (33% higher), and suits complex geometry and heavy industrial work. See our cuplock complete guide and ringlock complete guide for full load tables and cost analysis.

Why Choose Sino East Steel Group

Sino East Steel Group (Tianjin, China) is a CE EN1090 & ISO 3834-2 certified cuplock scaffolding manufacturer with a 65,000 m² factory and 200,000+ tons annual capacity, exporting to 50+ countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Every order ships with mill test certificates, third-party load test reports and batch traceability. For a quotation with your component mix and destination port, email [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 186 2208 8833 — our engineers reply within 24 hours.

Cuplock Scaffolding System — Most Economical Modular Scaffold