Abstract: A clamping device for butt welding metal sheets includes a base for supporting adjoining edges of a first and a second associated metal sheet. A first clamping unit is positioned above the base. The first clamping unit includes a plurality of first springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each first spring has a first end, for selectively contacting the first associated metal sheet, and a second end as well as a first support linkage to which the second ends of each of the plurality of first springs are secured. The support linkage selectively applies the plurality of first springs to the associated first metal sheet. A second clamping unit is positioned above the base in a spaced manner from the first clamping unit. The second clamping unit includes a plurality of second springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each second spring has a first end for selectively contacting the second associated metal sheet and a second end.