Sandvik introduces Autobit, first drill bit for automated drilling
Automated drill rigs transformed the industry more than two decades ago, but even today few are used to their full potential due to drill bits that wear out and limit production. The new Autobit from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions seeks to help customers change that through long grinding intervals, enabling drilling to continue during shift changes.
Autobit is the first drill bit from Sandvik designed specifically for automated longhole drilling. It features a greatly increased first grinding interval - more than twice that of standard bits – that can translate to several more hours of drilling every day. This is made possible thanks to a new and innovative bit design and the addition of Sandvik’s PowerCarbide™, the most powerful carbide grade.
“Autobit addresses a key bottleneck in the automated drilling process: running the drill rig during shift changes,” said Robert Grandin, Product Manager Top Hammer Underground at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “The Autobit now enables customers to significantly increase productivity in their automated drilling operations.”
The longer service life and grinding intervals are made possible through the new design features of Autobit, combining a strong gauge row, fully ballistic button profile and carved out front design, as well as the addition of the PowerCarbide™ SH70 grade, part of Sandvik’s most innovative carbide technology. Together with the Autobit’s design elements, the self-hardening carbide grade can more than double grinding intervals compared to a standard product.
“Combining our PowerCarbide™ technology with a bit design that maximizes the first grinding interval delivers remarkable outcomes,” Grandin said. “Test results, where grinding intervals are more than doubled compared to standard products in automated conditions, really show how Autobit improves productivity.”
The 4-inch Autobit is available from stock today with more diameters arriving soon.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 13, 2021
For more information, please contact:
Robert Grandin
Product Manager Top Hammer Underground
Rock Tools Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
email: robert.grandin@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety. We hold world-leading positions in selected areas – tools and tooling systems for metal cutting; equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining industry and rock excavation within the construction industry; products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as products for industrial heating. In 2020 the Group had approximately 37,000 employees and revenues of about 86 billion SEK in more than 160 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service and digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2020, sales were approximately 33.6 billion SEK with about 12,500 employees within continuing operations.