Sandvik announces advanced top hammer tool systems
Sandvik, headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, has announced the launch of its most sophisticated top hammer tool systems to date, the CT55 and CT67. These systems feature an industry-first curved thread design, setting a new standard in drilling efficiency and cost-effectiveness for surface bench and underground longhole applications.
The groundbreaking curved thread design of the CT55 and CT67, a first in the industry with multiple patents, is a significant leap forward in tool technology. This innovative design effectively distributes stress across a larger area within the tool, enabling it to accommodate higher drilling power and fully leverage a drill rig’s capacity.
Anders Brungs, Vice President of the Product Line Top Hammer at Sandvik, highlights the benefits of this innovation: “We are thrilled to introduce a design that not only enhances efficiency considerably by allowing higher drilling parameters with fewer interruptions for breakages but also boosts productivity by 15% and reduces fuel consumption by the same margin. Faster drilling translates to reduced flushing time, offering tangible benefits in terms of cost and environmental impact.”
The CT systems’ unique curved thread is engineered to heighten drilling productivity and decrease costs in both underground and surface environments. Fredrik Björk, Product Manager for Top Hammer Surface Tools at Sandvik, points out, “Current standard tools are unable to match the power of surface drill rigs. Our new CT system radically improves fatigue strength and has demonstrated a 30% increase in tool life and improved hole precision in tests with early adopters. This fully optimized system is compatible with Sandvik’s Ranger™ DXi and Pantera™ DPi rigs, unlocking their full potential.”
The enhanced productivity of the CT systems is achievable through more aggressive settings for parameters like percussion, rotation, and feed. Robert Grandin, Product Manager for Top Hammer Underground Tools at Sandvik, emphasizes the importance of reliable drilling in underground operations: “In addition to the benefits of higher productivity and reduced costs, the extended service life of our CT system, which surpasses 30%, is crucial for underground settings where tool breakages can cause significant delays and frustration. The curved thread design’s superior geometry not only extends tool life but also readies the CT system for automation, a critical feature in many underground operations.”
The new CT55 and CT67 systems, designed for surface and underground mining respectively, are now available. The CT55 accommodates drill bit diameters ranging from 89 to 127 mm, and the CT67 caters to diameters of 102 to 140 mm, with reaming bits available from 152 to 204 mm. This launch signifies a major advancement in top hammer tool technology, promising enhanced efficiency, longevity, and cost-effectiveness in diverse mining applications.
