Sandvik rolled out new products and services offering improved safety and productivity at this year’s MinExpo International. The next-generation equipment was designed with emphasis on total cost of ownership, scalable automation packages, availability of service and parts and inherent product safety.

"We're driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new equipment to ever smarter customer services,” says Marie Brodin, vice president, marketing and communications, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “We are focusing on the numbers that matter by conveying customer value and lower total cost of ownership of the total Sandvik package.”

Sandvik launched a number of drill rigs, including its latest addition to the DD422 series. Sandvik DD422iE uses electric battery power instead of a diesel engine, eliminating emissions during tramming. The patented electric driveline system on the company’s latest automated mining jumbo enables battery recharging during drilling. Sandvik DD422iE burns less fuel, also generating less heat and noise than conventional drivelines. The result is safer, healthier and more productive development drilling. There are many other new solutions on the Sandvik DD422iE designed to increase productivity and simplify maintenance.

The latest addition to Sandvik’s modular 400 underground range of ITH long hole drill rigs with automation capability was also launched at the Las Vegas show. The series of diesel powered, self-propelled, crawler-mounted surface blasthole drills is automation-ready and features forward-thinking design and technology for bulk mining operations. Coupled with the patented Sandvik Compressor Management System was one of the Sandvik self-proclaimed highlights at MinExpo. The new design features a raised front, elevating two or three front buttons a few millimeters above the gauge buttons located on the periphery of the bit. Additionally, the front buttons are set at a slight angle relative to the symmetric axis of the bit.

The raised front creates a slightly recessed hole bottom pattern that alters the rock-breaking action in order to achieve improved performance. This, together with a new cemented carbide grade GC80, which combines toughness with a softer center, further extends the service life and long grinding intervals.

Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering advanced products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety.  The group specializes in tools for the mining and construction industries, among other things. In 2014 the Group had about 47,000 employees and representation in approximately 130 countries. To learn more, go to www.sandvik.com.