June 1, 2023
The initial step in the process has been to create a prototype of a hydraulic block for a mining rock drill using additive technology with conventional steel powder. The traditional manufacturing with milling and drilling requires this type of part to be plugged and sealed after production. When using additive manufacturing six potential points of leakage can be eliminated. Another benefit is the possibility to improve the flow of the hydraulic oil since sharp edges can be avoided when the channels are printed in the part.
Decrease both the amount of raw material and the final weight
While traditional manufacturing uses a block of steel weighing approximately 50kg, the optimized design for additive manufacturing uses 7.5kg of steel for producing this part. This reduces the amount of material needed for production with 85% in this case, which leads to more efficient use of raw materials. The weight of the end-product is also significantly lower, in traditional manufacturing the part weighs 15kg after manufacturing. The optimized design together with additive manufacturing makes the part weigh 6.6kg after production. This reduces the weight by 55%.
As rock drills are positioned far out on the feed of the drill rig the weight has a substantial impact and new technology opens the possibility to create stronger components without affecting the balance of the machine. Reduced weight on the feed could also improve the lifetime of other components due to the reduction of stress and load.
Benefits on many different levels
With the prototype successfully produced with additive manufacturing the next step in the process is to experiment with fossil-free steel powder. For Epiroc, new materials and methods create opportunities on many different levels:
“Production and shipping of spare parts are interesting areas for us to explore going forward. There is a lot of potential in many ways, we can decrease lead times, increase availability, cut-cost on transportation and most important of all – reduce our environmental footprint”, says Anders Flodman Engineering Manager at Epiroc. He continues:
“In addition to this very interesting project, we also have a number of different initiatives in the pipeline to further explore and improve how we manufacture spare parts.”
The prototype has been produced in SSAB’s newly opened facility for steel powder at the production plant in Oxelösund, Sweden.
Read more about previous collaborations here:
Epiroc and SSAB expand partnership with fossil carbon emission-free recycled steel, starting Q3 2023
Epiroc presents world’s first underground mine truck made using fossil-free steel from SSAB
Epiroc partners with SSAB on fossil-free steel for mining equipment
Press image
Boltec M10 Battery in underground mine
For further information please contact:
Anders Flodman
Manager – Engineering
Epiroc Parts & Services divisions
Mobile: +46(0)72 233 71 33
E-mail: anders.flodman@epiroc.com
Hanna Håll
Global Communications and Brand Manager
Epiroc Parts & Services divisions
Mobile: +46 (0) 73 270 62 85
E-mail: hanna.hall@epiroc.com
Epiroc’s parts and services offering includes a complete range of services with the aim of maximizing customers’ productivity. The focus is on spare parts supply, professional service, training, and support solutions such as remanufacturing, electrical infrastructure and battery conversions. The main distribution centers are in Sweden, United States and Singapore. Please see www.epiroc.com for product offerings.
