A breakthrough in production drilling for smaller drifts
October 2024
IT in Manufacturing
As part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the new Simba SM60 S production drill rig is equipped with a wide range of automation options that increase operator safety, drilling quality, and productivity. Automation software such as Feed Speed Control Impact (FSCI), used to control the rock drill and automatic positioning to hole toe, ensures correct utilisation of the machine and improves drilling performance.
“Epiroc’s advanced technology enhances our customers’ operations by boosting productivity and, more importantly, by improving safety standards”, says Rickard Johansson, vice president marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division. “We are proud to be at the forefront of accelerating the transformation to safer mining practices.” The updated electrical control system and the automation software features can significantly contribute to safe productivity by removing the operator from hazardous areas.
The newly developed RHS 17 single-layer carousel ensures seamless rod handling. With the gripper arms placed inside the carousel, it can easily and quickly move the rods between the carousel and the drill centre, significantly improving operation productivity and drilling performance. The new horseshoe drill unit frame provides great stability and robustness during drilling and minimises the transport height during transportation. This makes the Simba SM60 S an ideal rig in smaller drift mines.
The Simba SM60 S has one of the lowest transport heights in Epiroc’s fleet of Simba production drill rigs. The new horseshoe-mounted drill unit frame and low-built drill unit are designed to be positioned at the very lowest point, placing the drill unit below the cabin roof at a height of 2,8 metres.
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