By Lynda Myer
In order to enhance the excavation performance and customer profitability, Sandvik has upgraded two of its tunneling roadheaders.
Being equipped with geometrically optimized transverse cutterheads, Sandvik’s MT series roadheaders can be used for digging in a variety of underground civil construction applications, while Sandvik MT721 and Sandvik MT521 currently have been future-proofed with new digitalization and automation features.
As one of the major upgrades, the new machine control system has been planned to provide more power and it is also designed for future applications, whereas the software code has been simplified and harmonized for stable and reliable operation. Meanwhile, according to Sandvik’s statement the new SafePLC improves machine safety and is extendable for additional developments.
Comprising tele-remote operation as well as Racoon for machine telemetry data collection as well as digital customer services platform SmartMate, the new machine control system is going to fully integrate all future digital services.
Due to benefiting ICUTROC technology for seamless cutting in challenging hard rock conditions, the MT721 is the unique roadheader on the market as Sandvik says. Additionally, using the CUTRONIC automated cutting technology for reliable and fast rock excavation with high profile accuracy is another key feature in both roadheader models and it is now also suitable for geometrically complex tunneling applications.
Moreover, in order to advancing a fast tunnel excavation and accurate tunnel profiling, the new Sandvik boom control includes new optimized machine control software and upgraded machine hydraulics.
According to Uwe Restner, product manager roadheaders and digitalization, Mechanical Cutting Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions: “We are extremely proud of these new tunneling roadheaders, which will set the standard for reliable, productive and sustainable mechanical rock excavation, and continue our journey towards being able to deliver our customers fully autonomous mechanical rock excavation machines.”
