Atlas Copco, for example, used the show to take the wraps off a
new high speed rock drill for tunnelling and similar applications
in the 43 – 64 mm diameter hole range. Th e company says the
COP 4038 drills +20% to +30% faster than anything else on
the market thanks to the company’s expertise in high frequencydrilling, and is designed for hard rock applications. Th e unit
boasts an impressive 40 kW of power and comes with a double
damping system to absorb refl ex shock waves, making it possible
to drill fast without increasing wear on the rod.
As far as its underground drilling rigs are concerned, the
company has developed a new version of its Rig Control
System. All functions have been grouped in nine blocks under a
new tree structure for easy navigation and are access with a new
touch screen display. Atlas Copco says this not only makes using
its drill rigs easier, but also cuts down on
training time for new operators.
Also new is the company’s Underground
planning, evaluation and documentation
software, which is available on all
Atlas Copco underground machines.
Th e system contains a new drill plan
generator, complete 3D view of the
tunnel, smart interpolation of contours,
and an improved log and report function.
In terms of the drill rigs themselves,
Atlas Copco is now off ering a totally
water-free drilling system on its Boomer
XE3 C rig. Th e system uses compressed