Sandvik Rock Tools has launched a new "Guide Adapter" with the aim of helping bench drilling Top Hammer customers reduce hole deviation by up to 50%.
According to Sandvik, significant hole deviation (>8%) can pose problems for many bench drilling companies that operate in challenging ground conditions such as bad and soft rock, as well as deep overburden.
This often results in reduced productivity, safety risks and increased tool wear, the company adds.
Fredrik Björk, product manager top hammer surface tools, rock tools division at Sandvik, says: “The Guide Adapter helps them to increase the service life of their drill string and also reduce the number of drilled holes, as well as the amount of blasting needed.”
The solution is expected to enable customers to achieve greater productivity, longer tool service life and improved safety.
“We have conducted in-depth testing with our customers around the world and the results really do speak for themselves,” he continues. 
“By using the Sandvik Guide Adapter, our customers achieved a hole deviation between 3% to 5% - a reduction by up to 50% - and also increased the service life of their rock tools by up to 40%.”
The Guide Adapter is also expected to enable customers to achieve greater productivity, longer tool service life and improved safety.
It is now available for T51 and GT60 Top Hammer threads in different diameters.
