The new PowerCarbide grades, GC80 (Gradient Carbide) and SH70 (Self-Hardening) also provide additional benefits, such as lower cost per drilled metre, less time for changing bits and improved safety.

"Sandvik was the first company in the drilling history to manufacture rock tools with cemented carbide and are working continuously on developing new and more advanced solutions. The new PowerCarbide grades are based on an improved knowledge about the wear of the drill bit in different types of rock," said Robert Grandin, product manager for Underground Top Hammer at Sandvik Rock Tools.

The GC80 has been developed for abrasive ground conditions with high silica levels in the rock. A new, unique method makes it possible to produce buttons that are wear-resistant on the outside, while the centre provides a toughness that pushes the service life and grinding intervals even further.

The SH70, which is developed for hard, competent ground, is a grade with homogeneous properties throughout the material. SH70 is called ‘self-hardening' because the enhanced deformation hardening makes it more wear resistant as you drill with it. The surface hardness is continuously ‘refilled', which means that the hard top never wears off.

"Controlling the whole chain, all the way from our own tungsten mine to the production of drill bits, is a unique enabler for developing groundbreaking rock tools," added Grandin. "Since we have the most advanced range of carbides, we almost certainly have something in our product range that is perfect for each customer's conditions."