SMART MINING
Sweden has a long and noble history of mining , with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times . But old does not necessarily mean primitive , as proven by Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions collaboration with Boliden , the Swedish mining and metals giant , trialling cutting-edge mining technology . Additive manufacturing ( AM ) – or 3D printing , as it ’ s more commonly known – is maturing fast , progressing from plastic components to printing ceramics and metals . To discover the potential of the technology , Boliden has teamed up with Sandvik to run a one-year trial that will see digitally-printed machine parts installed on underground drill rigs .
The trial with Sandvik involves a set of specially redesigned components printed digitally at a Sandvik-managed facility in Italy , with their performance then being monitored on machines in Boliden ’ s underground mine worksites – first in Sweden , then in Ireland .
At least in theory , the 3D metal parts could perform just as well – or even better – than traditionally manufactured items . The first components have just been put into operation in the Garpenberg mine , with performance yet to be evaluated .
“ Additive manufacturing shows a lot of potential , both in reducing carbon footprint within the supply chain — through reduced or eliminated need for transport and storage
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