Sandvik’s most powerful rock tool carbide grades – gathered under the name PowerCarbide™ – offer a unique combination of strength, hardness, toughness and wear resistance, and enhance both drilling performance and cost effectiveness. SH69, a new PowerCarbide™ grade developed specifically for down-the-hole drilling applications, can increase the service life of drill bits by up to 45%.

“Sandvik’s self-hardening (SH) grades have homogeneous properties throughout the material and have the ability to become tougher and more wear resistant as you drill. The patented material characteristics contribute to added strength and durability. The SH69 is especially suited for hard and abrasive ground, and with it, Sandvik’s down-the-hole customers facing these conditions can achieve up to 45 percent longer drill bit service life. This not only means increased productivity and profitability, it also helps improve safety as there is much less need for changing of drill bits, reducing the risk for injuries in the process.”

“The new SH69 is truly a powerful breakthrough in our cemented carbide development,” says Xueying Hai, Product Manager Down-The-Hole Bits, Rock Tools Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We can now offer our down-the-hole customers a class-leading carbide grade that can make a big difference in their operations in terms of performance, productivity and sustainability. With less bit consumption, there are clear CO2 footprint savings from both manufacturing and logistics.” A big part of the success of Sandvik’s PowerCarbide™ range it says is the company’s market-leading research and development within cemented carbides. Sandvik controls the whole value chain, from its own tungsten mine to the production of inserts and drill bits.

“Thanks to our state-of-the-art development resources and close co-operation with our customers, we can continue our long tradition of leading the market in cemented carbide innovation,” Xueying Hai says. “With our full range of PowerCarbide™ grades, we can offer most customers something ideal for their specific conditions, and the SH69 truly strengthens that offering. It really is the inside that matters.” The new PowerCarbide™ SH69 is available from stock today.