Metso Outotec will launch a virtual inspection tool for horizontal grinding mill linings, which it said will enable more efficient and safer technical decision-making.

According to the company, the technology will allow scanned mill linings to be viewed in virtual reality and improve the efficiency and safety of its aftermarket services through advanced wear-part analysis.

Additionally, the technology reduces the need to travel to sites and make inspections in possibly dangerous environments, which Metso Outotec said cuts carbon emissions in manufacturing and transportation.

Lars Furtenbach, research and technology development manager at Metso Outotec, said the scans from the virtual inspection tool could be used to understand how mill linings wear, optimise liner design and accurately predict reline schedules.

"There is a growing need to find new ways to reach out to our customers and to discuss mill lining performance with them remotely," Furtenbach said.

"Our customers will benefit from our strong experience with over 8,000 mills worldwide combined with the market's most comprehensive offering and the new software platform."