Through comprehensive R&D expertise, Sandvik has made even greater advancements in the engineering of a more resilient bit designed to extend bearing hours -- saving customers money, reducing safety risks and boosting productivity.

The new Sandvik RR221 series of drill bits runs on a patented, modularised air bearing platform, minimising spalling during sustained loads and delivering 10-25% longer bearing hours and life increase of up to 30% compared with the previous generation Sandvik RR220 range. The result is significantly lower drilling costs.

Simon Mitchell, vice president rotary tools at Sandvik Mining, said: “Today it is more important than ever for our customers to maximise the value of their investments, and Sandvik RR221 delivers. Our latest tools feature application-focused cutting structures and are more effective and hard wearing than their predecessors. They have better longevity thanks to multiple design improvements, where we have matched our proprietary Sandvik cemented carbide shapes and grades to specific drilling conditions. This will help to reduce wear and breakage, further increasing bit life and improving penetration rates.”

Sandvik RR221 sizes range from 159-311mm and rock hardness capability from 10MPa to over 500MPa. Now equipped with the patented Sandvik RR221 bearing, these bits can offer high bearing hours and a low cost per drilled metre in a wide range of applications.