According to Anders Johansson, product manager at Epiroc, working with 3-D technologies opens up unlimited possibilities for the company.

One promising technology that is gaining momentum is additive manufacturing, or a phased build-up of an object using 3-D modelling and printing; this has still not been widely developed for the mining and construction industries.

The technology of fast details production involves the manufacturing of physical samples based on CAD-data or 3-D scanning data. This includes the use of special equipment for layer-by-layer 3-D-synthesis with practically no need of further refinement.

Earlier in 2019, Epiroc began exploring the opportunity to implement additive technologies in the process of manufacturing spare parts, while ensuring high standards of quality and accuracy.

Johansson commented: "Working with 3-D technologies opens up unlimited opportunities for the company to create complex geometric shapes and maintain high quality standards. This technology does not only provide additional opportunities for the creation of complex parts; it also allows companies to transfer digital models around the world in minutes to manufacture spare parts right on the spot where they are needed."

The company said that for customers who use Epiroc equipment, waiting time for spare parts supply will be noticeably reduced, meaning that equipment downtime will also decrease. In addition, the possibility of 3-D printing significantly optimises the process of delivery and storage of Epiroc spare parts, which will lead to increased value for the customers.

Johansson concluded: "Thanks to the opportunities this will give, we will be able to serve our customers in new ways and at the same time reduce environmental impacts throughout the world, which is high on our agenda as a modern global company."