IM 2016 June 2016 | Page 87

HEAVY ENGINEERING_proof 25/05/2016 07:40 Page 6 HEAVY ENGINEERING This complex loading model shows that if the steel is loaded parallel to the rolling direction (red arrow in the left model) the fatigue strength will be higher compared to if it is loaded transverse to the rolling direction (yellow arrow in the same model) anisotropic, or directionally dependent, by nature. Inclusions become deformed or elongate within the steel during the rolling stage, so its fatigue strength will be higher when loaded parallel to the rolling direction than if it is loaded transverse to the rolling direction. This is why Ovako says it makes fatigue testing “frequent and integral to its process development and benchmarking.” The company uses ultrasonic testing to develop cleanliness within its own IQ-Steel®, which stands for ‘isotropic quality’, and also ensures high quality from batch to batch. Ovako states: “IQ-Steel has favourable properties in all directions which can upgrade the performance of components that are subjected to a high and complex loading. The material can also help to avoid the need for costly re-melting processes. Ovako identified IQ-Steel as the best solution for Atlas Copco to be used within its impact system, in which major parts include the rock drills that are used in the impact piston. The parts are routinely exposed to high fatigue stress, as shock waves are transferred through the drill string to the drill bit in order to create the rock drilling action. With IQ-Steel, stress levels within the impact system can be kept consistently near the maximum limit of the material. The shock waves produced remain at such a high level that Atlas Copco can get the best performance out of their rock drills.” Per Jonsson, Mechanical Design Engineer for R&D Rock Drills within Atlas Copco’s Rocktec division, said: “IQ-Steel from Ovako has made it possible for us to raise the output power of the rock drills due to the increased fatigue limits resulting from the reduced number of impurities in the IQSteel material. The quality and low impurity content helps us to eliminate breakdowns and increase the service life of the impact system parts. This has reduced the running cost.” Ovako’s expertise as a pioneer in boron steel has also enabled it to introduce an extensive range of WR-Steel® with dedicated wear resistant qualities to meet the demands of the mining industry. “Covering a comprehensive range of hardness levels and hardness intervals, dimensions, steel grades and a variety of forms, WR-Steel offers manufacturers an ideal material that is best suited to their production processes.” Ovako also supplies grinding balls and grinding rods. In order to maintain the same wear resistance from start to finish with greater longevity the grinding balls are provided as-rolled or in quenched and tempered condition for extra hardness. Various steel grades are available upon request in a range of diameters from 20-70 mm. Ovako grinding rods come in the as-rolled, straightened condition, ranging in diameter from 75-100 mm and a hardness of 340–400 HBW. IM Comminuting your maintenance expenditure Köppern roller presses have been proven successful all over the world in plants for the energy-saving high pressure comminution of various ores and minerals like iron ore, copper, gold, molybdenum and diamonds, as well as cement clinker, limestone and blast furnace slag. For the comminution of abrasive materials a Köppernpatented wear protection of rollers is available. Köppern – Quality made in Germany. • • • • State of the art technology Process technology know-how High plant availability Quick roller replacement Pilot HPGR testing capabilities in Australia, Canada, Germany and South Africa For further information please contact [email protected] www.koeppern.de JUNE 2016 | International Mining 85