hiomakaivokone

Hiomakaivokone is a term used in Finnish mining technology to denote a class of mining equipment designed to grind rock surfaces in situ using abrasive action rather than cutting with picks or drilling. The word combines hioma (to grind or polish) and kaivokone (mining machine).

Typical configurations include a mobile chassis, a grinding head with bonded abrasive wheels or segmented grinding discs, and a drive system (electric motor and hydraulic transmission). A feed mechanism, cooling and lubrication, dust suppression (water or mist), and a control system for operator or remote control are commonly integrated. Some designs incorporate sensors to monitor grinding force, wear, temperature, and system health.

Operating principle: the grinding head is pressed against the rock face and rotated. Abrasive action removes material to create a smooth or preconditioned surface, which can facilitate subsequent mining steps or improve wall stability. Applications include underground openings, preconditioning of ore seams, pre-blasting conditioning, and surface finishing of excavations. Potential advantages include reduced blasting needs, lower vibration in certain scenarios, and improved wall quality; drawbacks include wear of grinding elements, high energy consumption, heat generation, and dust production.

Development status: hiomakaivokone is largely in the research or pilot stage in most jurisdictions, with related equipment such as roadheaders and rock grinders serving as alternative approaches. Key research areas cover wear-resistant abrasives, cooling efficiency, dust control, machine robustness, and automation or teleoperation.

Related technologies include roadheaders, rock grinders, and other mining machines.