For TBMs in hard rock, two of the most important parameters to consider are the cutter performance and the penetration rate. These two considerations are highly dependent on each other, as the cutters are typically the critical components that limit the thrust of the machine\u2014a critical variable that dictates the net penetration rate. In such conditions optimal cutter performance is extremely important, not only to optimize the net penetration rate, but also to minimize the time needed to change cutters and maximize the time available for boring. Over the last five years, massive investments have been made in cutter development to make cutters that can withstand even the most challenging conditions. This paper presents the developments and challenges that have driven the last years\u2019 advances in cutter technology, as well as the results of those developments on recent projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Extreme conditions for cutters can result in poor advance rates, catastrophic disc cutter failure, or unacceptable wear life of a disc cutter. For TBMs in hard rock, two of the most important parameters to consider are the cutter performance and the penetration rate. This paper presents the developments and challenges that have driven the last years\u2019 advances in cutter technology, as well as the results of those developments on recent projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":10313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-white-papers"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n