Fast and accurate grade control is the key to an effective mineral-extraction process and ultimately to mining productivity and profitability.

The 120mm (4.5in) COP RC45 RC hammer features a new design. According to Atlas Copco, since it is 40% shorter than the nearest competitor and more than 30% lighter than most hammers doing the same job, one man can easily handle the hammer by himself.

The COP RC45 hammer works with a high impact frequency - up to 52Hz at 30bar. This is possible thanks to a unique air chamber design, the manufacturer said. Smaller air chambers build up pressure faster and make the piston strike at a faster rate. The marginally lower impact force is compensated for by the higher impact frequency. Atlas Copco stated that the tests show excellent penetration rates in all types of rock - also in difficult rock formations.

Like the RC 50, the COP RC45 hammer features Atlas Copco Secoroc's tube retention system, which can ease servicing as tubes are quickly replaced without disassembling the hammer.