Maptek has released Vulcan 8 software package, containing new open cut drill and blast tools, streamlined menu options and improvements to display options.
According to the company, an on-screen preview of drill and blast patterns eliminates potential layout problems before a blast is even set.
The new double stitching option allows extra holes to be inserted midway between previously created blast holes using the same, or completely different, hole design parameters.
Excessive toe burdens can be handled by adding holes around the blast perimeter.
Vulcan 8 allows the depth of blast holes to be recalculated as a group to reflect the new surface, saving time and reducing errors.
Holes can still be edited individually, with alternatives for maintaining the two-dimensional collar location, or three-dimensional vector of angled holes.
Maptek says Vulcan 8 also directly addresses safety and regulatory issues.
A drillhole warning calculates how far a drillhole is from blast areas, allowing re-design of drifts if necessary.
Similarly, the proximity alert allows engineers to easily check designs for existing voids.