Mincon Rockdrills Shock Sub Assembly Optimisation

Introduction

A custom Norbar battery torque solution helped Mincon Rockdrills eliminate manual torqueing on 12-inch shock subs, improve assembly efficiency, reduce tooling wear, and support projected annual savings of approximately $75,000.

Overview

Mincon Rockdrills needed a more efficient and reliable way to assemble 12-inch shock subs at its Welshpool facility in Perth. As production demand increased, the previous method was creating inefficiencies, manual handling risk, excessive tool wear, and torque inaccuracies linked to mechanical losses in torque multipliers. 

Norbar worked with the Mincon team to deliver a customised battery torque solution that improved control, ergonomics, and workflow efficiency while reducing assembly time and ongoing tooling costs.   

For more on the customer, visit Mincon Rockdrills. Mincon describes itself as a global engineering business focused on drilling equipment, rock drilling tools, and related solutions for mining and other sectors.

The Challenge

Mincon’s previous assembly method was not efficient enough for growing production requirements. The process created four clear problems:

• manual handling risk during torque application
• excessive tool wear and damage
• inconsistent torqueing due to mechanical losses in torque multipliers
• slower assembly that affected lead times and output targets

This made it a priority to upgrade the tooling and method so the team could improve assembly efficiency, reduce operational strain, and maintain stronger customer delivery performance.

The Norbar Solution

Norbar supplied a customised solution built around the EBT-72-1350 BLE battery torque tool, combined with a 19007.006-45AEP nose extension and a modified paddle to suit inhex sockets. 

This was not a standard off-the-shelf setup. A custom modification to the nose extension was developed to better suit the application and remove twisting in the tooling during operation. Norbar engineers supported the solution.

Why the Solution Worked

The modified nose extension removed twisting in the tooling, allowing operators to torque more quickly, more easily, and with improved ergonomics. It also eliminated manual torqueing on Mincon’s 12-inch shock subs, creating a more controlled and repeatable assembly process.

Instead of simply replacing one tool with another, the solution improved the overall torque application method, which is what delivered the measurable gains in productivity and cost control.

Results

Key Outcomes

• 2+ hours saved per unit
• ~$75,000 projected annual savings
• ~6 month estimated payback period
• Reduced tooling costs through improved application control

Mincon reported that the solution saved more than two hours per unit in assembly time. It also reduced ongoing tooling costs by $996 per 10 units and had already generated approximately $10,000 in savings at the time of submission. Based on projected 2026 shock sub targets, the annual savings were estimated at approximately $75,000.