LEKATECH OY: all about breakers
7/11/2025
Meet LEKATECH OY, our EDA member specialised in the development of linear electric technology for hammering applications.
Impact Dynamics in Hydraulic Breaker Applications
Hydraulic breakers – or hammers – are widely used in construction, mining, and demolition industries for fragmenting materials such as concrete, rock, and asphalt. Their function relies on a short duration, high energy impact that induces local stress peaks and cracks in the target material. The efficiency, controllability, and repeatability of these impacts directly affect productivity, equipment longevity, and operator safety. These breakers or hammers have traditionally been powered by the diesel engine of a carrier, or a generator for handheld equipment.
Impact dynamics
Vital to the performance of all hammers is the way kinetic energy is transferred and distributed during impact. This is a key factor in understanding and optimizing performance. Properly managed impact dynamics improve energy efficiency, reduce component wear, and minimize vibration exposure. Conversely, poorly tuned systems may cause energy loss, premature material failure, or uneven fracturing. In this paper, Lekatech discusses the fundamental principles of impact dynamics in hydraulic breakers, the factors influencing them, and the experimental and modelling methods used for analysis and optimization.
Theoretical background
Impact dynamics describes short duration force interactions where the kinetic energy of a moving mass is transferred through contact.
Structure and operation of a hydraulic breaker
A hydraulic breaker transforms the hydraulic pressure energy from the carrier machine into repetitive mechanical impacts. The system includes:
- Impact mechanism (piston or hammer mass)
- Tool (chisel or moil point)
- Housing and guide components
- Hydraulic control circuit
- Damping and mounting assemblies
Design and optimization
Optimizing impact energy (E), frequency (f), and tool geometry ensures efficiency with hard materials requiring high energy at a lower frequency. Conversely, soft materials require lower energy at a higher frequency. In order to maximise structural optimization such factors as housing stiffness, damping, and fatigue resistant joints have to be considered. Active or passive vibration control systems reduce transmitted vibration and extend equipment life.
Experimental measurements show typical force peaks of 40–80 kN and contact durations of 1–3 ms. for concrete targets, with 45–60% energy efficiency. Optimized tool geometries improve stress distribution and extend tool life by 15–20%. 3D explicit FEM analysis includes contact friction, strain rate effects, and wave reflections. Optimal hammer mass achieved maximum energy transfer while minimizing reflected energy. Simulation accuracy within 10% of measured data confirms model validity.
Meet LEKATECH OY
Established in 2018, LEKATECH OY, part of Normet Group, is a Finland based technology company and specialising in the development of linear electric technology for hammering applications. Iitti eadquartered Lekatech is now considered to be the global leader in the use of electric technology for the manufacture of hammers specifically for the mining, quarrying, and construction machinery segments.
The company’s pioneering development, and a world first, is the Lekatech Electric Hammer. This is a major advance in hammer design and construction. It is of light weight, high power but producing low vibrations, being built for operator comfort, economic use and high productivity. Electrically powered with low emissions and operating costs, the Electric Hammer is set to transform breaking in mines, quarries and construction sites globally.
LEKATECH is growth oriented, being recognized by several European funding instruments and globally by leading OEMs and end users. More information can be found regarding the company, its ethos, values and specialisms at: www.lekatech.fi.
