Materialprovare

Seco in Fagersta is offering a master thesis project within the R&D Materials and Technology Department, focusing on material characterization of cemented carbide cutting tools for high-performance machining applications. Background Composite materials composed of a hard ceramic phase-traditionally tungsten carbide-and a ductile binder phase, typically cobalt, are commonly referred to as hard materials or cemented carbides. These materials are produced using a powder metallurgy process that includes wet milling, spray drying, compaction, and sintering. Cemented carbides offer an attractive combination of high hardness and toughness. By adjusting grain size and binder content, their properties can be tailored to meet specific application needs. With a strong focus on sustainability and circularity, the production and use of recycled cemented carbides contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. Work description In this project, you investigate plastic deformation in cemented carbide cutting inserts, with a particular focus on how deformation varies across the cutting edge region. Previous studies show that plastic deformation is highly heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the specific location analyzed. This variability highlights the need for large-area characterization to obtain representative and reliable results. The project involves advanced microstructural characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) over large, stitched areas. A central focus is to systematically map and analyse deformation across extended regions beneath the cutting edge, rather than relying on small, localized observations. You apply Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) to quantify local plastic deformation through Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) analysis, providing insights into local strain and dislocation density. In addition, SEM image analysis is used to identify and evaluate deformation-related features such as binder redistribution, shear band formation, and microstructural heterogeneity. Overall, the project aims to enhance the understanding of how plastic deformation develops in cutting tools and how it can be reliably quantified using large-area SEM and EBSD-based techniques. The work is also closely connected to the ongoing European project AIM-NEXT, which focuses on the design and implementation of non-CRM hard materials for next-generation extreme applications. (https://www.aimnext.eu/) Your background We’re looking for a highly motivated student in Materials Science or a related field. A curious mindset, a structured approach to work, and the ability to independently carry out laboratory tasks after initial training are essential. Prior laboratory experience is considered an advantage, as is familiarity with SEM. As part of the thesis, you present your results both orally and in a written report in English, making strong English communication skills essential. Duration of the project The thesis project runs for 20 weeks, with a flexible start date that is agreed upon with the student. On-site presence in Fagersta is required, although some work may be carried out remotely by agreement. Accommodation is provided, and the project includes a one-time compensation. Our Seco culture   At Seco, we're united by a spirit of collaboration and a shared curiosity to learn and grow. We take responsibility for our actions, stay focused on our customers, and believe in winning together. For us, it’s also clear that our diversities form an amazing foundation for achieving great results. Curious about our workplace and benefits? Read more on our website. You’re also welcome to visit our LinkedIn or Facebook to get to know us and our products further. Contact information For further information about this position, please contact: Stefan Olovsjö, Principal R&D Professional Material Design, +46 (0)70-302 03 73 or [email protected] Xenia Stergiopoulou, Ph.D. student AIM.NEXT project (https://www.aimnext.eu/) Lund University, [email protected] How to apply Send us your application no later than September 30, 2026. Click apply and include your resume and cover letter in English. Please note that we don’t accept applications by e-mail. Job ID: R0093737. For more information about our recruitment process, please contact HR Services at [email protected].

Seco in Fagersta is offering a master’s thesis project within the R&D Materials Development group, focusing on the sintering kinetics of recycled cemented carbide. The project combines materials science, sintering behavior, and material properties related to the sintering process. We offer a great workplace with access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and collaboration with a top-tier research team. You gain valuable experience in materials science, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Detector (EBSD) and various materials characterization techniques. Background and scope of the project Circularity in the carbide industry is essential for reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering costs due to the limited resources of tungsten and cobalt. This project explores how increasing the proportion of recycled cemented carbide powder impacts the sintering process. Today, recycling worn-out carbide tools is well established, with cemented carbide powders containing up to 50–100% recycled material depending on grade and availability. Work description: Conduct sintering experiments in lab scale furnace Measuring: Magnetic properties (related WC grain size and carbon balance) Dimension (shrinkage control quality related) Hardness of the sintered cemented carbide (Standard Vickers method) Toughness of the cemented carbide (crack resistance by Palmqvist method) SEM analysis of structure (WC grain size EBSD) Analysis of results Thesis writing The experimental factors are set up with the statistical method Design of Experiments (DOE) in collaboration with the supervisor at Seco. Conducted at the Fagersta production site, the study is experimental including analysis and supported by both the R&D team and production technicians.  Your profile   We’re looking for a curious and technology driven MSc student with a focus on material science or material chemistry. Knowledge in metallurgy, physics, mechanical engineering, and similar skills are valuable. Previous experience with SEM and EBSD is advantageous, along with analytical and mathematical skills. Acting in an international environment, good English skills are essential. Duration of the project This thesis project lasts for 22 weeks with a flexible start date, preferably around January 19th, 2027. We offer you accommodation in Fagersta and you receive payment when finalizing the thesis. You’ll also present your findings both written and verbally. Our Seco culture   At Seco, we're united by a spirit of collaboration and a shared curiosity to learn and grow. We take responsibility for our actions, stay focused on our customers, and believe in winning together. For us, it’s also clear that our diversities form an amazing foundation for achieving great results. Curious about our workplace and benefits? Read more on our website. You’re also welcome to visit our LinkedIn or Facebook to get to know us and our products further. Contact information   For further information about this position, please contact Ioannis Arvanitidis, R&D Expert (PhD), at +46 (0)70-556 67 69 or [email protected] We’ve already decided on which advertising channels and marketing campaigns we wish to use and respectfully decline any additional contact in that matter. How to apply Send us your application no later than September 30, 2026. Click apply and include your resume and cover letter in English. Please note that we don’t accept applications by e-mail. Job ID: R0085152. For more information about our recruitment process, please contact HR Services at [email protected].

Möjligheten Just nu söker vi en Provare till Högeffektlaboratorium. Som Provare, arbetar du i en avancerad test- och produktionsmiljö där du assisterar och samarbetar med en provledare/provingenjör att utföra högeffektprov. I uppgifterna ingår förberedelse och genomförande av omkopplingar, utförande av mätningar enligt provledarens instruktioner, utför mätningar före och efter provning och säkerställer att testutrustningen fungerar korrekt. Du arbetar även aktivt med dokumentation och säkerhetsrutiner. Rollen innebär dessutom visst underhållsarbete, ordning i anläggningen och nära samarbete med både tekniker och ingenjörer. Hur du kommer att påverka Köra och övervaka test- och produktionsutrustning enligt rutiner och säkerhetsföreskrifter. Förbereda och utföra omkopplingar, inställningar och mätningar enligt anläggningsinstruktioner. Genomföra mätningar och kontroller före, under och efter provning. Identifiera och åtgärda enklare driftsproblem eller eskalera till ansvarig provledare. Utföra mindre underhåll och dagliga kontroller av anläggning och utrustning. Genomföra kvalitetskontroller och säkerställa att testresultat följer givna specifikationer. Föra korrekta loggar och uppdatera dokumentation kopplad till tester och drift. Bidra till ordning och säkerhet genom att hålla anläggningen ren och organiserad. Din bakgrund Yrkesutbildning inom energiteknik, elektriker/elektrotekniker eller motsvarande erfarenhet. Erfarenhet från produktion, provningsarbete, laboratorium eller testmiljö är meriterande. Grundläggande mekanisk och elektrisk förståelse samt förmåga att göra enklare maskinjusteringar. Förmåga att arbeta noggrant, följa instruktioner och hantera teknisk dokumentation. God fysisk uthållighet och förmåga att arbeta i en snabb och föränderlig miljö. Kunskap om säkerhetsrutiner inom tillverknings- eller testverksamhet är en fördel. Flytande Svenska i bade tal och skrift. Flytande engelska är meriterande men inget krav. Vad vi erbjuder Kollektivavtal Flexibel arbetstid Hälso- och friskvårdsbidrag Fantastiska karriärmöjligheter inom Hitachi Energy både i Sverige och globalt Mentor som stöd under introduktionsfasen Olika utbildningar och kompetensutveckling för anställda Mångfaldigt företag med över 70+ nationaliteter som arbetar i Sverige Extra ersättning under föräldraledighet Förmånsportal för anställda med tusentals rabatter och förmåner Mer om oss Vi är intresserade av att veta vem du är och vad du kan bidra med, tveka därför inte att skicka in din ansökan även om du inte uppfyller alla krav. Hos oss får du ett roligt och energirikt arbete med många kontakter i dagliga arbetet! Skicka in din ansökan redan idag – vi behandlar ansökningarna löpande. Välkommen att forma framtiden tillsammans med oss! Vänligen notera att vi rekryterar för flera tjänster. Mer information: Rekryterande chef Petrisor Ioana, [email protected] kommer att kunna svara på dina frågor angående tjänsten. Fackliga representanter - Sveriges Ingenjörer: Philip Bengtsson +46 107 38 25 17; Ledarna: Frank Hollstedt +46 10 7387043; Unionen: Michael Fosselius +46 107 38 46 19. Övriga frågor ställs till Talent Acquisition Partner Antra Volujevica, [email protected]