Sandvik division Rock Tools in Sandviken is a leading manufacturer of rock drilling tools. We now offer a diploma work thesis project within the area of wear and tribology, focusing on the wear of rock tools. The project is a great opportunity to gain R&D experience from an industry relevant research area, tribological testing and characterization methods. 

Background and scope of the project

A common method of rock drilling is the top hammer method which can be performed in both surface and underground drilling applications. In surface top hammer drilling, the drill bit breaking the rock consist of hardened steel that support the cemented carbide buttons that are in contact with the rock. The wear properties of the steel are very important as it many times influences the overall performance of the drill bit. 

To further develop the wear properties of steels used in rock tools tribological testing is very important. The testing makes it possible to perform tests and evaluate new steels in a controlled and efficient way. The testing must however be made in relevant conditions to be able to simulate the wear during that occurs during rock drilling.

This project focus on and how the wear of rock tool steels can be simulated in a slurry pot tribological tester.  Your work includes experiments running the tester in different conditions and characterization of the tested rock tool steel. The aim of the work is to propose relevant testing conditions for tribological testing with the proposed method.

The tribological testing and the production of steel samples are performed at Sandvik Rock Tools in Sandviken. After testing, characterization of the sample surfaces is performed using 3D optical profilometry, light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) at Tribolab, Luleå University of Technology.

Work description

The project consists of the following parts:

• Literature review.
• Heat treatment of samples and tribological testing performed at Sandvik Rock Tools in Sandviken.
• Characterization of surfaces at Tribolab at Luleå University of Technology.
• Documentation and presentation of results.

Student background

We are looking for someone studying Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or Chemistry. You have a genuine interest in engineering and research & development.

As this Master Thesis work is carried out in collaboration between Sandvik and Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and is primarily aimed for students at LTU.

Our culture

At Sandvik, we believe that diversity of experience, perspective and background leads to a better environment for our employees, our business and our customers. Now, we’re looking forward to meeting you!

Duration of project

The thesis project lasts 20 weeks, starting any time during spring semester of 2025.

Location

The work is primarily carried out at Tribolab at Luleå University of Technology, but part of the work is performed at Sandvik Rock Tools in Sandviken. Travel expenses between Luleå and Sandviken will be covered.

Contact information

For further information about this position, please contact

• Peter Kolmskog, Senior R&D Engineer Sandvik, +46 70 616 38 51 or peter.kolmskog@sandvik.com
• Jens Hardell, Luleå University of Technology, +46 920 49 17 74 or jens.hardell@ltu.se

How to apply

Send your application no later than December 10th, 2024. Click apply and include your resume and cover letter in English. Please note that we don’t accept applications by e-mail. Job ID: R0073278.