Details
1108168
University of Warwick
01/04/2026
Other - See Job
36.5 hours per week
Not Applicable
Pay
£12.83
£1.55
Description
Role
About the role:
This is a 16-week internship opportunity with James Walker Sealing Products and Services Ltd as part of the WMG internship program.
This role involves the technical feasibility and knowledge embedding of Additive Manufacturing the production of metallic industrial gaskets.
- Objective_1: Assess manufacturing process and technical feasibility of using Additive Manufacture (AM) to replace traditional manufacturing methods for metallic gaskets, including coating compatibility, scalability and performance, and a comparison with existing and alternative manufacturing methods.
- Objective_2: Undertake a cost-benefit analysis for existing and future AM and coating processes, including supply chain data for each process (materials, processing, heat treatment, machining, transport costs) and compare with current manufacture and coating processes.
- Objective_3: Embed knowledge and understanding of Additive Manufacturing technology, the order of investment required, and the potential benefits for the company, into the James Walker management and technical teams.
The internship will be predominantly based at the WMG site, but occasional travel to James Walker UK based manufactories will be required. As part of the program, you will also benefit from weekly supervision and support from both James Walker and WMG experts, throughout the duration of the project.
About the company:
James Walker has been at the leading edge of sealing technology since the development of braided packing by the company's founder over 140 years ago, more recently building expertise in elastomer compounding, thermoplastics formulation, metal machining and tension control bolting.
Duties and responsibilities
Main activities in collaboration with the teams at WMG and James Walker include:
- Undertake a material and manufacturing process compatibility study, including undertaking factory line-walks at the James Walker sites in Cockermouth and Bingley.
- Research AM state-of-the-art and future advances and identifying opportunities for AM usage within the James Walker environments.
- AM manufacture and testing of small diameter gaskets; using combination of WMG and 3rd party specialist AM centres, with testing in James Walker and WMG labs.
- Create a preliminary cost modelling of AM vs traditional manufacturing methods, including investment considerations for development of new AM equipment.
- Benchmark deformable coating using AM vs alternative coating methods vs hybrid options.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis comparing AM with post-coating vs. Traditional coating on machined parts.
- Create a Feasibility Report summarising technical, material, and process feasibility and cost modelling; outlining whether new AM technology is required.
Skills and experience
ESSENTIAL:
- Educated to degree level in a relevant STEM subject.
- Demonstratable knowledge of Metal Additive Manufacture specifically LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion).
- Knowledge of traditional metal manufacturing methods.
- Problem solving skills, critical thinking, methodical.
- Strong verbal, written and presentation communication at all levels, good time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaborated effectively.
- Self-starter, driven, proactive and attention to detail, willing to learn.
DESIRABLE:
- Experience of materials preparation and microscopy.
- Hands on experience of Metal AM.
- Design for AM.
- Full UK driving license could be beneficial but is not essential
Location
IIPSI, University Way, Coventry, CV4 7AL
Additional information
- Start and end date: 01 April 26 for 16 weeks.
- Deadline to apply: Wednesday 18th February 26
- Please provide a CV and cover letter with your application.
Please note upon applying for this role you are consenting to your contact details being shared directly with the hiring manager.
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