Design and execution of research and development

Tender description

The National Composites Centre intends to procure a series of equipment to provide the capability within its Automated Preforming Cell. The cell is likely to consist of the following capabilities: Forming System — A forming system is required to consolidate composite dry-fibre and prepreg materials into 3D shaped preforms. The forming system should be capable of forming reactive or non-reactive binder systems. The components produced by this system will be finished by manufacturing processes such as Resin Infusion, High Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding (HP-RTM), Traditional RTM, Thermoforming, Compression Moulding and Injection Moulding. The NCC is looking for state of the art equipment which will enable further research and optimisation of processes. Tooling — The tooling is likely to fitted to the forming system and be matched tooling, to ensure consolidation and geometry features are maintained during binder activation. The use of non-metallic materials for rapid and low cost tooling needs to be investigated alongside the use of Additive Layer Manufacturing technology to incorporate geometrical features and heating/cooling channels to enable modular tooling quick change-overs. Verification — A verification method is required to ensure the preforms are being produced to specification and tolerances are adhered to. The verification method will not be limited to just vision and thermal, and suppliers are encouraged to show novel methods to verify preforms maximising in-process verification to eliminate end of line checks. The verification system could be automated; mounted as an end-of-arm tool on the robot or by other means of automation or combined with other technologies within the cell. Trimming — A trimming method for predominantly the final trim of preforms is required. The NCC has researched into ultrasonic trimming but is keen to explore other options. The components to be trimmed will include binder activated preforms with thickness up to approximately 100 mm. The trimming system should be an automated system; mounted as an end-of-arm tool on the robot or by other means of automation. End of arm tooling/end effectors — For use such as material handling and/ or manipulation. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) serves to alert the marketplace to this opportunity and the NCC invites interested contractors to lodge an initial expression of interest as detailed herein. Contractors may also provide any other information which they feel may support the NCC with scoping and planning for this exercise. Following receipt of Expressions of Interest, it is currently the intention of the NCC to utilise an Open Procedure route under the Public Procurement Regulations 2015, although this may be reviewed following the outcome of this PIN. Details and guidance on the procurement process will be provided within the tender documentation, including help and support in responding via the e-tendering portal. Interested Contractors can express their interest in this opportunity via the University of Bristol e-tendering portal: https://tenders.bris.ac.uk Tender documents will be finalised following supplier feedback and issued thereafter. (Note: There are currently no tender documents at this stage — this stage is to understand market interest via expressions of interest only). Please note, the NCC intends to use the information gathered to shape the proposed procurement process and specification for this project. Commercially confidential information should therefore be marked accordingly. Following consideration of responses the NCC may wish to engage in further discussions with the respondents which may also further help to inform any subsequent Tender documentation. Participating in this market sounding exercise will not guarantee short-listing at a later stage in the procurement, nor will non-participation in this market sounding exercise restrict access to the tender opportunity. As a result of feedback or for any other reason, the NCC may make the decision not to go ahead with any proposed procurement exercise.