Supply and Installation Of A Hybrid Additive Substractive Workstation

Tender description

Tender for the Supply and Installation Of A SmartFub Hybrid Additive Substractive Workstation - ESIF Project The University of Birmingham invites tenders for supply of a hybrid additive subtractive workstation. The workstation will be used to facilitate/support the take-up of high impact hybrid manufacturing technologies by the SMEs in West Midlands. In particular, it will be used to develop new applications with the technology provider and carry out feasibility studies and pilot projects to address the specific requirements of local SMEs. Therefore, it will be required as part of the project to build strong partnerships with the technology provider and define a joint co-funded R&D programme for the benefits of local businesses. General characteristics A workstation that can be utilised for both high precision subtractive operations (such as turning, milling, drilling, etc.) and also additive operations, such as blown-powder direct laser deposition of metals. The envisaged application areas for the workstation are the manufacture of components, moulds and dies, and also the repair of components and tools. Specification i. Subtractive subsystem 1) Capabilities for carrying various subtractive operations on workpieces with different configurations/shapes, in particular on axisymmetric, prismatic and asymmetric/free-form components and tools. 2) Capabilities for executing multi-axis processing strategies employing swivel/rotary tables, in particular to realize full 5 axis machining/subtractive and additive processing of complex components. 3) Linear and swivel/rotary axes/tables with high accuracy and precision. 4) Linear stages for machining with high feed rates. 5) A machining envelop should be at least ?250 x 400 mm. 6) A high power milling spindle with at least 10000 rpm. 7) Fast automatic tool changing capability with options for multiple tool holding in the tool magazine. 8) Both through and flood cooling supply facility. 9) Tools for process setting up, offset compensation, process monitoring, etc. 10) PC-based controller with capabilities for process visualization in 3D. 11) PC-based controller with built in connectivity for Industry 4.0 enabled smart devices and support MT Connect manufacturing protocol for collecting and processing manufacturing data. ii. Additive sub-system 12) High power laser sources with average power of at least 1KW. 13) Dual laser mode (continuous and pulse). The pulse mode could be superimposed on the continuous mode. 14) Argon gas for shielding with high flow rate nozzle, i.e. higher than 15L/minutes. 15) Large and fully automatic powder feeder. The powder feeding is carried by using argon gas. 16) Additive manufacturing heads for low and high rate powder deposition and automated loading into the spindle. 17) Blown powder deposition envelope with min size of ?250 x 400 mm and a control system to avoid powder contamination. 18...