Hydraulic presses

Tender description

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has been in operation for 9 years. The AFRC is globally recognised as a centre of excellence in metallic forming and forging research, manufacturing technology and innovation. The AFRC is working towards being the focal point for manufacturing innovation in Scotland. In progressing with this aim, the AFRC has purchased an Open Die, Closed Die and Isothermal Forging Press. This is a unique piece of equipment having 3 different functions in one forging press. The University has identified a requirement for an Isothermal Die Stack to be installed in the press to allow the isothermal function to be used. This PIN sets out the University's intention to undertake market engagement with suppliers for procurement of design, manufacture and installation of an isothermal die stack. To aid market research this has been split into 3 lots. This will allow the University to understand what the market can deliver and consideration in final contract requirement. The University has an open die, closed die, isothermal forging press due to be installed at their AFRC site, and have a requirement for an isothermal die stack to be installed into this forging press. In order to fulfil this requirement, the University considers that the design of the isothermal die stack shall be required to meet the undernoted conditions: The die stack requires to be designed to provide a thermal gradient across the 800 mm height of the die stack (top and bottom) of over 1 050⁰ C. For example, 1 300⁰ C at the tooling end of the die stack reducing to 250⁰ C at the base, the difference being 1 050⁰ C. This thermal gradient is assisted by a water cooling system which is fed into the die stack where required to aid cooling of the base ends of the upper and lower columns. The isothermal die stack is to have the capability of operating in temperatures up to 1 300⁰ C and be able to retain it’s hot strength at this temperature. The isothermal die stack is to provide a progressively increasing thermal barrier to the transmission of heat from the tool area to the base of the die stack. The interface temperature at the base of the die stack should be no more than 250⁰ C whilst the top end of the die stack is operating at 1 300⁰ C. The isothermal die stack is to be capable of operating at loads of minimum 20 000 kN or 2000 tons at 1 300⁰ C as described above without plastic deformation. Interested parties should note that this detail is supplied for information only and should not be considered as a specification for any future contract. The University has an open die, closed die and isothermal forging press due to be installed at their AFRC site, and have a requirement for an isothermal die stack to be installed into this forging press. This lot seeks notes of interest from parties able to manufacture and install the isothermal die stack. In order to fulfil this requirement the University considers that the isothermal die stack shall be required to meet the following: The isothermal die stack is to be manufactured based on the design as stated in Lot 1 11.2.4. The University has an open die, closed die and isothermal forging press due to be installed at the AFRC site, and have a requirement for an isothermal die stack to be installed into this forging press. This lot seeks notes of interest from parties able to design, manufacture and install the isothermal die stack. In order to fulfil this requirement the University considers that the isothermal die stack shall be required to meet the under following: Design, as stated in Lot 1, 11.2.4 Manufacture and Installation, as stated in Lot 2, 11.2.4