Tender for the Supply and Installation of a Dual Laser (Green/IR) Metal 3D Printer for the University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham invites tenders for supply of a dual laser selective laser melting (metal 3D printing) platform. The machine needs to include 2 lasers; infra-red laser and green laser sources. The machine will be a part of an investment by the University of Birmingham to facilitate/support the development of components for the UK's nuclear, space, quantum technology, biomedical, and defence sectors. In this context, the machine will be used to develop new applications for the technology in collaboration with the end-users and carry out feasibility studies and pilot projects to address the specific requirements of these sectors. Therefore, it will be required as part of the project to build strong partnerships with the technology providers and define a joint co-funded R&D programme for the benefits of the UK's economy.

The machine should be able to 3D print copper and its alloys, precious metals and alloys (e.g. silver and its alloys) using the green laser beam, achieving density >99%. It should also allow the printing of functionally graded structures that are composed of two different materials (e.g. copper to tungsten) through changing the laser source from green to infra-red simultaneously or sequentially. The machine should allow full control on the process parameters (power/heat input, laser focus parameters, scanning strategies, materials dosing, etc...). There should be very limited restrictions on the types of materials (in powder form) that can be utilised using this platform.

The system should be fully equipped with a process control interface, while being open source with respect to the process parameters. The build chamber should permit the usage of limited quantities of powders, allowing quick optimisation runs to performed and ease of cleaning following the completion of builds.

This project may be funded by the University of Birmingham or;

• Research Councils UK (RCUK), the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils.

Full tender information and documents available through the University's e-tendering portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofbirmingham/aspx/Home