Large Scale Automated Composite Deposition Capability

The National Composites Centre intends to procure a series of equipment to provide a Large Scale Automated Composite Deposition Capability to be used for manufacturing research and development purposes. This Prion Information Notice serves to alert the market place to this opportunity and the NCC invites interested suppliers to lodge an initial expression of interest by emailing your information to mike.caddick@nccuk.com including 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 Contracts Regulations 2015, although this may be reviewed following the outcome of this PIN. Details and guidance on the procurements process will be provided within the tender documentation, including help and support in responding via the e-tendering portal.

The Functional requirements for the capability are being confirmed with the industry. It is envisaged that the capability is likely to consist of the two work cells similar to the those detailed below: Cell one will have a working volume in the region of 5m x 5m x 5m and will utilise state of the art deposition technologies such as automated fibre placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL) capable of deposition of materials such as dry fibre, thermoset and thermoplastic prepregs of multiple widths. Cell two will have a working volume in the region of 20m x 5m x 2m and will be capable of utilising state of the art AFP/ATL deposition of materials such as dry fibre, thermoset and thermoplastic prepregs of multiple widths. See below.

In addition there is a requirement to deposit broad dry reinforcement fabrics (such as non-crimp or woven fabrics) for subsequent resin infusion and out of autoclave curing The equipment must enable deposition of full coverage plies as well as systems for partial coverage plies at high rate and controlled tolerances over multi-layer fabric preforms.

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. The NCC will not meet any costs incurred by any party in responding to this notice. The NCC reserves the right to award all, none, or part of the business.