The Provision of a 3D Robotic Arm Printer and Automated Screen- Printer for the ERDF Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre (MFCIC)

The focus of the MFCIC is advanced materials for fuel cells. The University requires a suite of modular low power fuel cells units (PEM, SOFC, etc.) which can be used to test our materials and to conduct condition-monitoring experiments. A suite of cells and associated hydrogen generation facilities will also be required. These units will also be used in our teaching/training activities. A wide range of liquid and gaseous fuels can be reformed into hydrogen.

Our activities in this field will include:

I)exploring metallic and organic/inorganic catalyst materials produced via wet-chemical synthesis

ii)bimetallic catalysts will also be explored where the active nanomaterial is immobilised onto \"larger\" micro materials which, results in greater surface areas but keep costs low;

• iii)exploring a range of mesoporous oxides as heterogeneous catalysts with varying compositions, surface structure and functionality towards clean-up efficiency

iv)coating of identified catalysts onto a range of materials such as planar and 3D microstructures. A catalytic testing rig is required to measure the efficiency/effectiveness of our materials.

Items to be purchased are in two separate Lots:

Lot 1 - MMU requires a 3D printer capable of printing large objects from a variety of plastic filaments. This tender may be fulfilled with an existing product however it is anticipated that the printer may need to be a bespoke unit constructed from an 'off-the-shelf' robotic arm and one or more print heads that are integrated into a single system by the supplier.

Lot 2 - MMU requires an automated high precision screen-printer for producing conductive surface. A complete screen-printing platform for quick, reliable and high precision with stencils and screens. Will be required to print fuel cell conducting anode and cathodes and highly accurate and reproducible electrochemical platforms.

Additional information: In order to apply for this contract, suppliers must register themselves on the University's E-Tendering system, (In-tend). One electronic copy of your response is to be returned to the University via the In-Tend Supplier Portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/mmu/aspx/Home (The University's electronic tendering system) no later than 12:00 noon on Friday 17th November 2017.

All tenders submitted, must be in English and contain all documents as outlined in the ITT in order to be considered for evaluation.

Funding Type (WEFO or EU) : ERDF

Funding Description

European Regional Development Fund

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No