Consolidation Station for COMPASS (Composites at Speed and Scale) Facility

The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a 'Consolidation Station' on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Castings Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. The AMRC has recently won HICOMS funding for an 'automated, large scale composites manufacturing centre', including a 'fully automated layup and consolidation cell' which will incorporate a 'Consolidation Station'. Within the 'Fully Automated Layup and consolidation cell' the 'Consolidation Station' will sit alongside a variety of other equipment, and will be in close proximity to the following:- -High Volume Deposition Cell - including Robot arms and guide rails -Press -Stringers Table Please note that it is anticipated that the 'Consolidation Station' will be required to be ready for installation and SAT no earlier than March 2025 due to building of the COMPASS facility which is currently under construction. Use and Description The 'Consolidation Station' is to be used for manufacturing research into the production of large polymer composite components using several potential processes, including (but not limited to): - -Dry fibre pre-forming -Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) -Gap RTM/ Infusion -Wet Compression Moulding and Compression Moulding of pre-preg. The 'Consolidation Station' will be used with a large pick and place robot system (known within the AMRC as the High Volume Deposition Cell (HVDC) for the placement of plies). The HVDC is will robotically place fabric or prepreg plies onto the tool in the 'Consolidation Station'. After a number of plies have been placed, a membrane/diaphragm will be positioned over the tool and air evacuated between the membrane/diaphragm and tool to consolidate the plies with atmospheric pressure. During this consolidation process the membrane/diaphragm/tool/plies will be heated and cooled to melt and set a polymer binder The 'Consolidation Station' is expected to have significant flexibility in its range of use and application, unlike a more dedicated production solution. In summary the design, build, Delivery, Installation/Commissioning/Acceptance Testing (FAT and SAT), Training, documentation (in English), warranty and annual service/maintenance are to be provided by the successful tenderer. Tender Process and Documentation: This procurement is an open procedure The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing your interest on the University`s e-tendering system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Completed tenders must be returned through the same e-tendering system. Closing date for receipt of tenders: Friday 26th April 2024 at 12 noon (UK time).