1904/367/EML/COM/17 Robotic Stitching and Trimming Cell

1904/367/EML/COM/17 Robotic Stitching and Trimming Cell The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Robotic Stitching and Trimming Cell on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Castings Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. Scope of Requirement A robotic stitching and trimming cell is required.

The cell will be used for stitching together complex shaped textile preforms (predominately carbon fibre) of geometries typically found in the aerospace and automotive industries. Stitching is likely to be required in these preforms for 5 main reasons: • Joining together of smaller shaped preforms into one large preform. • Stitching the edges to stabilise them. • Stitching around inserts or foam cores to locate them. • Stitching in specific places to control fibre movement or prevent wrinkling during forming processes. • Stitching in specific places to prevent fibre movement in subsequent resin injection processes.

The cell will also have the capability to change the stitching head on the robot with an ultrasonic knife allowing the preform boundaries to be accurately cut. The cell will be mainly used for stitching and trimming of carbon fibre fabric preforms with geometries typical to those found in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Glass and Kevlar fabrics may also need to be stitched. Stitching threads will be carbon, Kevlar, polyester or other thermoplastics.

Due to the presence of electrically conductive carbon fibre the equipment should be suitably protected from conductive dust ingress. Tender Process and Documentation: This procurement is an EU open procedure carried out in accordance with the Regulations ( Public Contracts Regulations 2015). Closing date for receipt of tenders: 26th March 2018 at 12 noon (UK time).