Large Scale Composite Over Braider Capability

The National Composites Centre intends to procure equipment to provide a Large Scale Composite Over Braider Capability to be used for manufacturing research and development purposes. The functional requirements for the capability are being confirmed with the industry.

It is envisaged that the equipment will deliver a state of the art overbraiding capability with the ability to: Produce components up to 10m in length with circular cross section diameters from 75 to 750mm and non-circular sections of equivalent circumference with maximum major diameter in excess of 1.5m. Manufacture to aerospace standards swept (curved about a radial-axis) and twisted (curved about the centreline of the braid-ring) components common in structural applications.

Handling all traditional reinforcement materials in a range of yarn sizes from 6k up to 50k for bias fibres and axial reinforcement up to heavy industrial yarns and fibre sizes. 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.