NSIRC has a need for a micro laser welding system capable of welding metallic components/assemblies of thin-section (typically less than 0.5 mm penetration depth), of low heat capacity, of high surface reflectivity, and with high precision.

The micro laser-welding system should be a stand-alone turnkey system and shall comprise:

— Solid-State Laser Source and Beam Transmission;

— Fixed Optic Process Head;

— Manipulation System;

— Processing Enclosure;

— Control System and Software.

It should be noted that the estimated budget figure for purchasing the proposed equipment is a maximum of 200 000 GBP.

The National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC) is a new industrially-led, joint initiative between TWI and lead academic partner Brunel University, alongside the University of Manchester, the University of Cambridge and a number of leading industrial partners.

The initiative is funded by industry and by grants from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Funding for equipment for NSIRC is being provided by HEFCE and is available in the period up to 31.3.2015 to assist in establishing a new facility at the TWI site in Abington, Cambridge and to purchase equipment to be used in the centre.

The equipment will be purchased by Brunel University but the procurement process is being undertaken by TWI on Brunel Universitys behalf.

Any communication regarding this tender should be made through the TWI Ltd In-Tend system via the correspondence functionality.