New Cutting Capability · UK public procurement notice

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) intends to purchase three Diamond wire CNC cutting machines which will be situated within caves at UKNNL Windscale Laboratory to produce samples (ranging from 6 x 6 mm to 60 x 10mm) cut from irradiated austenitic stainless steels, zirconium and hafnium alloys and a zirconium/hafnium composite with ceramic inclusions. Plate nominal dimensions are 120 x 100mm (LxW) and ranging from 2-10 mm thick.

As the equipment is situated in-cave with no man access possible, any manual operations or maintenance, including the replacement of the diamond wire, will need to be carried out remotely using Master Slave Manipulators (MSM). The machines will be required to cut 500 to 1000 samples over a ten-year period.

The supplier will be required to supply:

• Remotely operated in-cave 2 axis CNC controlled diamond wire saw.
• Out of cave control system including software.
• Set of umbilical cables to connect the in-cave right to the out of cave control system.

The works contract is compiled of the following stages:

• Design stages (Preliminary and Detailed)
• Manufacturing and FAT Testing using inactive surrogate materials provided free issue by UKNNL.

As a review of the strategy is undertaken, we are conducting an early market engagement between the following dates: 3rd February & 7th March 2025. To register your interest and receive future updates for this tender, please send an email to Sarah.Walton@uknnl.com referencing NNLC547 NCC