Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
WESTERN BANK
SHEFFIELD
S102TN
Contact
Rachel Hirst
Telephone
+44 1142157590
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE32 - Sheffield
Companies House
RC000667
Internet address(es)
Main address
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Short Pulse Laser
Reference number
4232/AMRC/RH/24
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 42000000 - Industrial machinery
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38636100 - Lasers
- 38636110 - Industrial lasers
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Main site or place of performance
AMRC Factory 2050, Sheffield Business Park, Europa Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1ZA
two.2.4) Description of the procurement at the time of conclusion of the contract:
4232/AMRC/RH/24 - Short Pulse Laser
The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Short Pulse Laser on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Factory 2050, Sheffield Business Park, Europa Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1ZA
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are looking to replace their SPI redPOWER QUBE 2kW continuous-wave laser currently located at Factory 2050. The main application of this new laser will be further cutting trials with thin sheets of electrical steel for the production of electrical machine laminations, initially to produce perforations.
A remote laser cutting is being investigated as an alternative to traditional gantry-mounted fusion laser cutting. The perceived benefits of this method of cutting are that the cut rate is increased (the scanner is capable of speeds of up to 8,000 mm/s) and that the thermal damage (measured in terms of electromagnetic
performance, not physical material properties) is reduced, both with reference to the traditional fusion cutting baseline.
Materials being investigated are high-silicon steel (e.g. NO20) and cobalt iron (e.g. Hiperco50 - 49% cobalt content). Sheet thicknesses could range from 0.35 mm down to 0.1mm.
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement, dynamic purchasing system or concession
End date
31 March 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Contract award notice concerning this contract
Notice number: 2025/S 000-000504
Section five. Award of contract/concession
Contract No
4232/AMRC/RH/24
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract/concession award decision:
7 January 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract/concession has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
IPG PHOTONICS (UK) LIMITED
Hawkfield Business Park
Bristol
BS14 0BY
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Companies House
04132272
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot/concession (at the time of conclusion of the contract;excluding VAT)
Total value of the procurement: £193,171.79
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
University of Sheffield
Sheffield
Country
United Kingdom
Section seven: Modifications to the contract/concession
seven.1) Description of the procurement after the modifications
seven.1.1) Main CPV code
- 42000000 - Industrial machinery
seven.1.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38636100 - Lasers
- 38636110 - Industrial lasers
seven.1.3) Place of performance
NUTS code
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Main site or place of performance
AMRC Factory 2050, Sheffield Business Park, Europa Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1ZA
seven.1.4) Description of the procurement:
4232/AMRC/RH/24 - Short Pulse Laser
The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Short Pulse Laser on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Factory 2050, Sheffield Business Park, Europa Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1ZA
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are looking to replace their SPI redPOWER QUBE 2kW continuous-wave laser currently located at Factory 2050. The main application of this new laser will be further cutting trials with thin sheets of electrical steel for the production of electrical machine laminations, initially to produce perforations.
A remote laser cutting is being investigated as an alternative to traditional gantry-mounted fusion laser cutting. The perceived benefits of this method of cutting are that the cut rate is increased (the scanner is capable of speeds of up to 8,000 mm/s) and that the thermal damage (measured in terms of electromagnetic performance, not physical material properties) is reduced, both with reference to the traditional fusion cutting baseline.
Materials being investigated are high-silicon steel (e.g. NO20) and cobalt iron (e.g. Hiperco50 - 49% cobalt content). Sheet thicknesses could range from 0.35 mm down to 0.1mm.
seven.1.5) Duration of the contract, framework agreement, dynamic purchasing system or concession
End date
31 March 2025
seven.1.6) Information on value of the contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession:
£193,171.79
seven.1.7) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
IPG PHOTONICS (UK) LIMITED
Hawkfield Business Park
Bristol
BS14 0BY
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Companies House
04132272
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
seven.2) Information about modifications
seven.2.1) Description of the modifications
Nature and extent of the modifications (with indication of possible earlier changes to the contract):
The modification involves the procurement of additional items, specifically the wobble drill and cutting head, which are essential for the optimal functionality and performance of the IPG short pulse laser system. These items were not part of the original contract scope but are necessary to enhance the system's capabilities and ensure its effective use.
This modification does not alter the fundamental nature of the original contract but rather supplements it with compatible components from the same manufacturer.
There have been no previous modifications to the contract. This change aligns with the initial procurement's intent, maintaining technical consistency, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness without altering the core contractual obligations.
seven.2.2) Reasons for modification
Need for additional works, services or supplies by the original contractor/concessionaire.
Description of the economic or technical reasons and the inconvenience or duplication of cost preventing a change of contractor:
The modifications such as the wobble drill and cutting head are designed for the IPG short pulse laser, ensuring full compatibility and avoiding integration issues. Using a different supplier could void warranties, require additional modifications, and lack the same level of technical support. Procuring from another supplier would also lead to extra procurement steps, validation costs, training requirements, and potential project delays. Keeping the purchase with IPG ensures seamless integration, system reliability, and cost efficiency.
seven.2.3) Increase in price
Updated total contract value before the modifications (taking into account possible earlier contract modifications, price adaptions and average inflation)
Value excluding VAT: £193,171.79
Total contract value after the modifications
Value excluding VAT: £238,910.79