Operational Contracting Division, 1940 Allbrook Dr, Ste 3 Bldg 1, WPAFB OH 45433-5309

66 -- DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION UNIT SOL F33601-96-R-0181 POC For copy, ASC/PKWO, Attn: Bldg 260, 1940 Allbrook Dr Ste 3, WPAFB OH 45433-5309, POC: C Marion, 513-257-5197, Fax No 513-257-3926. A solicitaion is not available at this time. Sources are sought for a Directional Solidification Unit. A vertical, directional Solidification (D.S.) unit based on the induction float-zone method is required for processing titanium alloys and titanium aluminides ona laboratory scale. The unit should be capable of producing single crystals or aligned, columnar grains. The system should allow experimental characterization of solidification microstructures obtained at different values of temperature gradients and solidification rates under both transient and steady-state conditions. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - MELTING AND SOLIDIFICATION CHAMBER: Melting and directional solidification shall be conducted inside a chamber which is capable of operating in vacuum better than 10(3) torr as well as positive pressure up to 10 psi argon. The chamber should have a minimum internal diameter of 300 mm (12 in.) and a height of 1000 mm (40 in.). The chamber should be made of type 304 stainless steel with double -wall construction suitable for effective water cooling. The chamber should be equipped with a water-cooled door of at least 600 mm (24 in.) height. The door should be provided with a convenient and quick mechanism for opening and closing of the chamber and appropriate sealing mechanism to achieve vacuum/pressure specified above. The chamber should also have an operator viewpoint made of clear quartz with a minimum size of 100 mm (4 in.). In addition, the chamber should have three mounting ports, one for R.F. feed-through, one for pyrometer and the third for unspecified use. Standard ports and connections for the vacuum line, over-pressure valve and argon gas flow should also be incorporated. INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEM: The user will provide the induction power supply system, including the working coil and the flux concentrator plate. However, the D.S. unit should include a suitable arrangement involving bellows and coaxial feed-through in order to align the melt stock and the coil. FRAME AND SUPPORTS: The D.S. unit should be equipped with sturdy support structures for supporting the chamber and the feeding system. It should also include appropriate leveling mechanisms. WITHDRAWAL SYSTEM: The withdrawal system should be capable of pulling the solidified rods, with diameters ranging from 10-25 mm (0.375-1.0 in.) from the melt zone. The withdrawal shaft should be made of 304 stainless steel and have an internal water cooling arrangement. The displacement of the shaft shall be accomplished by a precision ball screw and nut assembly driven by a servomotor or a stepper motor. Minimum Stroke Length: 300 mm (12 in.). Withdrawal Lift Speed: 0.05-15 mm/min, (002-0.6 in./min.) (with an accuracy better than 1%). Shaft Rotation Speed: 1-30 rpm. Shaft Seal: Sealing between the chamber and shaft should be effective under vacuum and positive pressure. FEED SYSTEM: The feed system supplies the melt stock with the diameters ranging from 10 to 25 mm (0.375-1.0 in.) to the molten zone. The shaft should be made of 304 stainless steel and be water cooled. The displacement of the shaft shall be accomplished through a precision ball screw and nut assembly. Minimum Stroke Length: 300 mm (12 in.). Feed Rate: 0.05-15 mm/min. (0.002-0.6 in./min.) (with an accuracy of better than 1%). Shaft Rotation Rate: 1-30 rpm. Shaft Seal: Seal between the shaft and the chamber should be effective under vacuum and positive pressure. Alignment: A ball slide and rack assembly capable of adjustments in both x and y dierections up to 6 mm (0.25 in.) is to be provided for alignment of top feed rod and the bottom pull rod. VACUUM/INERT GAS SYSTEM: This should consist of a 51 mm (2.0 in.) vacuum manifold, a main vacuum valve 51 mm (2.0 in.) with an actuator and an over-pressure valve. Suitable transducers and gages for displaying the chamber vacuum and positive pressue up to 7 kPa (10 psi) shall be incorporated. A suitable system for controlled admittance of argon gas and air into the chamber shall be incorporated. Vacuum pump(s) for this system will be supplied by the user. WATER COOLING SYTEM: A suitable water cooling arrangement with inlet and outlet mainifolds, pressure gages, valves, temperature indicatiors and pressure relief valves shall be incorporated. OPTIONAL ITEM - The supplier may provide the following parts as optional items: CONTROL SYSTEM: A simple yet versatile control system for the D.S. unit is required. It should include both hardware and software required to drive the motors for the withdrawal and feed systems, a feedback process control and data acquisition system, including power control for the induction heater and safety interlocks for water, argorr and vacuum lines. The data acquisition system should be capable of collection, display, storage and analysis of the following signals/parameters: power output, melt temperature, feed rate, withdrawal rate and axial temperature profile. The Standard Industrial code is 3339. Therefore, the small business size standard is 750 employees. Interested sources are required to submit proof of capability to ASC/PKWOCB, 1940 Allbrook drive, Ste 3, WPAFB OH 45433-6503, not later than 12 Jul 96. Also state your business size. Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Cindy Marion, Contracting Specialist, (513) 257-5197. An Ombudsman has been established for this acquisition. The only purpose of the Ombudsman is to receive and communicate serious concerns from potential offerors when an offeror prefers not to use established channels to communicate his/her concern during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. Potential offerors should use established channels to request information, pose questions, and voice concerns before resorting to use of the Ombudsman. Potential offerors are invited to contact ASC's Ombudsman, Col Michael J. Corcoran, ASC/IG, Bldg 14, 1865 Fourth St, Ste 12, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 5433-7126, at (513) 255-0600, with serious concerns only. (0180)

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