Planning

PRELIMINARY MARKET ENGAGEMENT for: Customized Silicone & Colour 3D Printer

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (THE)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Oct 2025 at 13:45

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Nottingham is seeking expressions of interest for a preliminary market engagement regarding the procurement of a customised 3D printing system, specifically designed for multi-material silicone and colour deposition. This procurement process, currently in the planning stage, is targeted at enhancing the university's research and prototyping capabilities. The process is expected to conclude by 1st June 2026 when the system should become fully operational. Interested parties must express interest by 12th November 2025. The procurement falls under the goods category, with the university acting as a public authority in the sub-central government sector, and the anticipated location for delivery is Nottingham, UK.

This tender presents lucrative opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing and supplying advanced printing and graphics equipment, particularly those specialising in laboratory and precision equipment. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in building and integrating sophisticated 3D printing technologies could find this tender particularly well-suited to their offerings. The University’s requirement for a system that supports flexible printhead operation and temperature management indicates a substantial opportunity for growth and market presence for manufacturers in the 3D printing sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

PRELIMINARY MARKET ENGAGEMENT for: Customized Silicone & Colour 3D Printer

Notice Description

This is a request for market interest for the build, supply, installation, commissioning, and training of a customized 3D printing system designed for multi-material silicone and colour deposition. The system will be used for research and prototyping purposes, enabling accurate deposition and controlled curing of silicone-based formulations with optional integration of coloured materials. It must support flexible printhead operation, temperature management, and programmable printing strategies. The equipment should be compatible with existing laboratory infrastructure and allow for future upgrades (e.g., additional material printheads, support-material module, UV curing, or in-line inspection). The rig is intended to be fully operational by 01/06/2026 to align with ongoing research activities. Further specification information can be obtained by contacting Sabrina.Cox@Nottingham.ac.uk Expressions of interest will only be considered up to and including the 12th of November 2025.

Planning Information

Expressions of interest and further specification information can be obtained by contacting Sabrina Cox, University of Nottingham Procurement Partner for Engineering using email address Sabrina.Cox@Nottingham.ac.uk Expressions of interest will only be considered up to and including the 12th of November 2025.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d644
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069389-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

30 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

42 - Industrial machinery


CPV Codes

30232100 - Printers and plotters

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

42962000 - Printing and graphics equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Oct 20251 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
12 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2025 - 30 Jun 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (THE)
Contact Name
Sabrina Cox
Contact Email
sabrina.cox@nottingham.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NOTTINGHAM
Postcode
NG7 2NR
Post Town
Nottingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF14 Nottingham
Delivery Location
TLF14 Nottingham

Local Authority
Nottingham
Electoral Ward
Lenton & Wollaton East
Westminster Constituency
Nottingham South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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