Award

Integrated Micro-Compounder with Tow Impregnation Die

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

20 Apr 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has awarded a contract for an Integrated Micro-Compounder with a Tow Impregnation Die to Xplore Instruments BV, a specialised supplier from Sittard, Netherlands. This tender falls under the Education category, specifically for engineering research, and is located at the School of Engineering, King's Buildings, Edinburgh. The procurement process was limited, without prior publication of a call for competition, based on comprehensive market research that identified Xplore Instruments BV as the sole capable supplier due to their unique technical specifications. The process concluded on 31st March 2026 with the contract actively in operation thereafter.

This tender presents a unique business growth opportunity for suppliers specialising in polymer processing equipment, particularly those capable of integrating complex impregnation systems. Organisations that offer innovative solutions in composite materials or have expertise in developing specialised engineering research tools may find similar opportunities rewarding. Xplore Instruments BV's success highlights the potential for expanding service offerings in niche markets where technical capability and specific equipment configurations are crucial. Businesses that can develop distinctive, high-specification products and effectively communicate their value to institutions may succeed in similar procurement processes.

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Notice Title

Integrated Micro-Compounder with Tow Impregnation Die

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh is awarding a contract to Xplore Instruments BV for the supply, installation and ongoing servicing of a specialised polymer micro-compounder system and auxiliary equipment with two impregnation die. Through comprehensive market research, Xplore Instruments BV were identified as the only supplier capable of meeting the requirements.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Xplore Instruments were the only identified supplier capable of meeting the full technical specification required for the research programme. A key requirement is the availability of a specialised tow-to-tape impregnation die that can operate in-line with the polymer micro-compounder, enabling true fibre tow impregnation where molten polymer penetrates individual fibre filaments. Alternative suppliers contacted during market research, such as ThermoFisher and Nativa Sciences were contacted directly and were unable to provide this functionality, offering only coating dies that apply polymer to the surface of fibres rather than achieving full impregnation or systems of multiple pieces of equipment that had to be used rather than a single equipment and process Xplore's solution provided. A voluntary ex ante transparency (VEAT) notice was published on Public Contracts Scotland to notify the market of the University's intent to award a contract to Xplore Instruments BV. No challenge was received during the standstill period. As a result, no further information was received that other suppliers are able to provide an integrated system that meets the University's functional and research requirements and reducing the risk of the contract being put aside by a market challenge.

Procurement Information

Xplore Instruments were the only identified supplier capable of meeting the full technical specification required for the research programme. A key requirement is the availability of a specialised tow-to-tape impregnation die that can operate in-line with the polymer micro-compounder, enabling true fibre tow impregnation where molten polymer penetrates individual fibre filaments. Alternative suppliers contacted during market research, such as ThermoFisher and Nativa Sciences were contacted directly and were unable to provide this functionality, offering only coating dies that apply polymer to the surface of fibres rather than achieving full impregnation or systems of multiple pieces of equipment that had to be used rather than a single equipment and process Xplore's solution provided. A voluntary ex ante transparency (VEAT) notice was published on Public Contracts Scotland to notify the market of the University's intent to award a contract to Xplore Instruments BV. No challenge was received during the standstill period. As a result, no further information was received that other suppliers are able to provide an integrated system that meets the University's functional and research requirements and reducing the risk of the contract being put aside by a market challenge.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000828234
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=APR554166
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£333,400 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Apr 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Mar 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

XPLORE INSTRUMENTS

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=APR554166
    Integrated Micro-Compounder with Tow Impregnation Die - The University of Edinburgh is awarding a contract to Xplore Instruments BV for the supply, installation and ongoing servicing of a specialised polymer micro-compounder system and auxiliary equipment with two impregnation die. Through comprehensive market research, Xplore Instruments BV were identified as the only supplier capable of meeting the requirements.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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