---
title: "SPS (spark plasma sintering) or FAST (field assisted sintering technique)"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER"
published: "2017-02-21"
---

# SPS (spark plasma sintering) or FAST (field assisted sintering technique)

Buyer: THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff

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## Summary

The University of Manchester is currently inviting tenders for the purchase of a Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) or Field Assisted Sintering Technique (FAST) device, intended for use in high-density disc and pellet production. This procurement process is at the tender stage, with the deadline for submission set for 29 March 2017. The initiative falls under the industrial and laboratory equipment category, specifically focusing on furnaces and ovens, and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to promote research and innovation. The project is linked to the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (GEIC), which aims to advance graphene-related technology development on the university's North Campus in Manchester, UK.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing advanced materials and laboratory equipment, particularly those specialising in industrial furnaces and related technology. Suppliers that offer comprehensive installation and training services, alongside superior product innovation in the growth of graphene applications, will be well-positioned to compete successfully. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to participate in this procurement process, which will facilitate collaboration in cutting-edge research environments and potential partnerships within the academic sector.

## Notice

1. Background information on The University of Manchester The University of Manchester is Britain's largest single-site university, with a proud history of achievement and an ambitious agenda for the future. The University provides world-class research facilities and undertakes research of international standing. It offers students a wide choice of degree programmes and options, and excellent facilities and student support services. The University employs over 12,000 staff and offers over 400 different degree courses. It comprises of three faculties with 23 academic schools and hundreds of specialist research groups. The University's cultural attractions include The Manchester Museum, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Jodrell Bank Observatory and the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama. The University also operates a thriving conference and meeting operation including a hotel and conference centre. Further details on the University can be found at: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/facts-figures/ 2. Background information on Project This tender is being run on behalf of the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester. The GEIC is a ?60 million investment which will establish a state of the art research and technology development facility for graphene and related 2D materials. Projects in the GEIC will be industry-led and will focus on innovation and applications, with the aim of accelerating research through to products in the marketplace. The GEIC will house pilot production facilities and characterisation equipment. It will initially focus on a number of the University's world-class graphene application areas: energy, composites, formulations and coatings, electronics and membranes. Given the world leading graphene research at the University, it is expected that all the equipment in the GEIC will be cited in high profile academic publications as well as underpinning industrial collaboration projects, thus giving the equipment a high degree of exposure. The GEIC will be situated on the North Campus of The University of Manchester, comprise of ~8400 m2 and has been designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vi?oly. It is set to be open in Summer 2018. Equipment purchased before the GEIC building is opened will be temporally commissioned elsewhere in the University campus, typically in the National Graphene Institute, and then moved into the GEIC once it is completed. For further information on the GEIC please see: http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/collaborate/geic/ 3. Project Overview The University of Manchester (GEIC) plans the purchase a SPS (spark plasma sintering) or FAST (field assisted sintering technique) device in order to press/sinter high-density discs and pellets of various materials. The purchase shall cover the delivery and installation of the complete equipment, including sufficient training/demonstration to ensure troub... Additional information: To express an interest in this project please visit the website below where you will need to register to obtain tender documentation. https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofmanchester/aspx/Home Funding Type (WEFO or EU) : ERDF Funding Description The GEIC equipment fund is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funds having been awarded under the 2014-2020 Priority Axis 1: Promoting Research and Innovation. Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/14180693-b18d-4de6-94e2-311a6a61b3da |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 21 Feb 2017 |
| Submission deadline | 29 Mar 2017 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 24 Apr 2017 - 30 Jun 2017 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER |
| Locality | MANCHESTER |
| Post town | Manchester |
| Postcode | M13 9PL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLD3 Greater Manchester |
| ITL 3 | TLD33 Manchester |
| Local authority | Manchester |
| Electoral ward | Hulme |
| Westminster constituency | Manchester Rusholme |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 42 - Industrial machinery

### Codes

- 42300000 - Industrial or laboratory furnaces, incinerators and ovens
- 42940000 - Machinery for the heat treatment of materials
- 42942200 - Vacuum ovens

## Release History

- 21 Feb 2017 at 08:34 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/14180693-b18d-4de6-94e2-311a6a61b3da

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/14180693-b18d-4de6-94e2-311a6a61b3da
  28th February 2017 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofmanchester/aspx/
  Additional information on how to apply for this contract

## Notice URLs

- http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/collaborate/geic/
- http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/facts-figures/
- https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofmanchester/aspx/Home

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-a53b66fd-fd93-438f-b6db-d3e01003dfff.json.
