CNC Plasma-Burn Table solicitation questionscomments with AEDC responses 16Jan2025.pdf

CNC Plasma/Burn Table

Questions/Answers as of 15 January 2025

Q1. I have a question on the table itself, it states you want a downdraft table with dust collector, and then says "shall be a fully functional water filled worktable assembly". Machines are one or the other downdraft or water table, we can certainly do either but I would like some clarity on which one you're requesting.

A1: water filled

Q2. Need to know the status of the Machine Power Disconnect & Transformer: 480 volt 3-phase. Do they have and e-stop and step-down transformer?

A2: The vendor is required to provide Machine Power Disconnect & Transformer to the AEDC 480 volt, three phase power system. The vendor is required to provide an e-stop and step-down transformer if necessary for system operation.

Q3. It mentions in the spec that a runoff required after machine install. Can someone provide a print of the part required, this should show tolerances and requirements?

A3: A hand-sketch of a part with tolerances will be provided at installation.

Q4. What is the max material thickness that is required to be beveled?

A4: Max material thickness required is 3 inches.

Q5. What materials need to be beveled? Just MS?

A5: Mild steel, stainless, & aluminum would need to be beveled.

Q6. Under work area is the following specification:

Shall be a fully functional water filled worktable assembly.

As the cutting table for the plasma is a downdraft and vent system, what is this item? Is there a requirement for a section of water table for cutting?

A6: The entire worktable that is part of this system shall be water-filled.

Q7. There is a request to “Operate AEDC power system.” As this is a system developed by Arnold Engineering Development Center, is there a device to be supplied and we fit to the equipment? If so, please advise size specification for us to allow space in our machine electrical cabinet.

A7: The vendor shall provide required power supply as specified or recommendation for power supply compatible with Hypertherm800XD or equivalent.

Q8. Do you require a software package? If no, what current software is used to develop programs for the machine to cut the required parts?

A8: The vendor shall provide software necessary to perform machine cutting programs.

Q9. Layout: Would it be possible to get a layout of the area for the machine installation location? This would ensure space available and also where power and gas services are located, for us to calculate hoses and cables etc. A layout will assist in location of extraction system so we can calculate ducting. A building height would be appreciated with location of any overhead cranes so there will not be a height clash with extraction system.

A9: We can generate a basic sketch of an overhead view of the area but it would not be detailed.

After contract award, the vendor is welcome to attend a site visit.

Q10. Oxy Fuel (Gas) cutting: Is an Oxy fuel torch required?

A10: Oxy fuel torch is required.

Q11. You requested a Hydefinition HPR800 torch head on a 5-axis assemble for beveling. Oxy-fuel torch: how many Oxy-fuel torches do you need? Also, are you doing oxy-fuel bevel cuts or just straight cutting?

A11: One oxy-fuel torch is required. Oxy fuel torch will perform bevel cuts and straight cuts; the oxy-fuel torch is required on the 5-axis assembly.

Q12. Do you have a machine size and cutting capacity specified or specific model?

A12: Cutting range shall be a minimum range of 12’ x 20’.

Q13. Please review the two alternative suggestions below:

1) We quote a spare Hypertherm cooling system for the HPR800 and order it to ship with your machine, to remain in stock at your facility for use if needed.

2) We quote an alternative power supply for the machine. If this is an acceptable path, I would highly recommend the Hypertherm XPR460, which is much newer technology than the HPR power supply in the RFQ. The XPR systems offer high definition cutting, a process called True Hole cutting and at least 12% better consumable life than the HPR series. With its improved technology, it has nearly the same piercing and cutting capabilities as the HPR800 in terms of the thickness of material it can pierce and cut.

A13: The proposed alternative machine does not meet the specifications for piercing and cutting capabilities.

Q14. As AEDC deals in heavy plate thickness, other companies use a drill fitted to plasma cutting machines. This allows for pre-drilling of pierce holes and while this adds to the cost of the machine, the payback is a cost saving in less plasma consumables usage. The drill can also be used for adding processes to the parts. Is this an option AEDC needs? Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona have a machine with similar specifications with added drilling capability to a CNC plasma machine.

A14: AEDC is interested in the option of a drill fitted to the plasma/burn table. Vendors shall add as a bid option if they offer this capability.

Q15.Are you looking for a downdraft or water table? Both are listed in the specs.

A15: water filled

Q16.Compressed Air filter kit - You want us to supply an air filter kit for your existing compressor?

A16: No; the compressed air filter kit shall be installed to service the plasma/burn table only.

Q17.You mention "pivotal" torches. Are these oxy-fuel torches with bevel capabilities?

A17: This requirement applies to the oxy-fuel and plasma torches, allowing them to pivot or adjust angle as needed during the cutting process.