SOW_2K Print System_051023 V3 JF_SLP.docx

Specifications

2K Print System for Additive Construction (3D) Printer

Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory (EL) Materials and Structural Systems Division (MSSD) studies the durability and service life of infrastructure materials (polymer, concrete, engineered composites) for resilience infrastructure applications. One of the key research focuses is the development of Additive Construction methods, materials, and measurement requirements. Additive construction by extrusion (ACE) has the potential to revolutionize construction by complimenting the existing workforce, eliminating the need to construct formwork, and enabling architectural or structural designs that cannot be achieved by standard practices. As ACE has progressed over the past few years, the development of standards has not kept pace, and the need has become essential to promote the industry and ensure safe structures.

NIST has the unique opportunity to aide in the development of the measurement science tools and scientific knowledge base to support the industries needs of performance-based standards for 3-D printed concrete structures. This objective will be achieved by identifying and then translating printed material, or Ink, to characterize the mechanical properties, in-line or in-process measurements for quality control, and quality assurance of the ACE process.

As part of MSSD, the Infrastructure Materials Group (IMG) currently owns a large-scale robotic printer for cementitious materials. The system was installed in 2019 and is already out of date with current industry. The original system requires substantial updating and upgrading to remain relevant and for the government to continue carrying out its mission. The ability to introduce admixtures to the flow of printing material at or near the nozzle is required, this provides increased control over the setting times and printability of the material and rapid adjustment features that are critical in varying environmental conditions.

Purpose The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a new 2K Printer System that will meet the essential needs of updating and upgrading the current investment by the government. To carry out the mission of developing the measurement science tools and knowledge for performance-based standards of 3D printed structures, the Additive Manufacturing with Cement-based Materials project at NIST requires the tools to properly assess and investigate current developments within the growing industry. As such, the need for a 2K Print System (a system that combines 2 materials at the point of deposition) is essential. Utilizing the equipment already purchased by NIST at the beginning of the project, it is critical to update the system with the hardware, software, and technical services it requires to carry out the governments mission.

Description of Required Products The new 2K Printer System shall be Rhino compatible, a multi-component printing nozzle with a fully integrated set of supporting systems including pumping, hardware and software, technical training, and support. The system will have built-in safety features to help protect the operators and ensure the tools longevity.

Diagnostic tools and programming assistance will also be provided with the equipment and support system which will be complimentary and compatible with NIST’s existing infrastructure (ABB IRB6700 six-axis articulated robot arm and seventh axis track platform). The new 3D printing solution must be compliant with all industry related safety standards and certifications At installation, the system must pass a documented acceptance test based on an established verification procedures and in compliance with existing equipment.

The contractor shall provide a new 3D printing solution which meets or exceeds the following minimum technical requirements and specifications:

· The feeding system which delivers the fluid material (e.g., concrete) and any admixture to the printing head, which is attached and manipulated by an existing robotic arm.

· The printing head shall measure the correct proportions of concrete and admixture, mix them precisely and extrudes controlled layers of concrete.

· Required software packages, including licensing, shall be included with initial package and remain active for no less than 1 year with the option of renewal if needed.

· Installation of all equipment including but not limited to, a mixer and 2K printing head onto existing ABB robot arm.

· Initial Training for up to 5 participants

· Development, project, and technical support

· Optional annual subscription to a service/ maintenance agreement

· Safety and operational applications proving real-time feed back of pressures, speed, and flow within the system.

Maintenance Options The contractor shall provide the option of a maintenance service to commence after installation and commissioning of the printing system as per service agreement.

The maintenance services shall provide, at a minimum, preventative maintenance services as specified in version of the manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual at time of award, all released software upgrades, telephone support during NIST business hours, and on-site technical downtime support. The maintenance services shall cover all parts, labor, and travel.

Warranty Requirements The Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, a one-year warranty for the equipment. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, and travel. The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery, installation, and training.

Delivery Requirements Delivery shall be made F.O.B. Destination within 120 days after Contractor receipt of order to the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the address identified below.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 100 Bureau Drive Building 206 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery.

Note: The NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus is a controlled-access facility. Deliveries are only accepted when arranged in advance. The Contractor shall request approval of delivery time with the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) in advance of shipment.

Contractor failure to confirm delivery method and procedures and to receive TPOC approval prior to shipment shall release the Government of any liability and may result in payment being withheld until the item can be received and physically inspected.

Installation Requirements The Contractor shall provide installation for 2K printing system. Installation shall include, at a minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of all equipment, start-up, demonstration of specifications, and removal of all trash. Contractor access to the NIST campus shall be scheduled in advance with the COR. Contractor staff will be escorted by NIST staff during installation.

Training Requirements The Contractor shall schedule and facilitate training for up to 5 persons – in person training in addition to up to 5 people via webcam on-line training at NIST Gaithersburg. The training shall provide a thorough demonstration of all equipment functions, equipment operation, and basic troubleshooting. The training may be completed on-site at NIST immediately after installation.

Inspection & Acceptance NIST will inspect delivered products within ten (10) business days after delivery to ensure that they conform to the requirements identified in this Statement of Need. Testing after start-up will consist of demonstration of the individual instrument components and their appropriate use and performance. Evaluation/acceptance after installation will occur by NIST staff after the vendor demonstrates the instrument meets all the vendor specifications in the Gaithersburg, MD laboratory. If all requirements are met and the equipment is operational, the product shall be accepted.

NIST Campus Security NIST is a restricted campus. The contractor shall provide the name and citizenship information of the delivery, installation, and training technician(s) to the NIST TPOC at least five business days prior to arrival at the NIST Gaithersburg campus. The TPOC will submit the name and citizenship information to the NIST Office of Security in order for the Contractor to enter the NIST Gaithersburg campus to perform delivery, installation, and training.

The Contractor is also responsible for providing appropriate identification at the NIST Security Office to obtain access to campus. Delivery trucks must arrive via Gate C. To access the campus separately from deliveries by car, the Contractor must register their vehicle(s) with the NIST Security Office upon arrival. A valid driver’s license or Government-furnished civilian ID, as well as proof of insurance and current vehicle registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office, at which time a NIST vehicle pass will be issued. The pass shall be displayed on the vehicle in accordance with NIST Security Office instructions. Valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required for access, for entry into buildings, and is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the NIST Gaithersburg campus.