Plasma Arc Melting System
Closed Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- PR396924
- Agency
-
Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 333992 Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing
- PSC
- 3431 Electric Arc Welding Equipment
- Place of performance
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, operating under the Department of Energy, is soliciting proposals for a pilot-scale plasma arc melting system to support research on refractory metal alloys. The system must feature multiple plasma torches with programmable motion control, closed-loop water cooling, material feeding capabilities for various feedstock types, and vertical ingot formation producing solid ingots with specific dimensional requirements. Key technical specifications include a minimum melting rate of 1000 cc/hour for refractory metals, utility requirements of 480V three-phase power not exceeding 1200 KVA, and helium and argon gas delivery at up to 120 psi. The contract will be awarded using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, with technical acceptability based on meeting detailed specifications and delivery timeline requirements. Proposals are due August 13, 2025, with an anticipated delivery and installation date of March 31, 2027.
This procurement does not include any small business set-aside designation and has an anticipated contract value under $750,000. No current incumbents or contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The system must fit within facility constraints of a maximum footprint of 35 feet length by 28 feet width by 25 feet height, supported by an 11-inch thick concrete slab with no below-grade installation required. The successful contractor must provide on-site installation, commissioning, calibration, operator training, and start-up support as part of the fixed-price agreement. Performance will take place at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with a contract period extending through March 31, 2027.
Notice text
Plasma Arc Melting System
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is requesting proposals for a pilot-scale plasma arc melting system to support research on refractory metal alloys. The system must be adaptable for various feedstock types and melting conditions, with precise control over heat input, melt rate, and gas environment. Key specifications include:
Melter Characteristics:
Plasma Torch System: Programmable motion control with multiple plasma torches and controlled gas delivery.
Cooling System: Closed-loop water cooling for heat-sensitive components, with integrated manifold and valves.
Material Feeding: Capability to handle compacted powder, turnings, and scrap, with optional bar feeders.
Ingot Forming: Vertical ingot formation in induction-heated molds, producing solid ingots (max: 100 mm x 100 mm x 1000 mm; min: 50 mm diameter x 1000 mm).
Melting Rate: Minimum of 1000 cc/hour for refractory metals.
Operational Safety & Integration:
Must include necessary framing, enclosures, and controls for safe lab operation, complying with safety codes.
Proposals should cover installation, commissioning, training, and a list of recommended spare parts and consumables.
Utility Requirements:
Power: 480 V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, ≤1200 KVA total demand.
Gases: Helium and argon at 120 psi.
Cooling Water: 350 gallons per minute from a tower loop and 80 gallons for emergency use.
Facility Constraints:
Max footprint: 35 ft (L) x 28 ft (W) x 25 ft (H), supported by an 11-inch thick concrete slab, with no below-grade installation required.
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