Presolicitation Synopsis Metallographic Polishers Sole Source QATM Verder Scientific

This is a presolicitation snyopsis/notice of a forthcoming solicitation for metallographic polishers. This will be a sole source acquisition to QATM Verder Scientific, Inc. No quotes, offers, or proposals are requested at this time. Technical specifications are provided for convience below. A formal solicitation will be posted at a later time.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
8-inch Wet Grinder/Polisher machine
DLA Land and Maritime Engineering & Technical Support Directorate
DLA Product Test Center Division, Mechanical Lab, VTM

Objective:
This is a description of the DLA Mechanical Product Test Center (MPTC) requirements
for the procurement of four (4) 8-inch (diameter) Wet Grinder/Polisher machines. It is the intent
here to clearly define all required performance characteristics. In generating this statement, our
objective is to end up with 4 individual machines that will be installed side-by-side so that a
sequence of grinding and or polishing of metal parts/mounted samples can be prepared
sequentially as an operator moves left to right along a table or benchtop in a laboratory setting.

These 4 independent machines will replace equipment that is no longer working (or
working poorly) so that an important function of the preparation and analysis of metal samples
can be carried out in the Metallurgical Laboratory. The common usage of these machines is (1)
to prepare smaller samples of larger metal parts or assemblies that need to be analyzed for
metal chemistry, or (2) to prepare smaller sections of larger metal parts or assemblies that must
be analyzed for microstructural features or plating layers on the surface of the sample. To do
this, the sample must be encased in a mounting material such that a flat surface can be ground
and polished and often etched with an acid or other chemical so that the microstructure of the
metal can be analyzed for physical appearance.

This acquisition will replace worn out or non-working machines that are used in the
MPTC Metallurgical Laboratory at DLA. These machines are an integral part of the sample
preparation function for Metallurgical analyses of physical samples. They provide the test
samples that the MPTC uses to investigate the processing (manufacture and proper heat
treatment) of metal parts used by warfighters of the US military services. Exhibits are provided
by the Product Verification Test Coordinators. Our general objective is to minimize any impact to
the MPTC operations and our customers because of this procurement, especially with regards
to test cycle time. This equipment will decrease time required to properly prepare test exhibits
and parts and remove any discrepancies from poorly functioning grinder/polishers. These
machines will replace non-functioning grinding/polishing equipment with newer and more
technically advanced equipment.

General Requirements:

Each wet grinding/polishing machine must have the following:
1. The manual Grinding/Polishing must be new, not refurbished.
2. It must be supplied with at least two (2) quick change 8-inch diameter discs/platens for
grinding/polishing of samples/metallographic mounts.
3. It must have a built-in or supplied controller that permits the unit to have a low profile (no
control panel sticking up from a base unit) for the functioning of the control of motor
speed (RPM). On/Off and speed control (together or separate) is required.
4. The motor must have variable speed control from at least 50 to 150 RPM (higher
maximum speeds are acceptable and preferred).
5. It must have a built-in water supply system that can be controlled by a valve or switch
that permits the water to be turned on or off and independently adjusted for water flow.
6. It should provide the ability to remove the platen quickly and easily so that cleaning of
the catch bowl/basin can be affected by the operator.
7. It must have a removable splash ring to permit quick access to changing the platen.
8. The ideal machine must have a wash basin that permits easy access and cleaning of the
basin. Due to the need to clean the system effectively, a moveable water nozzle (basin
rinsing tube available in the QATM machine) which can access the bowl below the wheel
is highly desirable (QATM is the only manufacturer that we are aware of that has this
capability designed into their machine). The straight solid water delivery tube is
preferrable to the non-detachable segmented tubes on other supplier’s machines.
9. The materials from which it is made shall be corrosion-resistant and easily cleaned of
grit and swarf from the grinding operation. It is preferable to have a plastic or
elastomeric bowl.
10. The motor must have sufficient power to permit the motor to maintain a set speed even
under loads of up to 11.2 pounds (50 N).
11. The machine construction (internally, not the outer structure of the machine) must not
have aluminum (including anodized aluminum) and stainless-steel construction that is in
contact with each other and the water supply and drainage system (corrosion issue).
Having all stainless components is acceptable. All plastic/composite/elastomer
construction is acceptable. Combination of stainless and plastics/elastomer internal
materials is acceptable.
12. The machine materials shall be designed to eliminate internal corrosion of the parts in
contact with the water supply and drainage system.

Warranty:

Contractor shall provide a minimum of a one-year warranty on all components from the date of
installation at the DLA Product Test Center, Mechanical Lab, VTM, Bldg. 9, Columbus, OH. The
warranty will include all costs for repair or replacement as required.

Other Requirements:

1. Delivery: 8-10 weeks from date of the award.
2. Contractor shall give notification to (Mark Watkins@dla.mil) /614-692-9988 when the system
will be delivered and set-up date.
3. Contractor will be scheduling training with Mark Watkins (Mark Watkins@dla.mil) /614-692-
9988)
4. All shipping costs are to be included in the contracted price.
5. The set shall be delivered to
Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC)
300 North James Road, Bldg. 17-3