Braiding Machine

Specifications for a Vertical Braiding System The following list of specifications is intended for procurement of a versatile braiding system for use in a research and development setting, with experimental materials. The experimental materials to be braided include but are not limited to carbon nanotube yarns, synthetic fibers, carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, and composite materials. System Specifications: 1. The system will be used in the processing of experimental materials, including carbon nanotube yarns and synthetic fibers in a research and development setting and therefore shall require backing by expert factory support. 2. The single-head vertical braiding machine shall have sixteen (16) carriers. 3. The braiding machine shall have a horn gear plate diameter of 80 to 120 mm. 4. The braiding machine shall be capable of producing round braids with preference for the ability to produce flat and other braid shapes. 5. The braiding machine shall support round feeding fibers in the range encompassing 30 to 250 micrometers. An ability to braid thinner or wider materials being an advantage. 6. A versatile braiding machine with the ability to also support flat feeding fibers in addition to the round fibers shall be preferred. 7. The braiding machine shall have a variable horn gear speed covering the range that includes 60-100 rpm an ability to go higher and or lower than the range being an advantage. 8. The braiding machine shall be capable of precise and adjustable tension control encompassing the range: less than or approximately equal to 10 g on the low end to approximately equal to or greater than 450 g on the high end. 9. The braiding machine shall include a motorized take-off system. 10. The braiding machine shall include yarn carriers with parts such as ceramic eyelets that support potentially abrasive experimental materials processing. 11. The braider shall include hardware to be able to controllably feed and braid onto a core such as pre-twisted yarn made from the above listed experimental materials, straight filaments, thin tube or solid wire. 12. The braiding machine shall include a programmable controller allowing control over the braiding system to include braiding speed. -- 1 of 3 -- 13. The braiding machine shall include a programmable controller allowing control over the helix pitch. 14. The programmable controller shall be capable of storing 10 or more processing recipes. 15. The braiding machine shall include a display showing critical run parameters including time and meters produced. 16. The braiding machine shall include information on machine operation including faults with indicators for open-door, tangling, and yarn depletion. 17. The braiding machine shall include standard safety guards for moving parts as well as safety interlocks. 18. The braiding machine will use standard utility hookups for 480 V/3-Phase/60 Hz power (preferred). Braiders requiring 208 V/3-Phase/60 Hz power will also be considered. Standard 120 V/60 Hz single phase power is all available. Any use of transformers must be as a braider manufacturer tested and verified integral part of the braider system to connect to the listed available power sources as there will be no additional installation of onsite facilities. All utility requirements shall be submitted to NASA Langley Research Center for approval prior to contract award. 19. The braiding machine will be supplied with a power cord and plug to connect to one of the listed power sources. The plug type will be specified by NASA upon award. 20. The braiding machine shall include an emergency stop button in a location readily accessible by the operator. 21. An operation manual in English as well as mechanical, electrical and any pneumatic systems drawings shall be included. 22. Each carrier on the braiding machine shall be equipped with a sensing system to stop the braiding machine in the event of yarn breakage or runout. 23. A system design shall be submitted to include site requirements to support the proper installation and operation of the equipment such as space requirements, floor load requirements for the equipment, utilities, and any other additional equipment, apparatus or services needed for the safe and proper use of the equipment. 24. The final system design shall be approved by NASA Langley Research Center’s Information Technology Acquisition Management (ITAM) and safety offices prior to contract award. -- 2 of 3 -- 25. The braiding system shall optionally include a separate winder for transfer of materials from small plastic spools (like those used for PTFE tape) to the dispensers used by the braider. 26. The acquisition shall include operator training in the setup and use of the braider together with expert factory backup support. 27. A suitably configured and factory supported Steeger K80-16, Ratera 16/80 (Electronic Version), Herzog KF 1/16-100 or equivalent with a winder for preparing materials shall be considered as meeting the requirements of the solicitation. Place of Delivery: NASA Langley Research Central Receiving 4 South Marvin Street Building 1206 Hampton, VA 23681-2199 Lead Time: No more than 6 months from receipt of order. -- 3 of 3 --