Los Alamos National Laboratory, Mail Stop C331, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545

A -- CUBIC BORON NITRIDE COATINGS ON DIAMOND TOOL BITS FOR ENHANCED MACHINING CAPABILITIES SOL CIT-97-203 POC For Technical Information Contact Dr. R.W. Springer, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS E549, E-mail: rwspringer@lanl.gov. For Agreement Information Contact Linda Rowton, Civilian and Industrial Technologies Program Office, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS C334, telephone (505) 665-3322, FAX (505) 665-0154, or E-mail: Irowton@lanl.gov. The University of California, which operates the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) under contract to the Department of Energy, solicits interest from companies wishing to collaborate, develop and then market a unique technology related diamond tool bits that are coated with cubic Boron Nitride (Technology). In particular, the proposed collaboration is based on the use of a new coating device called the Flow Through Ion Gun. This device produces films with properties like Ion Beam Assisted Deposition films but at a minimum rate of 10x faster. In general, Los Alamos has an extensive background in thin film coatings, characterization, precision machining, and material science. We offer our expertise in solving problems related to these areas with specific industrial applications in mind. Correspondingly, the candidate company should have a well-developed background in producing very sharp diamond tool bits and have the capability for fast turnaround on test bits. It should have extensive knowledge of diamond machining and be able to perform machining tests on the coated tool bits as well. It is expected that this teaming of basic and applied skills will be an effective and valuable asset for the industrial partner as well as DOE weapons complex. LANL seeks to establish a collaboration arrangement with a qualified organization to develop this technology for use by the DOE and the commercial market. All organizations interested in collaborating with LANL to work toward co-developing the Technology must provide proof, in a written letter of interest, that they satisfy the following minimum criteria: Interested parties must possess, or have access to, existing capabilities in PRECISION DIAMOND TOOL BIT manufacturing, marketing and support services in the domestic marketplace, preferably related to this technology. Such organizations with expertise in the above-mentioned areas must respond with a statement of interest that demonstrates the organization's solid engineering, testing, technical expertise, manufacturing, marketing, and operational support capabilities, and motivation for participating in this program. This opportunity is not a procurement solicitation. Any interested organization selected as a partner will be expected to work under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) or a Funds-In Agreement (FIA) to continue the development of this technology and adaptation to other applications. All letters of interest must be received by no later than 10 working days from the date of this notice. The letter of interest must contain all of the above requested information or the submitting organization will not be considered as a possible candidate for partnership. (0316)

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