Quickstep, or more specifically, the Quickstep Process, is a range of unique and patented technologies that can be used in the out-of-autoclave manufacture of advanced composite materials.
Using balanced pressure and liquid heating and cooling, the Quickstep Process has applications in the aerospace and automotive industries where strength and weight are critical, as well as in many other industries seeking to replace metals with composites.
THE FUTURE OF COMPOSITES
The Quickstep processes change the way advanced high quality composites are manufactured. With reduced cure cycle times and product weight, as well as increased strength and improved appearance, the processes provide product properties superior to conventional atmospheric cure techniques and generally equal to or better than high pressure autoclave techniques.
QUICKSTOP!
As a consequence of a unique ability to stop the composite cure reaction at any point in the cure cycle, it is possible with the Quickstep processes to halt, and then later to recommence the curing cycle and co-cure, join and bond one composite to another to create larger parts. This process is known as the Quickstep Melding Process. These larger parts can then be joined to form components without secondary bonds such that one part melts into and becomes an integrated part of another part with no physical difference or separating surface remaining between them.
The Quickstep Melding Process requires no fasteners, adhesives, or stacking tolerances and could allow, for example, a wing to be constructed in the mould from the outside in, with exact aerodynamic tolerances across the wing.
AEROSPACE GRADE COMPOSITES
The Quickstep processes enable large composite parts to be rapidly manufactured and cured to aerospace standards without the need for an autoclave. Reduced capital, tooling and operational expenses are significant competitive advantages.
Utilising the Quickstep processes, the marine and automotive industries will be able to manufacture with either advanced composites or fiberglass to standards previously considered only in the realm of the aerospace industries, with faster cycle times at competitive costs and under automated conditions.
Quickstep reduces skill requirements and labour time. For the aerospace industry, Quickstep will enable improved surface finish with reduced void content and the added flexibility to co-cure parts to enable superior structural integration.
Parts manufactured to date utilising the Quickstep Process exhibit superior surface finish straight out of the mould. Even with thin laminates there is no significant print through from the cores, stiffeners, reinforcing gussets or backing structure. The mould face and inner face exhibit minimal voids, air pockets, pinholes and blemishes. With careful resin selection and process control an 'A'-grade automotive finish can be obtained on a low resin content lightweight aerospace grade part. This should dramatically reduce finishing time, painting time and the weight of paint on the finished component both on the inside and the outside skin.
In a world of increased environmental consciousness, Quickstep is a viable and innovative way to reduce excessive energy and material usage when compared to traditional composite manufacturing processes.