Quickstep Production Plant
When you're ready to take advantage of all that Quickstep offers and build production parts, it's time to move up to a larger machine, capable of multiple tool sets and rapid cycling. Here we offer our QS20 system, which can cure up to 20 square metres of parts in a single cycle. For even larger installations a custom solution can be designed and installed.
As part of the purchase cost, Quickstep will assist with equipment installation and train your personnel to operate and do first line maintenance. During the licence period, we provide regular upgrades to the software and provide ongoing technical support. In return, the parts producer makes a "per part" payment for use of the machine, usually significantly less than the savings achieved from reduced energy, capital and tooling costs. The net effect? You come out well ahead of the game and so does your OEM customer.
The end result is a low capital cost, turn-key solution that provides component manufacturers with a substantial competitive advantage, as outlined in the following table:
| Conventional | Quickstep |
Plant and equipment | High capital cost | Generally much lower equipment cost than autoclave |
Installation Cost | Typically 30 to 100% of autoclave cost. | No special foundations, installation often less than 10% of equipment cost |
License fee | No. | Yes, paid as a per part licence fee. |
Customer Support | Possible, fee paid. | Yes, provided as part of licence fee |
Installation and commissioning | At user cost. | Yes, provided as part of the supply |
Maintenance | Maintenance contract can include response time adapted to your needs. | Can be included as part of licence fee |
Shipping, handling of equipment | Varied based on equipment size and design by supplier | Designed on a platform in modules that can be easily moved by forklift. Slides into a 40ft shipping container. |
Technology Adbvice & Upgrades | Generally available at additional cost | Yes, provided under the license fee |
Floor Space | Large footprint | Minimal space required and easily moved |
Moulding size of product | Limited by volume capacity of autoclave | Few size restrictions, just add tools |
Support & Training
Quickstep offers extensive support to users of our composite materials manufacture equipment and processes in several ways:
Training
Once your Quickstep machine shows up, we'll dispatch one of our engineers to assist with the installation and train your engineers and technicians to get the most out of your new composite manufacturing technology.
You can also send your personnel to our facilities in Australia, German or the US to be trained prior to the delivery of the machine, although we have found so far that the operation of the Quickstep equipment is straightforward enough that training in your facilities is quite effective.
On-Going Customer Support
As a Quickstep licensee, you're entitled to regular support from the Quickstep Team, including:
- Tooling and part design recommendations
- Material recommendations
- Processing suggestions
- Debugging of machine issues
- Software upgrades
- Access to our ongoing enhancements to the process
Technical Assistance
In addition, the Quickstep Team can provide personalised expert advice for your operation in
- Qualification of parts
- Curing and cycle design
- Certification of raw materials
- Industrialisation of your Quickstep Process
- First part manufacture before you receive and decide the configuration of your Quickstep Plant
- Tool design and supply
These services can be provided from a large body of experts involved in the day to day manufacture of parts as well as in the design of the Quickstep Process. Whatever your issue we have an expert able to support you in composite manufacture and teams close by in Europe, the US or Australia.