Overall, cycle times for the Quickstep Process are between 40 and 120 minutes, using today's conventional aerospace pre-pregs. Potentially, a new generation of aerospace pre-pregs designed to take full advantage of the energy available in the Quickstep Process could reduce this cure cycle time to 20-30 minutes for a 180 degrees Celsius cure and achieve a 190-200 degrees Celsius glass transition temperature. Present automotive pre-pregs are demonstrating 20-30 minute cycle times with cure temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius.
Ultimately it is envisaged specifically developed automotive resins using the Quickstep Process are expected to demonstrate less than 10 minute cycle times with an 'A' grade surface finish.
This graph compares Quickstep and autoclave curing cycle times and ramp-up rates. As can be seen here, Quickstep and autoclave have approximately the same cure cycle time. However, due to the accelerated ramp-up rate of Quickstep, five cures can be achieved in the time it takes for a single autoclave cure.
In addition when utilising the Quickstep Process there is no waiting for autoclave availability. This means that once a part is laid up the cure cycle can start immediately. There is no need to move the mould to and from an autoclave saving space and time. The ability to start the cure as soon as the lay-up is complete allows continuous production from the mould set with minimal or no queuing time, leading to substantially more product manufacturing capacity from the mould.