When it comes to cooling the part, the hot HTF is displaced with the medium and then the cold Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) that is stored in the fluid reservoirs and tanks. This results in even, rapid cooling of the whole part in 2-5 minutes depending upon the size of the part and the cure temperature.
The result of this even heating and cooling using the Quickstep Process, is that even thick and thin sections on the same part can be rapidly and uniformly heated, cured and then cooled without residual stress and risk of exotherm. This minimizes cycle times and means large parts with both thick and thin sections on the same part are practical and capable of production without warping or spring-back. This lack of spring-back has been demonstrated on flat panels however a detailed program of testing is proposed to prove similar characteristics in more complex shaped parts.
