Jul 1, 2004
Australian R&D Review July, 2004
General News Page 20
Circulation: 800
Size: 65.28 sq.cms.
QUICK MARCH TO MARKET
Quickstep Technologies, a Perth company established to commercialise an advanced polymer composite technology invented and patented by Neil Graham in 1994, has set up a production plant as part of venture with the newly launched Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM).
The Quickstep process uses fluid to transfer heat instead of air during the manufacture of carbon fibres and composites, representing a cheaper alternative to traditional, capital intensive manufacturing processes.
NASA and other aerospace and automotive groups are now showing keen interest in the process after VCAMM demonstrated that carbon fibre and composite structures are stronger, cheaper and quicker to produce.
CSIRO has been involved with the development of Quickstep and now owns a 20% stake in the company.