Installing either the QS5 or QS20 plants at your premises is fast and easy, thanks in part to their small footprints and straightforward mounts. Both plants are produced in our facility in Western Australia and incorporate computerised process control features to enable parts to be repeatedly produced under consistent cure environments.
Below is some additional information about installing and using a Quickstep plant that may be useful to you. For further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Quickstep team.
COST
The costs of a Quickstep plant in terms of its performance and production capacity is significantly lower than the cost of large aerospace autoclaves, thus reducing capital equipment and start-up costs in comparison with the costs of large aerospace autoclaves. When you combine these savings with savings in labour and materials, the potential savings are significant.
As a consequence of the relatively low pressures (1 to 4psi) being exerted on the mould the costs of mould tools are considerably cheaper than moulds utilised in autoclaves that have to withstand significant pressure. There are no requirements for cumbersome and heavy backing structures, as the heat transfer fluid serves as the backing structure during Quickstep processing.
Use of the Quickstep process and equipment may be able to take advantage of relatively low-skilled labour. With its unique vibration system the Quickstep process removes air pockets in the lay-up and it is possible for many layers of laminate to be laid up at once resulting in fewer 'debulking' steps being required to compress the laminate and remove the entrapped air.
If heated 'debulking' steps are required, the energy available with the Quickstep process will decrease the amount of time required to remove the air from the laminate. Overall, labour savings may be substantial in comparison to autoclave operations.
From an energy standpoint, Quickstep is exceptionally efficient, requiring approximately 80 percent lower energy input than equivalent autoclave processing.
PLANT DETAILS
There are currently two designs available, although it is a simple process to develop machines for larger applications or for complex or large parts.
R&D Plant QS5
This is a small machine capable of manufacturing parts up to 5m². The machine uses a three tank system with each tank holding over 500 litres of Heat Transfer Fluid. The machine is mounted on one skid for ease of transport in a 20’ sea container and comes with the full Quickstep™ control system.
Production Plant QS20
A complete production capable unit that has been designed to fit into a 40’ sea container. The overall footprint of the production machine is 37.5m² (432 square feet) and requires no special foundations.
This enables complete flexibility for the customer's ease of use as the unit can be placed anywhere within the customer's facilities.
This machine is capable of manufacturing parts up to 20m². This machine also uses a three tank system with each tank holding 1500 litres of Heat Transfer Fluid. The machine is mounted on four skids for ease of transport and comes with the full Quickstep™ control system.
EASY ASSEMBLY
Below is an animation representing the disassembly of a Quickstep plant.