Quickstep advances new composites technologies

Composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings (ASX: QHL) has announced two contracts which further commercialise its advanced manufacturing processes.

The company is developing its Qure process for manufacturing composites without autoclaving, and its Quickstep lean Production System (QPS).

CEO Mark Burgess said in an announcement: “We are continuing to develop our state-of-the-art process technologies to support both current and future customer programs in the defence sector and to enter larger commercial markets.”

Quickstep, best known for its part in manufacturing the twin tails on Australia’s new jet fighters, has installed an upgraded Qure cell at its Geelong facility in Victoria.

“Initial process testing of the upgraded Qure cell to aerospace specifications is providing very promising results compared to the traditional autoclave performance.

“(This includes) significant reduction in process time and pressure, and equivalent material / part performance.”

Burgess announced two commercial contracts using Qure and QPS technologies:

# the company has begun manufacturing a carbon fibre chassis for a portable, ultra-lightweight X-ray device being made by South Australian start-up company, Micro-X.

# the company has been engaged by Lockelec Innovation, a Victorian design and manufacturing company, to produce a carbon fibre train ramp for disabled passengers.

Burgess said: “The composite components being produced in both of these projects…will be important in demonstrating the company’s advanced composites manufacturing capabilities to existing and new customers.”

Picture: Quickstep process curing machine.

Main picture: Defence/F-35 Lightning

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