A new process developed in Australia has slashed the time needed to manufacture a foam-core composite part to only 30 minutes from the 5 hr-to 7-hr cycle typical of autoclave processes. Australia's Holden Special Vehicles used the Quickstep process to manufacture a Rohacell-core, carbon-reinforced composite hood for its HRT 427 sports car. The process developer, Quickstep Technologies Pty Ltd., says the technology could be used for load- bearing and aerodynamic body panels, pickup covers. Economical runs could be as high as 30,000 units per year.
展开▼
