Quickstep has initiated a joint project with Spirit Aerosystems, one of the largest commercial aerospace suppliers, to validate its proprietary manufacturing process technology, AeroQure, for use in an aircraft structural component. The two will work to establish AeroQure as a commercial aerospace production solution, meeting aerospace quality requirements.

The companies will work to validate AeroQure as a commercial aerospace production solution, capable of meeting aerospace quality and performance requirements, as well as reduced product cost and high production rates. Quickstep has already obtained positive aerospace results with panels robotically laid-up and cured using AeroQure.

The Qure manufacturing process has demonstrated reduced cycle times, substantially increased automation and step-change cost performance in non-aerospace applications. The next step will include preforming automatically laid-up laminates to a final geometry representative of an aerospace production part provided by Spirit. These prototype parts will be tested, both in Australia by Quickstep and the US by Spirit, to confirm they meet aerospace mechanical requirements.

Referring to the announcement, CEO Mark Burgess said, “In partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and several global industrial partners over the next 12 months this project will generate the foundation of a fully integrated industrial solution, paving the way towards future production contracts. It is an extremely exciting development and validation of our ongoing investment in composites research and development.”