Auto Upholstery
Urethane foams are the most common plastics used in auto upholstery cushioning. Recyclability, combined with their ability to fulfill design and economic demands set forth by a manufacturer, make them an ideal choice for car upholstery materials.
Recent innovations in cushioning technologpoly now allow a manufacturer to save on the quantity of urethane foam used in cushioning by injecting the foam with carbon dioxide to increase its volume without sacrificing comfort levels, noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) levels, or flexibility on the assembly line. Arm rests, head rests, headliners and cushioned instrument panels are all made with urethane foams. Thanks to efficient and cost-effective processes, urethane foams can be recycled to make carpeting for cars, homes, and offices.
The carpet padding typically used in automobiles consists of a needled vinyl-based fiber that lies between the floor panels and the carpet itself. Insulating carpet padding is especially important in helping reduce NVH. A new process now allows for the use of a polyurethane foam padding between the carpet and the floor panel, which promises even greater reductions in NVH, a more comfortable surface, and an improved fit and finish. Most importantly, however, is that it is a cost-effective process easily adaptable to existing assembly lines and changes in model specification.
Images provided by the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers International (SPE), a not-for-profit engineering society.
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