New laser means better car interiors

Problem: such as edge trim, seat covers and, more recently, on car instrument panel covers. And for conventional airbag technology, controlling the depth of perforation is crucial to the successful rupturing of the fabric and therefore the safe deployment of the airbag. For this, engineers normally use a special material seam at the point of opening, even though this is an expensive method that also limits their design options. Solution: Jenoptik, the German-based laser specialist has developed a new system for micro-perforating foam-backed textile materials. The new technique, Votan T, is particularly suitable for car interiors, especially airbag designs, and so gives interior styling design engineers far more flexibility. The new system uses a laser to pre-weaken materials on the reverse side through a series of minutely controlled perforations. And because the perforation lines are on the reverse side, the appearance and integrity of the upper side of the material is unaffected. The perforations are produced in an exact pattern and each is controlled to a specific depth, so that rupture of the fabric will occur in a distinct shape and at a defined force. Because Jenoptik’s technique can be controlled very accurately, the results can be tightly monitored and confidence in the quality of the process is assured. Applications: Although Votan T has been developed specifically for an automotive customer, the micro-perforation technique is suitable for any single- or multi-ply textile and can also work with some hard and composite plastics. The same technology can also be used to drill holes, cut apertures and trim edges. Bill Hogan, Jenoptik’s UK MD, told Eureka: “We are very excited about the opportunities offered by the new system. We think it will transform interior design in the automotive industry world-wide.” DP