Coverstock Materials for Instrument Panel with Top Mounted Invisible Airbag Doors

Materials used for automotive interiors are changing due to the addition of PSIR integral systems. The placement of these PSIR invisible systems on the upper IP has introduced additional significant performance criteria, both safety and functional, on the materials being chosen for coverstocks.

In this paper, the main new materials will be reviewed. This will include: vacuum formable TPO and PVC/ABS, slush moldable PVC, TPU, and TPOs, as well as spray polyurethane systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed as well as testing data available.