Foam Backed Automotive Carpets in Europe

The increasing requirements for passenger comfort have induced the development of molded carpets featuring improved sound absorption properties. In Europe, this is being achieved by coating the carpet with thermoformable sound insulation materials. After molding, the carpet is backfoamed with visco-elastic Polyurethane foam.

The paper describes the benefits offered by foam backed carpets in terms of improved fit to the body, ease of handling and sound deadening properties.

The paper further compares the various foam-backing processes and equipment presently available to the carpet maker with regard to versatility and productivity.

A final consideration is given to the implications of foam-backing in the downstream cutting and finishing operations.