Instrument Panel Design & Process Technology

This paper describes the evolution of instrument panel design from metal to plastic construction with a soft urethane foam core. Current trends are toward panels with a soft touch and soft feel that incorporates either a vacuum formed or cast vinyl skin- The technical part of this paper is focused on the design guidelines related to fabricating and processing an instrument panel that impacts cost and quality using the cast skin concept. It goes on to provide an assessment of future trends in instrument panel design related to two color skins; the use of cloth skins, improved environmental specifications, structural requirements, sound absorbing capability and changing ergonomics.