Sep 04/24
How to Choose Quality Automotive Interior Materials from Top Suppliers
Auto parts manufacturing is a $40 billion industry worldwide. That means there are a lot of materials and production methods to choose from.
Selecting the right ones can mean the difference between superior and subpar performance, durability, and sustainability. It is one of the most important considerations for automakers.
This article provides information on choosing the highest-quality automotive interior materials. It will help you identify ways to get the most out of every component.
Versatility
One of the main qualities to look for in automotive interior materials is the ability to create diverse shapes, forms, and finishes. This includes a variety of textures, colors, and patterns.
Plastic automotive material suppliers can produce components in almost any color, design, or finish. Injection molding, for instance, lets you make shapes and configurations that are otherwise unachievable.
This is ideal for making shapes that can improve the function of vehicle interiors. It also is useful for making intricate components over and over again in multiple production runs.
Durability and Safety
Durability is a primary asset of high-quality interior materials. A car is as reliable as the sum of its parts. Weak links can translate to poor performance of interior systems and a shorter lifespan for the vehicle.
Durability also relates directly to safety. Having parts that can hold up well under extreme temperatures or use means improved safety for drivers and passengers alike.
Plastic manufacturing lets you gain superior strength in automotive upholstery materials. It is useful for making panels, dashboards, and almost any interior part.
It also lets you achieve surfaces resistant to scratch, denting, or warping from high temperatures. Everything from basic to luxury car interiors made of plastic will look and hold up well longer.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency standards have come a long way since they were first instituted in the 1970s. Federal standards now require an average 8 percent increase for passenger vehicles each year through 2035. This translates to an average of 50 miles per gallon average.
That means automakers have a lot of work to do to keep heading in the right direction. While electric vehicles will inevitably continue to play a major role in this, there are other ways of increasing fuel economy.
One is reducing vehicle weight. Plastic components–especially those that can replace metal parts–have contributed to this. Today, about 50 percent of any given vehicle is made of plastic, but those parts account for only 10 percent of the vehicle’s weight.
Plastic parts are extremely lightweight. Using them in interior auto manufacturing can continue to push weights down and fuel efficiency up.
Learn More About Automotive Interior Materials
Now that you know what to look for in high-quality automotive interior materials, you can ensure you are optimizing performance, safety, durability, and sustainability. An experienced producer can further advise you on materials and production methods to get the most out of every component.
At Mayco International, we provide Tier 1 components for every phase of interior and exterior automotive systems. We are located in Michigan but have affiliates throughout the world. Please feel free to c contact us today to schedule a free consultation or for assistance selecting automotive interiors.