The Effects of Fabric Backcoatings on Automotive Interior Manufacturing Processes

While fabric backcoatings comprise a relatively small part of the cost of a fabric, it is believed they have a profound affect on interior trim manufacturing processes. This study used the results of tests done on 105 fabrics to determine the effect that backcoatings have on a fabric's processing characteristics. Five tests were used to determine the processing characteristics of the fabric. The results showed that backcoatings do indeed have an affect on a fabric's processing capabilities. The results also suggest that the interaction between fabric construction and backcoating needs to be explored in greater detail.