Techniques and Equipment for Processing Headliner Materials

A process known as High Caloric Transfer Medium (HCTM*) has been developed and patented by Astechnologies that involves the use of superheated vapor introduced to a perforated tool or three (3) dimensional mold for forming and/or laminating. This process offers very unique possiblilites for cost reductions in the manufacture of most soft interior trim parts including headliners. This process utilizes the super-heated vapor combined with vacuum to cure thermosets, heat thermoplastics, shape fabrics and cool a variety of materials. This provides for reduced cycle times and in some cases eliminates processing steps in the manufacture of headliners. Comparisons are made between conventional and HCTM* forming and laminating methods in order to fully describe the advantages of the latter process.