FUTURE TRENDS IN FOAM PAD DEVELOPMENT FOR EUROPEAN OEM CAR SEAT DESIGN

摘要

Europe is an attractive market for many Asian OEMs and seating suppliers. It is important in this sophisticated sector to stay ahead of the trends in car seat specification in new car design. This paper looks at the trends for seat foam specifications set by OEMs, and takes a holistic approach to foam development within the overall seat design. OEMs are striving for improvements within the following areas that will drive foam development: improved comfort; low emissions for improved in-car air quality; thinner seats whilst retaining comfort for new car platforms; new functional requirements. And this has to be within an approach to reducing total costs. This paper will highlight the development of MDI-based polyurethane foam technology in addressing many of these future trends.