CD-ROM surveys European instrument panel suppliers

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 20, 2003

Available now is an updated CD-ROM-based photo/supplier database of materials used in instrument panels for the European fleet.

An updated CD-ROM-based photo/supplier database of materials used in instrument panels (IPs) for the European fleet, compiled by Robert Eller Associates, indicates that thermoforming has lost share in European IPs over the last few years in favour of PU spray and PVC slush moulding.

The database also shows that thermoformed TPO laminates have gained share in the declining total market for thermoformed skins at the expense of thermoformed PVC.

The decline in thermoformed skins follows the demand for better grain reproduction quality possible from slush-moulded PVC and spray PU skins.

The use of slush moulded TPU, which showed early promise, has declined to nearly zero.

The unique, interactive database "European instrument panels photo and supplier/materials database CD-ROM", contains extensive skin, foam and substrate materials and respective supplier data for more than 700 IPs in the European fleet almost 200 of the models shown are from 2001 to 2006, and 40 models from 2003-2006.

The photo/supplier database can be sorted, printed, and interrogated.

This makes it a helpful tool for designers, materials engineers, and planners to analyse, visualise and compare design features, materials selection and supplier shares.

The Excel database is backed by side and front view photos of IPs.

The one-of-a-kind photo database allows users to call up an IP model and compare features or supplier information side-by-side with a second model.

All models are photographed in the same positions for easy comparison.

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 17 January 2003).