Jenoptik laser innovation offers car manufacturers new interior design options

Citation

(2004), "Jenoptik laser innovation offers car manufacturers new interior design options", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324baf.007

Jenoptik laser innovation offers car manufacturers new interior design options

Jenoptik laser innovation offers car manufacturers new interior design options

Keywords: Lasers, Textiles, Cutting lasers

Jenoptik, the German-based laser specialist, has developed a new system for micro-perforating foam-backed textile materials. Marketed under the name VOTAN T, the new technique is particularly exciting for the options it opens up in car interiors, specifically the design of passenger airbags.

The unique technology developed by Jenoptik uses a laser to pre-weaken materials on the reverse side through a series of minutely- controlled perforations. Importantly, since the perforation lines are made on the reverse side, the appearance and integrity of the upper side of the material is unaffected. The perforations are produced in an exact pattern and each is controlled to a specific depth, so that rupture of the fabric will occur in a distinct shape and at a defined force. Controlling the perforation depth is crucial to the successful rupturing of the fabric and thus the safe and accurate deploying of the airbag (Plate 3).

Plate 3 The side view (above) and front view of a foam- backed textile that has been pre-weakened using the unique VOTAN T laser system. The top photograph clearly shows the depth of the perforations on the reverse of the textile

Alternatives to laser-perforating rely on the use of various kinds of knives, but this method makes it impossible to control the depth of the cut. Conventional airbag technology has also used special material seams at the point of opening although this is an expensive method which limits design possibilities. The laser process, on the other hand, is likely to open up far more interesting design opportunities for car manufacturers. Also, because the laser perforation process can be controlled so accurately, the results can be tightly monitored and confidence in the quality of the process can be assured.

Micro-perforation is suitable for both single- and multi-ply textiles and can also work with some hard and composite plastics. The same technology can be used not only to perforate but also to drill holes, cut apertures and trim edges.

“Car makers are increasingly integrating passenger airbags into doors, seats and interior trim, and there is growing interest in using textile covers for car instrument panels,” says Jenoptik's UK Director Bill Hogan, “So we are very excited about the opportunities offered by the VOTAN T system. We think it will transform interior design in the automotive industry worldwide”.

The innovative procedure has been developed specifically for an automotive customer, who will be the first to use the technology for its forthcoming new models. Jenoptik features the unique VOTAN T system at the company's new Customer Service Centre in Jena, Germany.

For more information, please contact: Bill Hogan, Jenoptik (UK) Limited. Tel: 01462 650730; Fax: 01462 650731; Web site: www.jenoptik-uk.com