When manufacturing our custom products, choosing the right materials is necessary to achieve optimal appearance, comfort and durability. In this article, we look at some of these materials, including exclusive Alcantara, automotive leather and auto textiles, and why these materials must meet strict tests and parameters.
Alcantara – A luxurious material with exceptional needs
Alcantara is a material that has gained popularity in design in recent years, as evidenced by its use with brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley, which have used this material many times for seat upholstery, as well as dashboard, door, and center console upholstery. It’s a combination of microfibers and polymers that mimics the look and feel of brushed leather, but with a few extra benefits. Alcantara is composed of 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane, which makes it wear-resistant and has a high resistance to UV radiation and staining, making it an ideal material for car interiors. In addition, it is light and pleasant to the touch. Many people confuse it with brushed leather, as they look and feel very similar. The primary difference is the way the fibers are laid and their number per 1 cm dimension. In the case of Alcantara, these are fibers interwoven with each other, more precisely 20,000 fibers per 1 square cm.
Automotive leather – Classic with elegance
Special automotive leather is a symbol of luxury and elegance. It is used for seats, steering wheels and other parts of the vehicle interior. Automotive leather is durable and easy to clean. Special automotive leather is the main element of our LeatherLook collection.
Autotextil – Comfort and aesthetics
Autotextil is suitable for those who prefer comfort and ease of cleaning. Autotextil is a popular choice for seats. It is comfortable to the touch and can be significantly diverse in design. Modern car textiles also have properties that make them resistant to wear and soiling. You can find all our types of autotextiles in the Classic collection.
Why do materials have to meet strict tests and parameters?
Automotive interiors must meet strict standards and specifications regarding safety and quality. The materials must be non-flammable, light-fast, anti-static, wear-resistant and able to maintain their appearance even under difficult conditions and after a long period of use. In addition, these materials must be able to withstand extreme temperatures, UV radiation and other external influences. Our products can boast TUV quality certificates and excellent results in load, airbag and material tests.
Why must they be inelastic?
The materials used in the manufacture of our products must be non-elastic to ensure proper support and comfort for the occupants of the car. The elastic material could cause unwanted shifting during driving and disrupt the overall comfort. If the material is too elastic, there would be a risk of the airbag seam becoming damaged and inoperable.
Laboratory tests and long-term driving tests
The materials used in the manufacture of our products are subjected to rigorous laboratory tests for fire resistance, wear resistance, resistance to chemicals and other factors. These tests ensure that materials meet safety and quality standards. In addition, the cars are subjected to long-term driving tests, during which it is checked how the materials behave in normal operation and what their long-term properties are.
Overall, choosing the right materials for our custom-made products is a critical factor in creating a high-quality and safe car interior. Alcantara, automotive leather and autotextile are just some of the options that can be used, each of these materials having their own advantages and characteristics. It is important that these materials pass rigorous tests and can provide safety and comfort for people sitting in the car, not only in the short term, but also in the long term.
Our products are more than just car covers. It is a fully replaceable layer of upholstery without the need to dismantle the original upholstery, ensuring protection and comfort, while the right combination of materials and colors can significantly increase the elegance of the interior and bring a feeling of luxury every time you get into the vehicle. Do not hesitate and design your dream combination in our configurator.