EcoMat

Traditionally manufacturers used steel to produce headliner reinforcement frames for their structural integrity. IAC's FiberFrame lightweight alternative provides equivalent structural integrity with more than 50 percent weight reduction over steel frames and more than 30 percent weight reduction over plastic frames using an eco-friendly, raw and renewable material. With the addition of sun, moon and panoramic roofs, the manufacturing of headliner reinforcement frames using traditional processes wasted large amounts of material, but IAC’s FiberFrame overhead system can be manufactured using a 4-piece design that minimizes waste by using material more efficiently, offering cost savings.

IAC’s Hybrid Molding combines compression molding and injection molding into a single process. By eliminating secondary procedures such as welding, adhesive application and molding insertion, Hybrid Molding minimizes the energy consumption required for manufacturing. Through the use of select materials, hybrid molding can contribute to more renewable vehicle construction, as well as reduce mass up to 50 percent when compared to injection molding.

IAC’s proprietary Injection Molded Soft Skin technology (IMSS) uses Hi-Flow TPE material to ensure consistent skin thickness at desired targets without heavy corners and improved design capabilities. Compared to alternative production processes, IMSS offers improved fit-and-finish while still eliminating porosity concerns. IMSS has increased sustainability with improved chemistry, lower weight, significantly reduced carbon footprint and less emission/VOCs versus PVC slush skins.

IAC offers resins across its product portfolio composed of bio-based content that do not sacrifice durability or quality. Bio-based resins consider the complete life cycle of the component using materials that can be renewed or recycled and offer a lower carbon footprint than other alternatives.