Automotive Fabrics | Auto Upholstery

Vehicles require high-quality automotive interior fabrics to maximize their performance while protecting occupants. At Criplon Textiles, we offer a line of automotive fabrics to meet the industry’s strict performance and safety requirements. Our automotive fabrics can be used for applications such as seat supports, cargo nets, and literature pockets, boasting many desirable features that make them stand out against the competition.

UV and Fire Resistant Automotive Interior Fabrics

Criplon Textiles offers a selection of fire- and UV-resistant automotive interior fabrics made with nylon or polyester. Unlike flammable natural fibers and plastic fibers that melt, nylon and polyester feature high melting points along with high thermal conductivity. During fabrication, Criplon Textiles adds a fire-resistant chemical solution for additional protection. Meanwhile, solution-dyed polyester offers superior UV protection when exposed to sunlight.

When selecting automotive fabrics that feature fire or UV resistance, consider the following.

Meeting FMVSS 302 Standards

Many automotive interior fabric materials must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302 (FMVSS 302) to gauge their ability to resist burning. Materials for cars, trucks, and buses normally use this test.

All parts of either an individual or composite material located within 13 mm of a vehicle’s occupant compartment air space must meet the FMVSS 302 standard. These include interior materials such as:

• Seat belts
• Seat cushions
• Head restraints
• Headlining
• Curtains
• Shades
• Sun visors
• Armrests
• Floor coverings
• Convertible tops

The Benefits of Using Mesh

Knit mesh fabrics consist of a sheet of evenly spaced openings that optimize the fabric’s breathability. Mesh fabrics are available in a range of weights, colors, widths, fiber content, and finishes. The two most common types of fibers used in mesh fabrics include nylon and polyester. Both of these yarn types are lightweight, durable, easy to clean, tear-resistant, and mildew-resistant, and they each offer their own unique advantages when used in mesh fabrics:

• Nylon Nylon mesh fabrics provide superior strength, durability, and versatility with the ability to resist wear from stretching or bending. Nylon is also softer and smoother than polyester, providing more comfort and aesthetic appeal.
• Polyester Polyester mesh fabrics are hydrophobic and repel water, unlike nylon, enabling it to dry faster. Polyester is also more resistant to flame and UV compared to nylon.

Automotive Applications for Mesh Fabrics

Certain automotive applications use mesh nylon or polyester fabrics, including seat-mounted literature pockets, seat support substrates, curtains, cargo nets, and literature pockets.

Finishes for UV and Fire Resistance

Mesh fabrics may feature certain UV- or fire-resistant finishes to enhance protection and maximize their longevity. Depending on the material, manufacturers can add UV inhibitors to fabric finishes or dye formulations that maintain the material’s integrity under UV ray exposure. In addition, manufacturers may apply fire-resistant finishes to achieve FR compliance in the automotive industry.

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Our Textile Solutions

Criplon Textiles offers multiple textile solutions, including polyester and nylon automotive fabrics.

Style 415

This is a shade screen/wind barrier featuring both UV and fire resistance. With an exposure rating exceeding 2,000 hours, this material is ideal for use in many vehicle interiors.