Bobingen,

Trevira and imat-uve introduce new 3D flat knitting technology for automotive interiors

Trevira, one of the market leaders in polyester yarn manufacture, and the development services company imat-uve have together achieved a milestone in textiles design: the use of 3D flat knitting technology for automotive interiors. In a jointly developed process that unites innovative yarn technologies with cutting-edge connection and finishing techniques, Trevira and imat-uve have found a way of producing anatomically contoured seat covers and trim components for vehicle interiors. Why is this important? The answer lies in the way it's done. Because the technology uses just one knitting process rather than several, manufacturers can reduce their production and materials costs, as it's no longer necessary to cut and assemble the fabrics. But the new invention is not just cost-effective – the flat knitting technique means that it's now possible to personalise design and function to a much greater degree, representing another important step in the direction of on-demand production.

Trevira and imat-uve are the first companies to develop such a sophisticated application of the knitting process for use in vehicles, thanks to imat-uve’s innovative processing and finishing technique which deploys a low-melt yarn specifically developed by Trevira. The collaboration has resulted in a high-performing knitted product which satisfies even the most demanding criteria in terms of quality and comfort. The VDA 230-210 standard velcro test carried out by imat's testing laboratory found that the product was extremely abrasion resistant. The 3D flat knitting technology even means that areas known to be vulnerable, such as the seams on seat covers, can be strengthened in the course of the same single knitting process. Another benefit of the technology is its contribution to sustainable manufacturing. Not only does it work on the zero waste principle, but the knitted fabric itself is manufactured entirely from yarn made from PES recyclates.

Thomas Rademacher, Head of Development at Trevira, explains why the collaboration was so successful. "The development company imat-uve came up with a new breakthrough technology, while here at Trevira, we contributed our own recycled yarns and a new low-melt yarn we've developed based on synthetic fibres, which provides a stabilising effect. Together we have created a highly sought-after, top quality product for automotive interiors. Flat knitting will now be the go-to technology for vehicle interiors – in the future, it will be impossible to imagine life without it."

Hans Peter Schlegelmilch, imat-uve’s CEO, pointed out the especial benefits of the new technology for vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. "The 3D flat knitting technology doesn't just make it possible to save time and money on production. It also opens up a whole new world of personalisation for end consumers. We are extremely pleased that with Trevira as our partner, we have been able to take this significant step towards the future of automotive interiors."

About Trevira GmbH

Trevira GmbH is an innovative European manufacturer of high-value branded fibres and filament yarns for technical applications and hygiene products as well as for home textiles, automotive interiors and functional apparel. Two production sites and a Marketing and Sales office with a total of approx. 1,100 employees are located in Germany. These are supported by an international marketing and sales organization. In 2017, sales amounted to around 244 million Euros. The head office of the company is located in Bobingen near Augsburg. Owner of Trevira GmbH is Indorama Venture PCL, Thailand. Trevira has a worldwide reputation for fibres and yarns for flame retardant polyester home textiles (Trevira CS), for its fibre specialties for hygiene products and technical applications as well as for low-pill fibres for functional apparel.

About imat-uve

imat-uve group gmbh is an innovative design and engineering company and has positioned itself internationally as a strategic partner of the textile and automotive industry in recent years. In addition to its headquarter in Mönchengladbach, the company also has additional branches in Germany, China, USA and South Africa, all of which are certified according to the high quality requirements of DIN EN ISO 17025, VDA 6.2., as well as ISO 9001. The services accompany the entire value-added process from the idea to the finished component or product. This includes the design, development and testing of materials, components and systems. imat-uve supports the identification of the future needs of road users in terms of design, ergonomics and comfort. At the same time, market research in the context of customer and customer surveys ensures technical needs and the effect of innovative solutions on consumers.

  • sitz.jpg 3D visualization of knitted textile on a car seat 1 MB
  • testing.png Result comparison Velcro examination VDA 230-210: regular flat knit (left), imat x Trevira flat knit (right) 3 MB
  • zoning.png Pattern possibilities for different zones of parts knitted in shape 2 MB
Overview