Autoneum makes Carpet Cleanability Analyser

Autoneum has developed a “Carpet Cleanability Analyser” measurement system to analyze and compare the cleanability of different carpet surfaces. Three carpet samples soiled with strongly adhering particles like grains of sand or wool fibers are cleaned by a robot-guided suction arm. Cleanability and dirt resistance of each carpet is then calculated.

The measurement system calculates the cleanability and dirt resistance of the respective carpet technology based on the residue on the carpet surface and the weight difference of the samples. The results obtained can be used both for benchmarking and for the development of a carpet generation that optimally meets future requirements.

The system produced in the Swiss research centre in Winterthur is particularly suited for quality assurance and repeatability of the measured data. Autoneum will deliver the first “Carpet Cleanability Analyser” to a French vehicle manufacturer in the spring of 2018.

The future belongs to electromobility and self-driving cars – but there are still a number of challenges to be overcome by then, according to the 2018 “Global Automotive Trends Report” promoted by Autoneum as Presenting Partner and published by the market research institute Prime Research on the occasion of the World Car Awards ceremony at the end of March.

With the breakthrough of new forms of mobility, automobile manufacturers and suppliers are jointly working on the development of innovative technologies for the passenger compartment, which will increasingly be used as a place of work or recreation in the future and, accordingly, will be subject to greater demand. Specific attention is paid to components that support a quiet and comfortable driving experience with a low environmental impact at the same time.

Carpet systems in particular play an increasingly important role as they shield the passenger cabin from external noise sources while their size has a decisive influence on the quality perception of a vehicle. With Clean-Tuft for tufted carpets, Autoneum offers a premium technology for compact and medium class vehicles. Carpets based on Clean-Tuft are not only appealing because of their lightweight and consistently high acoustic performance, but also meet increased requirements for comfortable vehicle interiors due to their outstanding cleanability and resistance. The decisive factors are light and water-repellent fibres that are especially suitable for use in durable carpets. Clean-Tuft is therefore particularly resistant to liquids and small particles such as wood splinters which can be removed more quickly and thoroughly from the surface.