Products > Automotive
Automotive
The automotive industry uses a diverse range of components that are hidden from view but which nevertheless remain an essential part of the final product. At Ibex our specialist knowledge in the use of high-performance fibres, combined with bespoke end fittings in a variety of materials, allows us to produce various engineered and mechanical solutions that can be applied throughout the automotive industry.
In automotive interiors whether trim or bungee cord is being used for seating or map pockets, is needed as a retainer or for other purposes, Ibex's expertise and personnel are available to support you, however and whenever required.
Importantly, we also understand that no two problems are the same.
Therefore we customise designs and solutions to meet the individual requirement of the customer. Our small but effective products provide real solutions for research and development teams, engineers and buyers throughout the automotive production process.
And our commitment doesn't stop at design. Manufacturing is geared to meet the demands of supplying high-quality products to the modern automotive industry, from just-in-time supply to recognised quality control procedures and accreditation.
Trim cord solutions
Trim cord is fast becoming the preferred replacement for wire components within seat design. Although often referred to as "just a piece of string", trim cord is engineered to provide the seat producer with practical solutions to a variety of problems.
Trim cord is extremely strong yet flexible. A variety of technical fibres offer specific performance characteristics that can be tailored to the final application. In using these fibres, the cord has numerous benefits e.g. lightweight, non-abrasive, customised extension, as well as increasing the options available for recycling, which is now influencing manufacturers to include trim cord at the design stage of vehicles interior.
Fit-for-purpose seating
A major application for trim cord is in the manufacture of seats. However, seat design is becoming more and more complex, with numerous comfort and safety components making up the final seat construction.
This can leave space at a premium, often restricting logical routes and fixing points for trim cords. Ibex has an experienced team dedicated to developing solutions that are compatible with these space restrictions and find a secure fixing to deliver the required seat profile. Ibex adds pressure to the foam giving the seat designer a means to control foam movement during airbag deployment.
This can reduce valuable milliseconds in the deployment giving much improved safety performance.
Quick, accurate trim sewing
Precise tensioning of the trim cord helps to maintain the desired seat profile of both fabric and leather-covered seats. Ibex threads the cord into a pre-assembled, tear resistant listing that is flat and smooth allowing quick and accurate sewing. We even provide a position locator and sewing guideline to ensure correct positioning and orientation every time.
Quick, easy and secure fixing
End fittings are custom-designed to provide a fast and positive location even in a blind assembly process. The termination design can incorporate a hook profile that reflects the frame profile, providing engineers with an ideal way of eliminating rattles and squeaks.
Easier seat assembly
The composite cord is designed to allow just the right amount of elongation for installation; this makes assembly easier and greatly reduces the risk of operator fatigue and injury throughout this process. Ibex add a pull ring for quick and easy assembly to the seat frame, once installed the cord contracts to provide the right amount of tension needed to suit the seat profile and the required pressure for airbag deployment.
Cords and Fibres
To ensure that only the required amount of elongation and contraction is obtained, Ibex uses its experience to design and manufacture trim cord to stringent specifications. Cord is manufactured on high-speed braiding machines. There is also the option of including coloured markers for product identification to suit individual car models or manufacturers.
Depending on the specific demands of individual applications, Ibex will use different fibres, each of which has different performance characteristics. Further information relating to the individual performance characteristics of each fibre can be found under the materials section of the site, under design.
End Fittings
All end fittings are custom designed to ensure that aspects such as fit for purpose are well catered for. In controlling the design, Ibex will take account of your manufacturing process and build in ergonomic design to speed safe production.
A wide variety of end fittings is available, designed and manufactured to meet individual customer specifications. The end fittings can be produced in metal, which can be coated to industry standards, in plastic, which offers a solution to rattles and squeaks, or may be insert moulded. Each material has distinct benefits depending on the final application.
Metal End Fittngs
| Metal | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Zinc plated mild steel | Good corrosion resistance Cost effective |
| Nickel plated steel | Corrosion resistant Bright finish |
| Stainless steel | Excellent corrosion resistance High strength |
| Brass | Excellent corrosion resistance |
Further information relating to metal end fittings can be obtained from the Ibex Technical Department
Plastic end fittings
| Material | Abbreviation | Density | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal | POM | 1.42 | Tough Cost effective |
| Acrylonitrile butadienestyrene | ABS | 1.06 | Tough Cost effective |
| Polyamide 6 (nylon) | PA 6 | 1.14 | Very tough |
| Polyamide 6.6 (nylon) | PA 6.6 | 1.14 | Righd and tough |
| Polyamide 10+12 (nylon) | PA 11+12 | 1.14 | Righd and tough |
| Polycarbonate | PC | 1.20 | Transparent Very tough Resilient |
| Polyethylene (low density) | LDPE | 0.92 | Flexible Cost effective |
| Polyethylene (high density) | HDPE | 0.96 | Tough Stiff Cost effective |
| Polypropylene | PP | 0.91 | Tough Stiff Cost effective |
| Polyester | PBT, PET | 1.42, 1.34 | Rigid Stable |
Further information relating to plastic end fittings can be obtained from the Ibex Technical Department
Innovative mechanical solutions
Ibex offers other mechanical innovations that have been developed in conjunction with our customers, many in direct response to inquiries from designers and engineers. For the most part, these items start with a length of trim or bungee cord, and develop into working models and prototypes.
Retractable parcel shelves
Cord is used to attach parcel shelves to the boot frame on hatchback vehicles. When detached from the framework, the cord can either hang freely or retract into the underside of the parcel shelf. The trim cord required is manufactured using customer-specified materials with the option of using braided or elasticated cord. Ibex not only manufactures the cord, but also offers customers the option to pre-assemble the complete item prior to delivery.
Map pocket solutions
Within the design of new vehicles, discreet map pockets on the rear of front seats are becoming the favoured option. The “full cloth” map pockets contain bungee cord sewn inside the top edge of the pocket. The cord does not prevent the pocket from being opened but provides tension to close the pocket flush with the seat. Ibex offers customers the option to colour code the cord to match the full interior of the vehicle.
Cable retention
More and more vehicles are being developed in which electrical comfort and safety features are fitted as standard throughout the seat. This can lead to the underside of the seat often appearing unsightly and, when in position, trailing cables can cause a hazard for passengers. To avoid this, Ibex supply a bungee cord with a steel hook on each end that fits neatly into the ‘J strip’ sewn into a piece of carpet attached to the seat. The hooks are then pulled across the underside of the seat and attached to the frame, so providing a protective shield for the cables and making the underside of the seat aesthetically pleasing.
Flexible manufacturing
As a company committed to satisfying customer needs, Ibex has a dedicated team working closely with customers. This allows us to achieve rapid gearing of our manufacturing facilities to meet the volume production schedules of our customers. Moreover, Ibex carries sufficient stocks to support just-in-time production plants, giving the confidence of supply to all tiers within the automotive chain.
At Ibex, we don’t just offer trim cord; we offer solutions that are customised to individual customer requirements.
