A seat cover is a piece of fabric that covers the front and/or rear seats in a vehicle. It protects the seats from dirt, water and other debris. A seat cover can be made of leather, vinyl or other materials. It is often held in place with zippers, Velcro or buttons. Some are waterproof and have anti-dust properties. There are also many different colors and patterns to choose from. Many are embroidered with a team’s logo for car fans to show their support.
Key attributes that are relevant for mechanical durability include fabric tear strength, abrasion resistance and pilling propensity, and these can be controlled through proper fiber type, yarn structure and fabric construction as well as fabric finishing. In addition, fit parameters, determined by anthropometry and the occupants’ characteristics should be incorporated in the design analysis.
The most common material used for seat covers is a trilaminate, consisting of a face fabric (often neoprene), a foam layer and a scrim backing fabric that controls stretch properties. The face fabric provides an attractive appearance and must meet requirements for lightfastness, soil resistance and abrasion resistance. The foam layer, usually a polyurethane with thickness ranging from 1 to 10 mm, provides softness and comfort. A scrim backing fabric is added to control stretch properties and dimensional stability.
Another important requirement is the quality of seams. The stitching process is influenced by the needle type and penetration hardness, which influence both seam width and durability. Moreover, the stitching pattern must be such that it ensures a good join without distortion of the cut parts of the material. It should also avoid any permanent deformations of the material, particularly in protruding areas or corners where the load is the highest over the longest period of time.