Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-16 Origin: Site
In automotive interior systems, the steering wheel is not only the core control device but also the first tactile experience for the driver.
What truly defines this experience is not just the outer leather or PU cover—but the inner foam layer that provides essential support for feel and durability.
As consumer expectations for driving comfort, interior quality, and environmental standards continue to rise, performance requirements for steering wheel foam are quietly evolving.
According to studies by IHS and other institutions, in mid-to-high-end vehicles, drivers are paying more attention than ever to grip, feel, and fatigue resistance. Key trends driving the importance of foam include:
✅ Integrated steering wheel functions: Heating elements, sensors, and other features require more advanced foam structures
✅ Long-distance driving: Ergonomic comfort and fatigue reduction are key
✅ Stricter environmental regulations: Foam materials must meet low VOC, RoHS, and similar standards
✅ EV boom: New demands for unique tactile feel and tech-enhanced comfort, leading to more flexible foam selection
A typical steering wheel consists of:
Metal frame + Foam support layer + Outer cover (leather, PU, TPU)
The foam plays a critical role by:
✅ Providing a balanced grip feel (moderate softness, controlled elasticity)
✅ Reducing fatigue during extended driving
✅ Enhancing surface stability and preventing slippage or deformation
✅ Offering thermal insulation, ideal for heated steering wheels
✅ Helping outer covers fit tightly without wrinkles
✅ Reducing VOC emissions to ensure in-cabin air quality
(Illustration shows how steering wheel foam wraps the metal core and integrates with heating wires to enhance comfort, especially in cold climates—a standard in premium steering wheel designs.)
| Performance Dimension | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Compression set | Maintains hand feel without collapsing under long-term compression |
| Controlled rebound | Not too soft or hard; prevents slippage and fatigue |
| Heat/cold resistance | No aging or detachment in extreme temperatures |
| Aging resistance | UV and oxidation resistant; suitable for sun exposure |
| VOC emission | Meets EU, China, and global automotive environmental standards |
| Processability | Easy to die-cut, laminate, and compatible with automated wrapping |
IXPE Foam (Irradiation Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Closed-cell structure, low water absorption, chemical resistance
Excellent stability, supports embossing and lamination
Ideal for steering wheel cores and cushioning layers
Low VOC, meets automotive environmental compliance
Full-round steering wheel cushioning
Molded foam inner liners for steering wheels
Heat-protection layers for multifunction steering wheels
Thermal-insulation pads for EV steering wheels
Custom steering wheel grip layers
Anti-slip, anti-sweat, shock-absorbing embedded foam components
We supply rolls, die-cut parts, adhesive-backed sheets, embossed types, and more—designed to meet the needs of die-cutters and steering wheel manufacturers.
As a leading global functional foam manufacturer, XYFOAMS offers:
✅ Stable high-volume supply capacity
✅ Customizable formulations to meet different vehicle requirements
✅ RoHS-compliant and low VOC materials
✅ Sample customization and die-cutting support for development
✅ Extensive export experience to Japan, Europe, the U.S., and beyond
sales@xyfoams.com
www.xyfoams.com
