AvtoVAZ has implemented the slush skin technology for interior component manufacturing, marking a first for the Russian automotive industry. This method will debut in the upcoming Lada Azimut crossover, which will feature a soft-touch dashboard instead of traditional hard plastic.
The dashboard construction consists of an elastic outer shell with a thickness of approximately 1.3 mm, backed by a polyurethane foam layer. The process involves heating a mold and applying PVC powder to create a seamless, leather-like surface. The company monitors the weight and thickness of every shell produced.
Safety remains a priority, particularly for the area covering the passenger airbag, where the shell must tear precisely during deployment. The shell is bonded to a rigid frame, with the gap filled by a two-component mixture that cures into foam to provide the soft texture.
Automation plays a significant role in the assembly process. Industrial robots handle the upper and lower dashboard sections, while ultrasonic welding is applied at 27 specific points. Final quality control involves using a specialized gauge to verify the geometry of each unit before installation.
