Method of producing a component for a vehicle interior

A method of producing a component for a vehicle interior comprising a heater element on a substrate as a formed component comprising a shape comprising the steps of:

• (a) heating a pre-fixing mold;
• (b) placing a liner in the pre-fixing mold;
• (c) applying adhesive to the heater element and placing the heater element on the liner in the pre-fixing mold;
• (d) heating the liner and heater element in the pre-fixing mold;
• (e) transferring the liner and heater element to a forming tool comprising the shape;
• (f) applying a foam material to the heater element;
• (g) forming the heater element on the substrate as the formed component comprising the shape;
• (h) removing the formed component from the forming tool;
• (i) providing a cover layer for the component;
• wherein the heater element on the substrate is visually imperceptible at the cover layer;
• wherein the liner comprises a removable liner remaining in the forming tool when the formed element is removed from the forming tool;
• wherein the step of applying adhesive to the heater element comprises forming temporary adhesion between the heater element and the liner;
• wherein the liner comprises a tool liner configured to facilitate removal of the formed component from the forming tool;
• wherein the tool liner is re-usable.

A method of producing a component for a vehicle interior comprising a heater element on a substrate as a formed component comprising a shape comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a heater element with a liner and an adhesive;
• (b) heating a pre-fixing mold;
• (c) preparing the heater element and placing the heater element with the liner and the adhesive in the pre-fixing mold;
• (d) heating the heater element with the liner and the adhesive in the pre-fixing mold;
• (e) transferring the heater element with the liner and adhesive to a forming tool comprising the shape;
• (f) applying a foam material;
• (g) forming the heater element on the substrate as the formed component comprising the shape;
• (h) providing a cover layer for the component;
• wherein the substrate comprises a formed substrate providing a shape for the component;
• wherein the step of forming the heater element on the substrate comprises forming the formed component with the shape;
• wherein the heater element comprises a heater mat;
• wherein the heater element on the substrate is visually imperceptible at the cover layer;
• wherein the step of preparing the heater element comprises the step of applying adhesive to the heater element;
• wherein the step of applying adhesive to the heater element comprises forming temporary adhesion between the heater element and the liner;
• wherein the liner comprises a tool liner configured to facilitate removal of the formed component from the forming tool.