Identifying the material of plastic parts in automotive interiors can be done through touch, smell, observing texture and gloss, checking elasticity when pressed, and referring to official material specifications. Combining multiple senses is the most effective approach.
1. Touch and Press Feedback
PP (Polypropylene): Slightly waxy surface, relatively soft texture, slight elasticity when pressed, commonly found in non-load-bearing areas such as door panel linings and storage compartments.
ABS: Relatively hard and smooth to the touch, with sharp edges, often used for high-precision molding components such as center consoles and air vents, maintaining stability at low temperatures.
PC/ABS Alloy: Thicker than ABS, with strong impact resistance, used for the main body of the dashboard, not easily deformed when pressed, and rebounds quickly.
PVC: Soft and tough, often used to wrap steering wheels or seat surfaces, some using slush molding technology, with a delicate, leather-like feel.
POM: Extremely hard, similar to metal, used for small parts such as knobs and switches, smooth and without resistance when turning.
2. Odor Identification: After opening the car door, smell the odor. A pungent chemical smell (such as formaldehyde or benzene) is often found in inferior PVC or insufficiently treated PP materials.
High-quality environmentally friendly plastics (such as modified PP and bio-based POM) have a light or no odor. Some high-end models use bamboo fiber composite materials, which have only a slight natural smell.
