Abstract: A system and method for evaluating craftsmanship is disclosed. A system for evaluating the craftsmanship of an article of manufacture may include a list of components to be evaluated, a list of attributes by which the components are to be evaluated, and a report providing a quantitative score of each component according to each attribute. The attributes include visual attributes, tactile attributes, functional attributes, and psychological attributes. A method of evaluating the craftsmanship of an article, including a plurality of components or assemblies, may include a set of steps. The steps may include evaluating visual attributes of at least one component or assembly, evaluating tactile attributes of at least one component or assembly, evaluating functional attributes of at least one component or assembly, and evaluating psychological attributes of at least one component or assembly. The method may also include the step of providing a report of quantitative results or ratings.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating craftsmanship is disclosed. A system for evaluating the craftsmanship of an article of manufacture may include a list of components to be evaluated, a list of attributes by which the components are to be evaluated, and a report providing a quantitative score of each component according to each attribute. The attributes include visual attributes, tactile attributes, functional attributes, and psychological attributes. A method of evaluating the craftsmanship of an article, including a plurality of components or assemblies, may include a set of steps. The steps may include evaluating visual attributes of at least one component or assembly, evaluating tactile attributes of at least one component or assembly, evaluating functional attributes of at least one component or assembly, and evaluating psychological attributes of at least one component or assembly. The method may also include the step of providing a report of quantitative results or ratings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing automotive seat assemblies using fabrics with pre-bonded adhesives. Adhesives are pre-bonded to the back surface of fabric material using a variety of processes. The fabric with pre-bonded adhesive is then cut into pieces, which may be joined with other pieces, to form a trim cover assembly. Heat is then applied to activate the adhesive and attach the trim cover assembly to a cushion pad to manufacture a complete automotive seat assembly. The invention methodology allows the use of shorter bonding cycle times to achieve a suitable bond and reduces the likelihood of omitting, improperly positioning or wrinkling the adhesive.

Abstract: A method for bonding a cover fabric to a cushion body to form a seating component, preferably a seat cushion of a vehicle seat assembly, includes the step of supplying a heated atmosphere, preferably steam under pressure, to a forming tool of a forming apparatus, the forming tool diffusing the heated atmosphere and passing the heated atmosphere out of the tool, through the cover fabric, and into the cushion body to melt an adhesive layer between the cushion body and the cover fabric, while the cushion body and cover fabric are subjected to a pressurized environment, preferably by locating the forming apparatus, the cover fabric, and the cushion body in a pressure chamber maintained at relatively high pressure.