Automotive steering wheels in integral skin

Entry and mid-segment automotive steering wheels are frequently manufactured with an internal metal armature and polyurethane integral skin coating — a bicomponent system that is injected into a closed mold around the armature, forming a single piece with a dense, smooth outer surface (the "skin" naturally formed by contact with the heated mold) and a softer cellular core. The result is a steering wheel with pleasant feel, leather-like appearance (with texture engraved in the mold), durability over years of use, and cost significantly lower than natural leather-wrapped wheels. Premium steering wheels use natural or synthetic leather stitched over a denser PU core. Sports steering wheels may use PU combined with materials like Alcantara or carbon in the upper section. The specific technical application of PU is as a functional coating with grip properties, UV resistance (steering wheel exposed to sun), resistance to human skin oils, and durability over millions of contact cycles.