Covestro presents new take on LEDs in clothing
16/08/2016
Rather than being on a panel or strip, the LEDs are positioned on formable films made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). They form part of an electronic system that is responsive to movement but maintains its functionality.
The TPU acts as the substrate for printed copper circuits, which are arranged in meandering patterns so they can be bent and stretched. The circuits are manufactured using a multi-stage process. First, copper films are laminated onto the TPU films. A structuring operations featuring highly-effective adhesion then produces the printed circuits and coated films are shaped as required using conventional thermoforming.
“The films are resistant to standard etching and imaging processes,” said Covestro film expert Wolfgang Stenbeck. “Formable electronic systems can also be directly laminated onto textiles, as in the case of the luminous dress.”
The technology was developed with the help of funding from the EU Commission. Its aim is to produce 2.5-dimenmsional electronic circuits in a cost-effective manner using conventional forming processing. The resulting smart circuits are suitable for use in a variety of industries, including smart textiles.
Share this story:
