May 05th, 2022 – By Promostyl

LIGHTEX, FABRICS BECOMES LIGHT

Brochier technologies, from the Lyon-based silk company Brochier Soieries, and Denis & Fils weaving have joined forces to create Lightex Industries Innovation. Lightex technology incorporates the weaving of optical fibres. These illuminating and connected fabrics are designed and manufactured locally in the Rhône-Alpes region in the weaver's factory in Montchal. To obtain a patent, it has been filed relating to the weaving of optical fibres, requiring the adaptation of traditional looms.

The manufacture of this illuminating fabric takes place in several stages. The optical fiber is woven, then the surface of the fibers undergo a treatment for lateral lighting, the materials are then assembled, the optical fibers are coupled to the LEDs and finally comes the step of the power supply and electronic control.

These luminous fabrics have applications in the automotive and aeronautical industry, health such as the treatment of infant jaundice, art and the environment with the depollution of water. They also have many advantages such as the distribution and diffusion of light on various surfaces, a very small footprint and weight, the realization of flexible and curved surfaces as well as an interesting textile aspect with the possibility of producing complex patterns. However, this bright textile still has some disadvantages such as heat dissipation and cost. These disadvantages are destined to be improved in the coming years.