Smaller, cheaper products like glowbys and fiber optic center pieces can also easily be incorporated into wearables, but they don't give you any ability to change the color of your lights, and they are often cheap and poorly made. Am I going to experience degradation over time? Corning powers their fibers with lasers instead of LEDs which makes them significantly brighter with a look very similar to el wire as you can see in the last photo. No problem! I am new to fiber optics but I think it's ok to have water flowing over the fibers. Their shape makes them easy to attach to a bundle of fibers (or a single large fiber) using just heat shrink tubing and glue. You can combat this dimming by putting a light source at both ends of the fiber as I've done in the third photo above. Everyone I know who works with fiber optics seems to have come up with their own solution to this problem. Bulk fiber optics are still not widely available as a retail product, but they are not hard to find if you know where to look. The side glow fibers, which are softer, can be easily cut with a sharp xacto knife, but it's harder to get a clean cut on the harder end glow fibers. (I'll talk more about this later). Their glow seems to appear more visible when they are encased inside fabric or another diffusing material like they are in the suspender s in the third photo above. Jenn Mann who also makes amazing fiber optic wearables, has found a way to use layers of laser cut acrylic to create a similarly shaped connecting strip between LEDs and fibers. So I am at a loss where to buy the module that lights the fiber. Natalina made her dress and coat using a fiber optic whip that comes pre-assembled with a large bundle of fibers attached to a bright RGB LED with many pre-loaded programs. The fibers being used in these textiles are end glow fibers that have been strategically abraded to release light along the length of the strands, and the resulting fabric is fairly stiff and coarse. Fiber optics come in a variety of diameters, shapes and types. The clear inner core allows light to travel unimpeded down the length of the fiber while the cladding acts like a one-way mirror, containing any light that tries to escape the fiber by bouncing it back into the core in a process called total internal reflection. I am working on a bedroom decoration using fiber cables for lighting - not a data application. Hand sewing down bundles of fiber optics is pretty time consuming and it takes a bit of skill to make it look neat, but it does work well, and it gives you a lot of room to create freehand layouts. I have a diagram thatmight clarify things, I'll try to attach it.So do you think this can work well? It also made the fibers glow brighter. I used this technique on the chest piece and shoulders of the Sea Warrior outfit. Does anyone know how these can be fixed. If you only want to see see the points of light at the the ends of the fibers, you can hide most of the fiber inside a garment (like NLED-Projects did with this Fiber Optic Top Hat) and just attach the strands so the ends are visible as shown in the last photo above. A big challenge in this is the fact that the fiber optics themselves are quite slippery and don't adhere to most glues very effectively. So come fall down this rabbit hole with me, and turn yourself into a mesmerizing bioluminescent sea creature you know you want to. This is in theory an awesome idea, but so far I haven't been that excited by the results. They could potentially be useful in wearables for a similar purpose. I'll also be adding to this Instructable as I discover more fiber optic knowledge, but for now, this is what I know. Question This is a slightly less time consuming way to contain the fibers, and it creates a nice effect by making the fibers appear to be hovering in midair when it's dark. Some kits come with the light generator and the optical fibres, for some, you need to add your choice of fibre optic bundle separately. I personally think they look a bit cheesy, but I'm sure they would be great for some projects. The intensity of the fiber's glow depends on the intensity of the light source. I am hoping that you or someone reading this post may be able to pass on some ideas or experiences with embedding fibre optics into resin.My project involves pouring a resin floor and embedding side emitting fibre optics of various sizes through the resin floor. My project will be using exposed end glow fibers and is an outdoor installation with pretty much full exposure all year long (dappled shade of a tree). I haven't personally experimented with this, but I have seen it done, and it definitely makes the fibers much brighter and more daylight visible. I wouldn't recommend them for wearable projects." Once this has set, I would carefully sand back any exposed strands, (hopefully none). I bundled my end glow fibers into groups of about 30, then heat shrunk the ends together and cut them with an exacto knife to create a smooth edge. Our kits consist of optical fibre bundles and a light generator - all you need to create your own twinkling star ceiling, wall or floor project. What tool could I use to cut the bundle all at once to create a clean cut? Because of the way they are constructed, with a cladding that is intentionally less effective, light gradually escapes along the whole length of the fiber creating a fairly even glow almost like a neon tube or el wire. Have you ever seen an applicationlike this before? Help please. I'm searching for a multistrand fiber optic cable cutter. I would then pour the finishing layer of floor. Multi Strand "Side Glow" Cable: Unlike the end glow cables, which contain straight fibers, the fibers inside these clear cables are twisted, ostensibly to allow more light to escape along their length. 3 years ago I guess it's generally a better bet to use another color LEDs rather than white with side emitting :/ I'll be sure to add this info into the guide so people are warned. They are also generally stiffer than the side emitting fibers. 11 months ago However, as you can see in the second photo above, some light also escapes from the end of the fiber creating a bright point of light where the fiber is cut. The tails can be installed in cement, ground, between paving slabs, stones, or even in the grout between tiles. For more inspiration, please check out our articles about customer projects. 3 years ago I am really surprised that it's happening so quickly with yours though, especially with a light on each end. They seem to be available anywhere from 2mm to 12mm in diameter. Regardless, it'll give me the effect I'm after at least for the initial unveiling of my project. I haven't played with this material much myself, but it is definitely an interesting possibility for wearable projects, and I'm sure it will continue to be developed in new and exciting ways. I was thinking of using shrink wrap tubing to put the ends together. Because the fibers can carry light far from the electronics that are the source of illumination, they are also great for projects that need to be weather-proof or washable. Any input appreciated. But when I use a colored led is shines the right color. Even putting a small mirror, instead of a second LED, at the other end of the fiber helps keep the light contained, making the whole strand brighter. No time for installing fibre optics lighting on your own? The floor will also have some metallic fleck added to the resin to increase the sparkle and effects of the lighting.I plan to pour the resin floor in 3 layers. We have a range of starlight kits depending on project type and size. In fact, the options seem to be growing every time I look online. I am not even sure if these ribbons are technically fiber optics or just another plastic material that transmits light fairly well, but I think they have a lot of potential for interesting uses. With the right kind of masking and strategic abrading, I think this technique has a lot of potential to make fiber optic fabric more exciting. These hats are available online. About: Costume and experimental fashion designer and artist. Variations on this shape can be 3D modeled to fit the form of what you are creating. I'll get in touch with Wiedamark as well with the same question. Another, even easier way to access some great lighting programs, is to buy a pre-programmed chip like the Cool Neon Driver I used in my LED skirt project and wire that to addressable LEDs. I have a 16 watt now. Question With the Kinook dropped ceiling box ceiling kit, it is easy to create the metallic frame for a dropped ceiling. If this is not an area you're knowledgeable in, it would be so much appreciated if you have any recommendations of where/who etc I could contact to learn more.Thanks!Matt, Answer I am just barely beginning to learn Arduino programming, but even with a minimum of knowledge, it is fairly easy to find interesting lighting programs online and load them into your microcontroller. On designs like the Sea Warrior headpiece, the 3D printed nodes that marry the fibers to the lights also function as a means of attaching the fibers to the headpiece (photo 5). However I have one query: I have built a Christmas Village layout with printed backscenes and would like to add tiny stars to the sky in the backscenes - I attach a photo, The sky/backscenes are just visible at the back of the layout. However I will have edge emitting fibers in a flowing water stream. Our starlight floor kits can be placed under floors (for example in bathrooms, childrens rooms), decking areas, garden pathways. One relatively simple way to do this is to use individually addressable RGB LEDs with a microcontroller. I am lighting it from both ends with super bright 5mm white leds. I think projects like these are a great use of end light fiber optics because they use both the points of light at the ends of the fibers and the dimmer light along the strands as visual design elements. *Be aware that hot glue loses effectiveness in extreme or extended cold or hot temperatures.Please let me know if this method doesn't work! Question A standard "end emitting" fiber optic designed for lighting is a long thin strand of plastic consisting of a very clear core and an external coating called a cladding. Our sensory lights and fibre optics are suitable for star ceilings, patios and cars. Please bare with me I don't know nothing about fiber optic but love how it works, so please in dummy terms if explaining to me. Solid Fiber Optic Ribbon: I first saw these as the light in the inside of illuminated ankle bracelets for biking, and later in a pair of costume suspenders I found a Michael's crafts. I had accidentally cut a line and didn't want to replace the whole line. Taking the fibers out of the casing can be a little tricky however, and often results in nicking the fibers in places. Maker of clothing and accessories for time traveling cyborg superheroes, and lucid dreamers. You will either need to have access to space above the ceiling or create a structure that conceals your light engine and the optical fibres, as shown in our installation video. For installation in cars and floors, you will find further information on the individual product pages. The method of installation depends on the location for your fibre optic stars. on Step 3. Another way I like to integrate fibers into my designs, especially the larger side light fibers, is by sewing channels into two layers of sheer fabric and inserting the fibers into these channels, almost like creating my own large scale fiber optic fabric (see photos 2 and 3). All of the strands of fibre optic would bundle at one end and connect into a light emitter which would connect to a DMX light controller. I'm sorry you're having this issue, but I think it's pretty much par for the course for side emitting fiber optics. End emitting fibers (also called end glow, or end light) are the classic fiber optics, with bright points of light at the ends and very little light escaping along the strands themselves. Projects like the Star Map in the second photo above make use of the ends of the fibers to spread the light from just a few points of illumination into a myriad of tiny stars. They are so beautiful but some of the lights have gone out. I don't fully understand the physics here, but I'm assuming that, because white light includes all the other colors of light, and the wavelength of light gets longer as it moves from the blue to red spectrum, the light on the more blue end of the spectrum bounces more often off the walls of the fiber, thus escaping escape more quickly, and leaving the yellower light to continue farther down the strand. Fiber optics! If you're looking to install fibre optic lights on your ceiling, youll be able to choose from several options, depending on your ceiling size and the star density you need. if this is still relevant, you can contact me: veit@funkelfetisch.deI have lasers and fibers here to test.theoretically, the fibers only forward light at about 40 (PMMA, refraction index or something like that, forgot the terminology), so the answer should be: NO. This now includes our LED fibre optic projectors, which offer unrivalled efficiency for a fibre optic lighting system. Question It appears logical based on my experience with the adhesive properties and multiple object types, but again, I'm a newbie to fiber optics. I have never used these, but they look like they might definitely be great for wearables. There was a time when I mostly used el wire in my illuminated designs, but ever since the amazing Natalina and Technorainbows introduced me to the wonders of fiber optics in their various forms, I've been on a bit of a fiber optic bender. Question With our easy to follow instructions, your creativity can run wild: you can go random, install constellations or even write your name in lights. The glow of the fiber is also brightest close to the source of illumination, and fades gradually, or sometimes discolors, as more light escapes along the length of the fiber. This can also create amazing blended color effects by having different colored LEDs at each end of the fiber. 7 months ago, I have a couple of 3D Christmas scenes with fiber optics inside that light up the scene. You can learn more about fibre optic star kits in our blog post How to make a star ceiling and 5 things you didnt know about fibre optic ceiling lights. There are definitely different qualities of fiber optics and some seem to hold the light on more than others, you could try using another kind. I have a bundle of about 100 x .75 mm fiber optic cables. Comprising of: demonstration, design, supply and fibre optic system refurbishment. Contact Privacy StatementTerms & ConditionsDeliveryReturns & Refunds, Create your own fibre optic star lights project, 5 things you didnt know about fibre optic ceiling lights, compact fibre optic and LED light starry sky panels. I am doing a similar project to Dorrinda's jellyfish. Reply Fibre optic star kits are sets containing fibre optic bundles and a light generator. (Another name for this type of structure is a "light pipe"). This fibre optic kit is ideal for creating magical twinkling lighting effect when placed under floors, decking areas, garden pathways or childrens rooms. I'm a newbie to the fiber optic field, but I have a suggestion for your inner-bundle slippage problem.Optical epoxy would be best, however, regular epoxy or slightly cooled hot glue may be acceptable for plastic fiber optics1) go to a point where the fibers begin to separate from your bundle, 2) use a flat toothpick to distribute small amounts of the adhesive amongst the inner fibers of the bundle, 3) squeeze the bundle together, 4) about 1-inch away, wrap tightly with a long length of sewing thread and dot with glue or secure with tape temporarily. The Fiber optic lights I have that I got from Amazon work very well but they get entangled at the tail ends. Using appropriately sized drill bits, you can make holes for your optical fibres in the layout of your choice, whether that's randomly distributed or in an ordered pattern. For small bundles that have been heat shrunk together, a sharp xacto can work, but for larger bundles, using a hot knife is a good idea. We are constantly researching, developing and testing the latest technologies to ensure that our range of fibre optic lighting products comprises some of the brightest and most advanced fibre optic equipment available. I haven't actually used these, but they seem to be more like a side glow fiber that is encased so that light will only emerge from the end. Share it with us! If you have any questions about our available products, please check out our FAQ page or get in touch with us! Fiber optics! Choose the one most suitable fibre optics for you by clicking on the options below! Our light engines and optical fibre bundles are suitable for projects 3-16 square metres. The car kit is ideal for installing fibre optic star ceiling (headliner) in your car. I have seen it illuminated with moving lasers, or programmable lights in ways that give it a more dynamic, subtle look. Just above in step 13 you mention the clear PVC casing on the side glow fibres to protect them from UV damage. Participated in the Make It Glow! I wouldn't recommend them for wearable projects. Side emitting fibers (also called side glow, or side light) are usually larger and more flexible than end emitting fibers. This greatly limits how the fabric can be cut if you want to retain glow in all the fibers, which means you can only use the fabric in garments with certain kinds of pattern shapes. I try to buy fiber like, They used to sell these on Sparkfun in 3mm and 5mm diameter, but they seem to have discontinued them. I am not getting nearly the full length of white light I expected. on Step 3. 4 years ago. I have purchased a couple of hats that have fiber optics pushed through the embroidered logo. We also offer a complete turnkey and bespoke lighting service. Thank you for this very helpful tutorial, it has answered a lot of questions for me. A single light source provides enough light for hundreds of star points. I have seen these with thick black casings designed to block all light except at the ends of the fibers, or in clear casings which allow you see the fibers all the way along the cable. Imnot trying to pass data, just want to know if/when the lasers hit the side of the fiber. on Step 13. Strategically abrading the fibers to add patterns of light to the fabric can also create beautiful results. The most popular application is for ceilings. The most basic way to attach fibers directly to a garment is hand sewing. Thank you I appreciate any kind of help or knowledge i can do or learn. This is a great site with a ton of well presented info. OR with side emitting fibers, possibly more! End emitting and side emitting fibers have a slightly different look and are good for different purposes. We have a range of fibre optics star kits in stock depending on the area of application and the size of your project. Have a look at our New College Chapel project in Oxford if you would like to see an example of a recently completed lighting project using our latest fibre optic LED projector. 6) Remove temporary thread. Another important consideration for wearable fiber optic projects is, how to attach the fibers to the garment or accessory you are making. Thank you. The sky's the limit! There was no section over battery life of any of the products For my project, color of lights or patterns of glow aren't really important, but to make my project perfect, I need the longest battery life possible Great article. 11 months ago, its possible, maybe, with a really short run of FO but if you do get it to work, Id love to hear about and see it if so email me joelcox@live.com, Answer You can find a good explanation of the process in this Instructable. I found your article whilst searching for information on a project that I am about to embark upon. They would also be good for creating inner glow or under-lit elements of a project where you don't want to see the fibers directly. End emitting fibers are great for directing individual points of light far from a single light source. In addition to the basic distinction of side glow and end glow, you will likely encounter some of the following variations in your search for fiber optics: Multi Strand End Glow Cable: this is a collection of end glow fibers bundled inside a plastic casing. Another option to light your fiber optics is to use small laser modules. They are usually thin, somewhere from .25 to 3mm in diameter. Woven Fiber Optic Ribbon (not pictured): A flat ribbon-like strip created by weaving thinner fibers loosely together. Also, from a personal aesthetic perspective, I think staying away from out-of-the-box primary LED colors like green, blue and red, helps keep a fiber optic project from looking like a cheesy Christmas decoration. I have found that end light fibers below about .75mm (which seems to be a fairly standard size) don't emit light along the strands as much, so if you want that kind of glow, choose a larger fiber. If you need smaller quantities, or faster delivery, One thing to be aware of when ordering side glow fibers is that they often come with a thin clear PVC casing to protect them from UV light damage. Great site. On the bottom of the scene there is an opening but I have no idea how to do this. on Introduction. I plan on the total thickness of the floor to be 4-6mm. The fibers are usually woven in one direction (warp or weft only) and they need to be bundled and connected to a light source at one end. With this easy to install kit, you can create impressive starry sky ceilings. Our fibre optics are perfect if you wish to create your own starlight ceiling project indoors or floor project outdoors.
fiber optic illumination