Proto-PIC - What’s the Use of Conductive Thread

1. What’s the Use of Conductive Thread? http://proto-pic.co.uk/

2. Use of Conductive Thread • Conductive thread is basically a metallic thread, or a thread with a metal core, which can be used exactly like normal sewing thread but can also conduct an electrical charge. It is not as efficient a conductor as the wiring on printed circuit boards but it is certainly efficient enough to cover a pretty wide range of end uses.

3. Use of Conductive Thread • Clothing manufacture incorporating conductive thread allows clothes companies to make fashion items that incorporate lit up logos or other appealing gimmicks. On a more application based level, the use of conducive thread in clothing allows for clothing to be heated; to dissipate static; to shield from currents including some EM currents; and to transfer signal and power.

4. Use of Conductive Thread • Most of the applications for conductive thread are therefore military; public order; or sport specific. For example, heated wetsuits (released generally only a couple of years ago) allow wearers to stay in the ocean for much longer times in much colder waters. Though there is concern that the power source for these wetsuits may attract sharks, so don’t get too excited yet!

5. Use of Conductive Thread • One of the most recent and controversial uses of conductive thread is in creating clothing that can resist the attack of a Taser or stun gun. The conductive thread woven into the clothing acts as a Faraday shield, protecting the wearer from electric stunning.

6. Use of Conductive Thread • Conductive fibres are non conductive or minimally so at hear, and are coated with the conductive layer. The basic structure of the thread is the same no matter what substrate and outer layer you use – making it ideal for use in a variety of applications. High performance cores can produce extremely strong conductive thread, for example.