M-Fibre – Innovative side light fibre for product-integrated light solutions

In terms of performance, the customers may choose between two options, as well as either a White or RGB-LED module. Inside the LED module a precision optic ensures a perfect mixing of the designated colour, as well as enabling premium light quality and greatest efficiency thanks to focussing the light beams in an ideal way. The fibres used for the M-Fibre are thin, flexible and allow small bend radii – all the while effectively providing homogenous luminance without visible colour deviations with a radiation angle of 360°. To ensure this, Polymer optical fibres (POFs in short) made of PMMA are activated by supplying them with a light-dispersing surface structure. Afterwards the fibres are bundled and coated with a diffused cover.

Depending on the application, the fibres can be activated across the entire length or only partially. With partial activation, only specific areas of the side light fibre are lit up in a targeted and loss-optimised manner. This prevents undesired scattered light and optimises the efficiency of the integrated lighting system. With this technology, multi-coloured applications and running lights or similar dynamic lighting scenarios are also possible. In connection with single or multi-coloured LED modules for one or two-sided lighting, M-Fibre allows for lighting solutions that are optimised to the installation space and can be installed flexibly over a length of several metres.

Unlike other POF solutions available on the market, M-Fibre is not available as rolled goods or standard solutions, but is a lighting system in which all individual components are optimally tailored to the respective customer requirements. In addition to the system’s high flexibility and outstanding light quality, other advantages of the new, largely tool-free technology, are the low initial costs and short development times. The new side light fibre gives product designers and developers multiple ways of achieving functional yet decorative linear lighting or indirect ambient lighting. Integration in freeform surfaces is also easily possible. Through the spatial separation of the light source and the light emitting surface, M-Fibre can also be used under water, in explosion protection areas and in the food industry.

The fields of application for high-quality, product-integrated light of this kind are wide-ranging. The automotive, Smart Clothing / Smart Luggage and mechanical engineering sectors, building services engineering, residential and office furniture or domestic appliances and safety technology are just a few examples.