At Techtextil 2011, Interactive Wear AG demonstrated the many different directions in which applications for its flexible and robust iLightX textile LED wiring solutions.

In co-operation with Starringer Wearable Solutions, the company's Frankfurt stand exhibited aimed at arousing the interest of shopfront and tradeshow designers. Behind a machine-made LED curtain decorated with a diamond pattern, visitors found the Wearable Electronics Shop, with bar stools, seat cushions and carpeting all showcasing iLightX technology.

A workwear vest from Starringer served to illustrate what can be achieved in passive safety through the use of active lighting elements and also the sophisticated technique which has now been realised for mounting the LEDs.

In a special variation of the DUR8 series of snap fasteners made by the manufacturer YKK Stocko Fasteners, Interactive Wear has integrated LEDs with a diameter of 5mm and connected them together via flexible textile cables. The technique employed here for mounting LED snap fasteners opens up possibilities for robust and highly flexible possibilities for retrofitting or for making design changes, for example in the area of workwear and safety garments.

Leather motorcycle apparel equipped with micro LEDs (with a diameter of 3 mm) on the side seams of the pants and in the breast and back areas of the jacket. During the cooler months, the wearer is warmed by a heated kidney belt designed by Platingtech. This belt features heating elements made of printed graphene (modified carbon). A women's handbag with integrated LED lighting which illuminates the inside of the bag when opened was also displayed.

Another new example of the possibilities for connecting with textiles was presented by the signal band developed for the Kissling Service GmbH to improve safety for military shooting practice. To ensure 360-degree visibility, each signal band is fitted with ten red/green LED pairs, which can be switched from one colour to the other. The use of a highly elastic textile band (52 to 90 cm) with a non-slip coating makes it possible to wear the signal band on different types of head gear.

Other exhibits included heating solutions with textile heating elements based on the iThermX wearable technology platform. One heating system will be shown for a ski boot, which is optionally available with radio control. Compared to competing solutions, the shoe-sole heating capacity of these boots not only offers about 25% more performance (for a longer period of operation), it also provides a more uniform supply of heat.