A power and data line within the Loomia Electronic Layer can support sensors and power transmission. © Loomia

E-textiles and smart fabrics often suffer from a major disconnect between product development and production. While a prototype may be possible to build a scalable version of that prototype is often not possible, making a product’s ability to get to market quite limited.

With the aim of solving this disconnect, Loomia, a New York City-based product company, and Eastprint, a leader in the printed electronics industry, have announced their partnership to manufacture soft circuit systems at scale. This unique collaboration will enable sensor, lighting and heating integrations across industries, the company reports.

Loomia has raised just over US$ 1.7 million in venture funding. The company started out as a consultancy that built prototypes for Fortune 500 clients and later transitioned into a product company that focuses on making scalable soft circuit systems. After three years of research, two granted patents, and admission into the Material Connexion Library, the company is ready to scale its technology.

Eastprint, a veteran in the printed electronics industry,  brings 40 years of experience to the partnership. Its facilities in Massachusetts and Mexico will be set up to produce Loomia technology at scale – positioning Eastprint as a leading e-textile integrator.

Over the last year, Loomia and Eastprint have conducted several trial runs of a non ink-based soft circuit production system. Together, they’ve produced a heating system that is certified by the Federal Communications Commission and ready to be sold on the market. Loomia and Eastprint are already trialling the technology with Fortune 1000 companies.

Circuit boards power the world but are built for hard goods. Loomia makes a new form-factor of circuit – a soft circuit system – that can be used to power soft goods. “From automotive to apparel, our soft circuit systems can be used when standard PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) aren't up to the task- bringing heating, lighting and sensing to car seats, medical apparel and outdoor gear,” the company explains.

“E-textiles (soft circuits) are predicted to be a US$ 2 billion market in the next decade but lack the supply chain and manufacturability to reach that potential. We believe our LEL (Loomia Electronic Layer) technology is a solution to this problem.”

www.loomia.com