tinklines

Tinklines are flexible, conductive, and often luminescent filaments used in soft electronics, wearable technology, and interactive art. They are designed to be embedded in textiles or lightweight sculptures to carry electrical signals, power small devices, or emit light in response to stimuli. The term combines tinkering with the idea of a line, reflecting their role as craft-friendly electrical pathways.

Construction and variants. Most tinklines feature a core fiber or thin wire with a conductive layer of copper, carbon, or conductive polymer, sometimes protected by an insulating sheath. Some incorporate a luminescent coating for glow. Diameters typically range from 0.05 to 0.5 millimeters, and configurations can be single-conductor or multi-core for simple circuits.

Manufacture and handling. They can be produced by extrusion, coating, or printed electronics. Tinklines are designed to be sewn, woven, or adhered into fabrics and sculptures and are compatible with low-power microcontrollers and standard connectors. Operating voltages generally lie in the 3–12 volt range, suitable for LEDs and textile sensors.

Applications. They are used in educational kits to teach circuits, in interactive art to create light trails, and in wearables requiring lightweight, conformable wiring.

Limitations and research. Durability under bending and washability remain challenges, as does moisture sensitivity. Research focuses on fatigue resistance, robust connectors, and standardization to support broader adoption.