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How to use Fibre Optics in your model project FAQ
Fibre optic looms are made from special PMMA plastic (acylic) that is shatter resistant, transparent and flexible in thin diameters. Light projected into the fibre strand at one end is emmitted at the other, hence it is called 'end emitting' fibre optic.
What are fibre optic looms for model making?
Fibre optic looms we sell typically consist of 10 strands of fibre optic, bundled together with an LED light source and resistor at one end. They come in a range of diameters from 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm, 1.5mm & 2mm. The thicker the diameter of the fibre optic strand, the less flexible it is, and the less bend radius it has before it will snap. 0.25mm is highly flexible. 2mm is stiff. Fibre optic looms and kits
What are the best sizes for model making?
0.75mm is the typical size where you get a decent point of light and a mid range flexibility so it will suit a wide range of applications. 0.25mm and 0.5mm are great where you need a pin prick of light and very flexible strands, say for buttons in a Sci-Fi cockpit. 1mm and 2mm are better for vehicle headlights/tail lights where you need a bigger area of light and mimimal flexibility is required.
What model making applications are best for fibre optics?
Fibre optics are versatile but they do suit types of lighting where a more diffuse point of light is required. They don't cast much light themselves so if you need a bright light you would use an LED rather than fibre optics. They are perfect where you need lots of lights running from a minimal number of LEDs.
Ideal uses for fibre optics include:
Buttons or indicators on a console, cockpit, dashboard etc
Starfield effects, night sky backdrops
Tiny lights on Sci-Fi models such as a Star Wars Destroyer
Headlights / Tail lights on Model Railway Locos, Smaller scale vehicles etc
Railway signals
Flashing lights in a Sci-Fi model (combined with a flashing LED)
Can I have special effects/flashing fibre optics?
Yes, fibre optics can be combined with any LED, flashing, flickering, rainbow or breathing and the same effect will be at the end of the fibre optic strands. Special Effects fibre optics
Will the light glow along the length of the fibre optic strands?
Generally, no. While a small amount of light will be visible closest to the LED light source, fibre optics are 'emd emitting' so they are not designed to light up along their length. The exception to this is with special side glow or sparkle fibre optic which has been cracked along it's length so light is visible along the whole strand. You can try to do something similar with end emitting fibre optic by knicking it along the length with a sharp scaple, but be careful not to cut through it. It will weaken the strands too. You can also try sanding along the fibre optic strand which will allow the light to bleed out for a diffused light. I would only do either of these techniques with thicker strands of 0.75mm or above.
Will fibre optics be visible in daylight?
End emitting or side glow fibre optic will be visible in daylight but as with any lighting, it is most effective when it is darker, so the lights are not competing against strong sunlight or brightly lit rooms. If the model itself creates an enclosure, for example inside a tank, a house or a cockpit, then the lighting will appear brighter as the overall competing light levels are reduced.
Can I increase the light output of the fibre optic?
Yes, fibre optics can be used with a technique called 'mushrooming' where the end of the fibre strand is heated to bloom out the end which makes it large and polishes it for greater light output. This also helps hold the fibre in place after cutting. It works best with 0.75mm or larger fibre optic where the heat is less likely to melt the rest of the fibre strand.
Using a blob of clear silicon or cool melt glue on the tip of the fibre optic may also work.
What glues can I use with fibre optics?
Maybe this question should be what glue should I not use! Superglue is the main glue to avoid with fibre optics becasue is makes the fibre brittle and it will snap, ruining all your hard work. Any glue that melts plastic would also be avoided.
Glues like hot melt glue, two part epoxy and PVA are all suitable and safe.