SewGlo™ · Technical Reference
SewGlo™ Illuminated Thread
Technical Specification
Full specification data for SewGlo™ LT, HD, and XR variants. Covers physical, optical, electrical, durability, compliance, and application parameters. V2.1. All values are reference-only unless expressly agreed in writing.
Specification Scope
SewGlo™ Illuminated Thread · V2.1
This specification covers SewGlo™ LT (0.30mm), HD (0.48mm), and XR (0.48mm with aramid core). All values are reference-only unless expressly agreed in writing. Data was obtained from tests conducted on standard samples at room temperature. Ellumiglow, LLC reserves the right to update specifications as product development continues.
SewGlo™ LT
0.30mm Ultra-Fine
Original formulation. Fine embroidery, script lettering, hand sewing, hobby machines. Maximum resolution due to 0.30mm diameter.
SewGlo™ HD ★ Most Popular
0.48mm Heavy Duty
Production-grade sewing thread. Commercial and industrial machine compatible. 8x stronger than LT. Apparel, automotive trim, stage builds.
SewGlo™ XR
0.48mm Structural
Aramid core for structural-grade seams. Safety apparel, load-bearing applications, architectural textiles, 50m+ continuous runs. Launching soon.
Specifications
Physical Properties
Construction & Mechanical
| Parameter | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.30mm ±0.03 | 0.48mm ±0.05 | 0.48mm ±0.05 |
| Break strength | ≥7 N | ≥60 N (8x LT) | Aramid core |
| Elongation | 3 to 5% | 3 to 5% | Aramid limited |
| Core construction | Copper + phosphor | Copper + phosphor | Aramid + copper + phosphor |
| Primary character | Thin, flexible | Thick, mechanical | Structural core |
Specifications
Optical Properties
Light Output
| Parameter | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminance (1m, 110V/2kHz) | ≥13 cd/m² | ≥20 cd/m² | ≥40 cd/m² |
| Rated lighting time | 3,000 h | 3,000 h | 3,000 h |
| Emission pattern | 360° radial | 360° radial | 360° radial |
| Visibility conditions | Best in low-light or dark environments. Glow washes out in direct sunlight across all variants. | ||
Specifications
Electrical and Operating Parameters
Operating Range
| Parameter | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Voltage range | 80 to 200 V | 80 to 200 V | 80 to 200 V |
| AC Frequency range | 400 to 4,000 Hz | 400 to 4,000 Hz | 400 to 4,000 Hz |
| Optimal frequency | 800 to 6,500 Hz | 800 to 6,500 Hz | 800 to 6,500 Hz |
| Working temperature | -30 to 150°C | -30 to 150°C | -30 to 150°C |
| Max processing temp | 180°C | 180°C | 180°C |
Power draw: SewGlo™ draws approximately 25% of the power consumed by standard EL Wire per foot. An inverter rated for 60 feet of EL Wire will support approximately 240 feet of SewGlo™. Calculate total thread length across all connected strands when sizing the inverter.
Specifications
Durability and Environmental Ratings
Abrasion and Wash Testing
| Test | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martindale abrasion (knit) | 8,000 cycles | 8,000 cycles | 3,000 cycles+ |
| Martindale abrasion (sewn leather) | 3,000 cycles | 3,000 cycles | 3,000 cycles+ |
| Gakushin friction (1kg) | N/A | 6,000 cycles | 6,000 cycles+ |
| Machine wash cycles | 100 cycles | 100 cycles | 100 cycles |
| High temp / humidity | 70°C / 95%, 14 days | 70°C / 95%, 14 days | 70°C / 95%, 14 days |
| Weathering resistance | Level 3 to 4 | Level 3 to 4 | Level 3 to 4 |
All abrasion tests result in surface coating wear but do not interrupt electrical illumination function through the rated cycle counts. Illumination is maintained throughout all rated test conditions.
Specifications
Compliance and Safety
Regulatory Qualifications
| Standard | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical safety | REACH 209, qualified | REACH 209, qualified | REACH 209, qualified |
| Anti-EMI | 9kHz to 6.2MHz, qualified | 9kHz to 6.2MHz, qualified | 9kHz to 6.2MHz, qualified |
| Anti-static | Contact / air discharge, qualified | Contact / air discharge, qualified | Contact / air discharge, qualified |
Specifications
Typical Applications and Machine Compatibility
Compatibility Matrix
| Application / Machine | SewGlo™ LT | SewGlo™ HD | SewGlo™ XR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand sewing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home sewing machine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commercial sewing machine | Caution / low tension | Yes | Yes |
| Industrial sewing machine | Not recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Embroidery machine | Low speed only | Yes | Yes |
| Load-bearing seams | No | Limited | Yes |
| Max continuous run | Short to moderate | Moderate | 50m+ |
| Fine detail / embroidery | Best choice | Limited | Limited |
| Automotive applications | Not primary | Yes | Yes |
| Safety / structural | No | Limited | Yes |
Summary
Variant Selection Guide
Use this guide as a starting point for variant selection. Contact Ellumiglow directly for OEM integrations, custom tolerances, or applications not listed.
Choose LT for:
Script lettering, fine logos, intricate embroidery on lightweight fabrics, hand sewing, and hobby machine use. At 0.30mm it is the thinnest and most flexible variant. Not suited for industrial machines under high tension or load-bearing seams.
Choose HD for:
General apparel, production runs, jackets, hats, bags, stage builds, automotive interior trim. Runs on commercial sewing and embroidery machines. At 0.48mm and 60N break strength, it handles volume manufacturing. The default for most commercial integrations.
Choose XR for:
Safety apparel, load-bearing seams, architectural textiles, automotive interior applications where sustained heat exposure is a factor, and any continuous run over 20m. Aramid core provides structural-grade tensile strength. XR is currently in pre-production. Contact Ellumiglow for pre-order sampling and OEM pricing.
Data disclaimer: All specifications are reference values only. Unless expressly agreed in writing, values should not be taken as indicative or guaranteed for the material. All data obtained from tests on standard samples at room temperature unless otherwise stated.
SewGlo™ Guides
Durability Data
SewGlo™ Testing Data
Heat resistance, abrasion, wash, and automotive qualification test results.
Deep Dive
SewGlo™ White Paper
Technology overview, integration methodology, and commercial application sectors.
Machine Settings · LT
Embroidery Guide
Machine settings, stitch spacing, and tension for embroidery applications.
Machine Settings · HD
Sewing Guide
Machine setup, hand stitching, fabric compatibility, and connection guidance.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
