Metallic fiber

Metallic fibers are manufactured fibers composed of metal, metallic alloys, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal.^[1]

Having their origin in textile and clothing applications, gold and silver fibers have been used since ancient times as yarns for fabric decoration. More recently, aluminium yarns, aluminized plastic yarns, and aluminized nylon yarns have replaced gold and silver.

Today's metal fiber industry mainly offers fibers in stainless steel, nickel, titanium, copper and aluminium for various applications.^[2] Metallic filaments can be coated with transparent films to minimize tarnishing.

Many methods exist to manufacture metallic fibers, and each comes with its own benefits and limitations. The most common methods include shaving from a larger stock,^[3] casting directly from molten metal, and growing around a seed. Multiple fibers can also be woven or intertwined to form larger strands.