Neltex®
Fabric-based circuit technology for electronic textiles
Powering the Future,
One Thread at a Time
NELTEX® is a patented fabric-based circuit technology developed by NEL Technologies. It enables electronic circuits, sensors, switches and heating elements to be integrated directly into textiles, building on NEL’s decades of expertise in precision chemical etching.
Unlike printed or bonded electronics, NELTEX® creates conductive pathways within the textile substrate itself, producing electronic textiles (e-textiles) that retain the flexibility, breathability and feel of conventional fabric.
Developed over more than 25 years, NELTEX® represents a fundamentally different approach to wearable and textile-integrated electronics.
NELTEX® transforms conventional fabrics into functional electronic platforms, enabling circuits, sensors, switches and heaters to be created within textile substrates for use in wearable technology, healthcare monitoring, communications, security and consumer electronics.
How NELTEX® Works
At its core, NELTEX® uses a textile substrate as a functional base layer. Conductive pathways are integrated within this fabric, not printed on top or bonded to the surface, creating circuits capable of carrying power or data while preserving the textile’s natural flexibility and feel.
Depending on configuration, a single NELTEX® fabric can act as a heater, a sensor, a switching interface, or a combination of all three. This multi-functional capability means one lightweight textile assembly can replace several conventional rigid components.
Where NELTEX® Is Used
NELTEX® addresses the limitations of rigid electronics in textile applications. Applications range from healthcare monitoring garments with integrated patient sensors, to defence clothing with embedded heating elements, to communications equipment with fabric-based antennas and consumer textile interfaces.
How NELTEX® Differs from Other Approaches
Most wearable electronics rely on conductive yarns, printed inks or attached flex circuits, each with limitations around durability, complexity or comfort. NELTEX® creates the circuitry within the textile structure itself, meaning it can be cut, sewn and joined using standard textile manufacturing methods with no special equipment.
Working with NEL on NELTEX®
NELTEX® is a patented technology platform, not a standalone product. We support its adoption through intellectual property licensing helping organisations explore how fabric-based electronics can be integrated into their products. Whether you are developing a new product concept or looking to enhance an existing design with electronic textile functionality, our engineering team can assess feasibility and recommend a development pathway suited to your application and market.
The opportunities to integrate NELTEX® into your products are wide-ranging, from wearable health monitoring and smart clothing to defence, communications and consumer electronics. Contact our team to discuss NELTEX® technology, licensing options or partnership opportunities.
What is NELTEX®?
NELTEX® is a patented fabric-based circuit technology developed by NEL Technologies. It enables electronic circuits, sensors, switches and heating elements to be integrated directly into textile substrates, creating functional electronic textiles (e-textiles) without compromising the fabric’s flexibility, comfort or physical properties.
What problems does NELTEX® solve?
Conventional approaches to wearable electronics, such as attaching rigid PCBs, bonding flexible circuits, or weaving conductive yarns, each have limitations around comfort, durability, circuit complexity or manufacturing integration. NELTEX® solves these by creating the electronic functionality within the textile itself, so the fabric remains a true textile while delivering genuine electronic capability.
What types of electronic functionality can NELTEX® provide?
NELTEX® can be used to create conductive circuit pathways, capacitive and resistive sensors, switches and user interfaces, and heating elements, all within a fabric substrate. The specific functionality depends on the application requirements and is defined during the development process with NEL’s engineering team.
How is NELTEX® different from printed electronics on fabric?
Printed electronics are typically applied to the surface of a fabric and can degrade with
washing, flexing and mechanical stress. NELTEX® circuits are integrated within the textile structure itself, meaning they are inherently more durable and can be processed using standard textile manufacturing techniques such as cutting, sewing and lamination.
What industries can benefit from NELTEX®?
NELTEX® is suitable for healthcare and medical monitoring (wearable patient sensors), security and military (heated clothing, communications), consumer electronics (textile-based interfaces), sports and performance clothing, and any application where electronic functionality
needs to be embedded within a textile without adding bulk, rigidity or discomfort.
Is NELTEX® a product I can buy, or a technology I licence?
NELTEX® is a patented technology platform. NEL Technologies supports its use through licensing agreements, co-development projects and strategic partnerships. The engagement model is tailored to your project scope, application and market.
How does NEL's etching expertise relate to NELTEX®?
NELTEX® builds on NEL’s 40+ years of experience in photo chemical machining and flexible heater manufacture. The precision etching and circuit fabrication techniques that underpin NEL’s core manufacturing capability are applied to create the conductive elements within
NELTEX® textile circuits.
How can my organisation get started with NELTEX®?
Contact NEL’s engineering team with details of your application, target market and the electronic functionality you need. NEL will assess feasibility and recommend a development pathway, whether that’s a licensing arrangement, a joint development project, or a strategic partnership. Every NELTEX® design is modelled in CAD, with conductive paths, resistive zones and connection points engineered to the application’s specific electrical, thermal and
mechanical requirements.