01 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

A system is more than a collection of components

Quality comes from the way the parts work together. The light source, optical coupling, bundle and distribution of light points must all follow the same design.

02 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Design comes before light

COBB Fibre Ottiche designs and manufactures bespoke fibre optic lighting systems, from starry ceilings to museum, residential and marine applications. Each solution starts with the characteristics of the space and the requirements of the project.

Space and application

Surfaces, geometry and intended use define the starting point: every setting requires a dedicated solution.

Distribution

The design establishes where the light should go. The lighting layout becomes the reference for assembling the bundle.

Diameters

Fibre selection is assessed alongside light distribution and the requirements of the specific application.

Grouping

Grouping connects the fibres to the common connector. The position of the light source and the fibre routes must be considered together.

Illuminator

The type of light, bundle and required control must be consistent with the model's technical specifications and the selected configuration.

Defining these choices before manufacture helps limit adaptations and revisions once work is underway.

03 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Light reaches where it is needed; the source remains accessible

In FB synthetic fibres, the core and cladding form a step-index structure. Light enters the core and travels along the fibre through internal reflections.

Two materials, one optical function

Core: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
Cladding: fluorinated polymer.

The materials and structure determine how the fibre guides light. Their selection contributes to the system's optical quality, alongside preparation of the input surface.

04 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Where the illuminator meets the bundle

Connector quality concerns the interface between the light source and the fibres. Securing, alignment and finishing are addressed during manufacture, before the bundle reaches installation.

1. Bundle

The fibres are gathered and arranged parallel to one another. This arrangement keeps their direction aligned with the axis of the light source.

2. Termination

Cutting and polishing prepare the common end of the bundle. These operations bring the fibres onto an even input plane.

3. Connector

The front aluminium ferrule is mechanically compressed. This securing method is designed to retain the fibres even under torsion and mechanical stress.

4. Optical surface

The flat, polished surface faces the light source at a right angle. This is where light enters the bundle.

05 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Precision also comes from manufacturing

This sequence shows how COBB prepares the bundle before installation. Securing, cutting and polishing create the geometry through which the fibres will receive light.

01. Mechanical securing

A dedicated machine compresses the front aluminium ferrule containing the fibres. Mechanical securing stabilises the bundle before the subsequent operations.

02. Cutting the excess

The fibres projecting beyond the connector are cut. Cutting prepares the common surface that will then undergo optical polishing.

03. Two-stage polishing

Two passes with abrasive paper make the surface flat and polished. This operation prepares the plane where light meets the bundle.

04. Final result

Secured, parallel fibres and a flat optical surface. The bundle faces the light source with the fibres oriented perpendicular to it.

Original photographs from COBB documentation.

06 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Directing light into the fibre

Bundle preparation and illuminator optics work at the same point: the fibres' input surface. The lens focuses the LED light towards the common connector.

Light meets a prepared surface

The quality of the finish works together with the source optics: the lens directs light onto the bundle, while the flatness and orientation of the fibres prepare the receiving surface.

Preparing both elements during manufacture addresses optical coupling before installation, when a correction would require further work.

07 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Light in the ceiling, the source away from it

Separating the illuminated surface from the light source allows accessibility to be considered during design. The starry ceiling layout and the illuminator position are parts of the same system.

Plan access to the source from the start

An accessible location makes accessibility part of the system design. Addressing it after completion may require further assessment and time.

The light point is the end of the fibre itself: a slight projection, with no attached terminal fitting.

08 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

An accessible, maintainable system

Any later intervention involves access, diagnosis and working time. This is why a good design also allows the illuminator to be reached once the surface is complete.

Three parts to consider separately

The surface, fibre network and illuminator have different functions. Their separation makes it possible to plan access to the source independently of the light point layout. Maintainability depends on the access actually provided.

Points to consider during design

Illuminator position

An accessible location is essential for technical access. It must be consistent with the bundle layout.

Fibre routes

The route connects the source to the lighting layout. Defining it during design helps limit adaptations once installation has begun.

Indicative lengths

Lengths depend on the routes and source position. Defining them early resolves a choice that affects bundle preparation.

Bends and accessibility

Bends and access spaces are part of the project's feasibility. Permitted values require confirmation from COBB.

Suspended ceiling

Adequate space for the fibres allows the planned route to fit within the designed surface.

09 / COBB FIBRE OPTICS

Illuminators for starry ceiling systems and the COBB range

The COBB range includes LED, halogen and metal halide light sources. The illuminator, bundle and control method are selected to suit the application.

LED / white light

LWH-LED3

White light

LWH-LED9

White light

LWH-LED10-TW

With twinkle effect

LWH-LED12-DIN

Dynamic white

LWH-LED20-TW

With twinkle effect

LWH-LED25-TW

With twinkle effect

LWH-LED30

White light

LWH-LED30-DIN

Dynamic white

LWH-LED40-TW

With twinkle effect

LWH-LED90

White light

LED / RGB+W

LRGB+W/LED4

RGB+W light

LRGB+W/LED12

RGB+W light

LRGBW-LED15-TW

With twinkle effect

LRGBW-LED30-TW

With twinkle effect

LRGBW-LED40

RGB+W light

LRGBW-LED60-TW

With twinkle effect

Halogen and metal halide

MLA-VR/SN

Halogen

LA-VR/SN

Halogen

LH150-VR/SN

Metal halide

The model follows the design

The type of light, bundle and control are defined alongside the requirements of the specific application.

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A complete process

The process addresses decisions that affect the result before installation. The aim is to limit later revisions and adjustments, together with the time and costs they involve.

1. DesignSurface, distribution, diameters and source are considered together. The design defines the light point layout and fibre routes.
2. Bundle preparationThe fibres are organised to suit the configuration. Grouping and routing connect the surface layout to the common connector.
3. ManufacturingSecuring, cutting and polishing prepare the bundle geometry and its light input surface during manufacture.
4. InstallationThe prepared system takes shape during installation. Fibres, routes and source follow the choices established during design.
5. CompletionThe design becomes visible. The care taken at the start also supports accessibility and any subsequent work.

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One system, different spaces

In every setting, quality comes from consistency between the design, bundle and source. Spaces and lighting layouts change; the care given to the system as a whole remains.