Optical Frame Materials
- Plastics
- Metals
- Composites
- Different Types of Glasses
Cellulose Acetate Plastic
- A common choice for eyewear frames, cellulose acetate offers a balance of affordability and versatility. Its wide range of colors and textures, combined with its easy adjustability, make it a popular material. However, it's susceptible to becoming brittle with age.
Cellulose Propionate Acetate
- This injection-moldable material offers lightweight durability. It's important to exercise caution when applying heat during adjustments, as overheating can lead to dimensional instability and compromise the frame's integrity.
Synthetic Fiber
- Nylon, a virtually indestructible and lightweight material, is commonly used in sports and safety eyewear. However, it can be challenging to adjust and is limited to darker color options. Additionally, its durability can diminish over time.
Hypoallergenic plastic
- Optyl is a lightweight, hypoallergenic material, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, its tendency to revert to its original shape can make adjustments challenging. Proper heating is crucial to avoid breakage.
Polycarbonate Resin
- Prioritize safety and comfort with polycarbonate lenses. This innovative material is 10 times stronger than traditional options, making it perfect for active lifestyles. Plus, it's lighter and offers built-in UV protection.
Ballistic fiber
- Originally developed for bulletproof vests, Kevlar's high-impact resistance makes it ideal for sports eyewear. However, its limited flexibility and color options restrict its design potential.
Aluminum metal
- While lightweight, aluminum's soldering and welding limitations restrict its design versatility.
Cobalt metal
- Cobalt alloys create lightweight, durable, and flexible frames. While they can be coated in various colors, the high cost limits their widespread use.
Nickel-copper alloy
- Monel's malleability and strength make it a popular choice for metal frames. It can be easily shaped into various styles and is available in a range of colors.
Nickel-silver alloy
- While commonly used in hinges, end pieces, and heavy bridges, this material's brittleness limits its suitability for the slender, modern frame designs.
Copper-tin-phosphorus alloy
- Primarily composed of copper, this flexible alloy is ideal for crafting durable and adaptable temple arms.
Stainless steel alloy
- While stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, its complex manufacturing process limits its design flexibility.
Laminated material, Tri-layer composite
- Enjoy the lightweight comfort, but be aware that frame adjustments may be more challenging due to the material's memory properties.
Carbon Fiber Composite
- CFG, a lightweight nylon-carbon composite, combines the durability of metal with a sleek, modern aesthetic. While naturally black, it's now available in a variety of colors.
Engineered plastic
- This specialized nylon blend is designed for injection molding, resulting in strong, lightweight, and durable frames that maintain their shape without the need for excessive heat.
Flexon 7 alloy
- Flexon7, a titanium-based alloy, offers exceptional durability and flexibility. Its unique "memory" property allows frames to return to their original shape, while its lightweight design ensures comfortable wear.
Titanium Alloy
- Titanium Ti-227 is a lightweight, hypoallergenic, and incredibly strong metal. While it's abundant in the earth's crust, the extraction and refining processes are complex and costly.
Plastic Spectacle Frames
- Full Plastic Frames are entirely plastic, encompassing the entire lens.
Entirely Metal Frames
- Full Metal Frames are entirely metal, encasing the lenses.
Partial Rim Frames
- Semi-rimless frames feature a minimalist design with a top frame and a thin nylon cord securing the lenses.
Edgeless Eyewear
- Full-rim frames feature a rimless design, with the lenses directly mounted to the frame using concealed screws and plastic tips.