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What Are The Materials of Eyewear

2023-07-22

What are the common materials of eyewear? The most important thing when buying an eyewear is quality. Eyewear materials essentially come in plastic, acetate, metal, buffalo horn and sometimes a combination of those. 


1.Plastic Material

  • Polycarbonate:It is a relatively inexpensive type of plastic and also one of the most popular plastics used in eyewear frames. They are cheap and durable, and it can be made into various shapes. Many manufactures prefer to use this material. 
  • TR90 (Nylon):Produced through Swiss technology as a thermoplastic material that is incredibly durable, flexible, and lightweight. They are supremely lightweight and offers a barely-there feel that you truly have to wear to believe. 
  • Cellulose acetate: The main material of acetate is cellulose acetate, the materials are essentially plastic. They are otherwise known as a material called Zyl, which is one of the most popular types of frame materials in the eyewear industry. Many high-end eyewear use this material. In order to shape the temples of glasses and prevent it from bending, a needle is usually inserted into temples, which has become its characteristic. The eyewear produced with this material mainly include acetate sunglasses and acetate optical frames.


2. Metal Material

There are many kinds of metals, a good quality metal eyewear can involve up to different good metal materials in order to produce them. Some metals such as titanium are even more complex. Metal eyewear can take up more time to manufacture. In general, metal is lightweight, strong and flexible, making them ideal for eye frames production. The eyewear produced with this material mainly include metal sunglasses and metal optical frames.

Here are several common metal materials used to make eyewear:

  • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is made from a blend of steel and chromium, making it a very strong metal with an element of flexibility. Although it is heavier than titanium, it can be made very thin, thus reducing its weight. It will not corrode and is nickel free, again making it hypoallergenic which is good for sensitive skin.
  • Monel: Monel is an alloy, a mixture of two or more metals. It's highly rust resistant, flexible and stronger than steel.
  • Titanium: Titanium is the lightest of all the metal frames. When it combined with PC(plastic) lenses, it makes the titanium eyewear more comfortable. It is corrosion resistant, hypoallergenic and can be produced in a variety of colors. Titanium is expensive and as a result, it is typically blended with nickel or copper to product a titanium alloy for greater affordability. The eyewear produced with this material mainly include pure titanium eyewear and β-titanium eyewear. Flexon is a proprietary titanium-alloy and 'memory material' that enables the wearer to twist, bend and crush the frame without affecting it's shape. About more Titanium eyewear, please click the Titanium eyewear in our website.
  • Aluminium: Aluminium is a naturally soft material and is often combined with silicon and iron to make the frames strong and hard. Aluminium frames have a very distinctive look and are often used in the construction of high end eyewear (Aluminium eyewear) as they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The weight of aluminum glasses is one-third lighter than titanium glasses.

Actually, there are many special materials used to make eyewear. Such as bamboo, wood, tortoiseshell and buffalo horn. If you are interested, please read another article about special material for making eyewear.

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