Materials technology - a high-precision process every time
Further information for those who need to know more technical details
State-of-the-art technology and advanced processes characterise today's optical frame manufacture, and many processes are borrowed from the aeronautical and car industries. Computer-aided processing, precision welding techniques and laser cutting technology have had a big impact on the evolution of frame designs.
The choice of material is very important for fit, durability, style - as well as in protecting the skin from allergy. Titanium, stainless steel and nickel-free materials are all skin-friendly. Plastics have a safe record, too. It's also important that body acids do not attack the plastic, causing crazing and a dull finish.
Here's an overview of some of the frame materials used today...
Plastics
Not as strong as metals but still very durable, plastics can be sawn, blanked, milled and barrelled - which is good for small volume hand production or for the mass market.
The most common plastic used in spectacle manufacture is acetate. It delivers wonderful colour versatility, with subtle natural shades, strong synthetic tones, unique clarity and a rich depth of colour.
New techniques in multi-layering and multi-lamination provide an even more versatile spectrum of original colours and light effects and are ideal for new personalised designs and exciting finishes, whether opalescent, metallic, pearlised or glossy.
SPX is a relatively new plastic material that is extremely lightweight, strong and hypoallergenic. Silhouette eyewear.
Metals
Spectacles were originally made from gold - until the obvious cost issues made that prohibitive in most cases! Today, a variety of alloys are used. Advances in electro-plating to coat and build thickness have also revolutionised frame manufacture. Metals undergo stringent quality control tests for mechanical durability, UV light protection, resistance to heat, wear and abrasion, shock resistance and corrosion.
Titanium - this can present a challenge for cutting, pressing, soldering and finishing, so new plating methods now result in superb lightweight albeit more costly product. Pure titanium and beta titanium (nickel-free titanium alloy) are lightweight, flexible, corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic and durable - and offer a high level of comfort. Titanium changes colour in any electrolytic process, with the final colour depending on the time it is submerged in the electrolytic solution. The result is extraordinary depth of colour! Lindberg, Flexon
Monel - this popular metal alloy is corrosion-resistant and can be made into many vivid colours. It's ideal for the sides and bridges of frames and produces strong solder joints, too. The finish stays like new.
Stainless steel - this is a very strong and non-corrosive metal that is hard to damage and does not discolour. It adapts easily to most designs and can be made into very fine components - ideal for a 'springy' effect on the sides of the frame.
Beryllium - lightweight, hypoallergenic and non-corrosive, beryllium is often used as a hardener in metal alloys. It can be combined with copper to good effect in a design and it is less expensive than titanium.
Frame components - nose pads & end tips
Silicon - this is extra protective for the skin, particularly for the areas of nose and behind the ears. It's very soft, flexible, grips well and is inexpensive. Although it's less durable for nose pads than other materials, it's the preferred option as its very comfortable and easily replaced.
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