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Eyeglass frames are made out of many different composite materials and formulas, but the basic groupings are metal and plastic. In plastics, acetate is the most common although lower quality plastics are used in the cheaper frames. Nylon is often used in sport sunglasses due to its impact resistance and flexibility. Among the metals, monel is most common, followed by titanium, stainless steel, nickel silver, and aluminium.
At eyeclarity we will advice you which is the best frame material for you and your needs. |
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Determining frame quality is quite difficult. Even though frames may look the same they can vary considerable in quality, how long they last how well they fit and are comfortable. Better quality eyeglasses have a higher level of machined perfection, so that the better quality parts fit together well.
They also use higher grades of materials and coatings.
At eyeclarity we carry only quality frames and which are backed by our guarantee to ensure you get the best quality product.
 Acetate Frames
Acetate is a short name for the material cellulose acetate, which is made of wood flakes, cottonseed fibres, stabilizers and plasticizers.
Acetate is the most common plastic frame material because it can assume a large array of colours, textures and patterns.
There are variations in the quality of acetate frames and how well they keep their shape so do not continually require tightening and have variable strength. So even though the frames may look the same they can be of different quality.
Monel Frames
Monel is composed of about two-thirds nickel and one-third copper.. Monel colours well, is corrosion resistant, and durable.
With this type of material some people can become allergic to the nickel in the frame metal and have an allergic reactions.
Titanium Eyeglass Frames
Titanium is extremely lightweight and will not rust, making it a very popular and relatively new material for eyeglass frames. Titanium's strength allows it to be made thin, but it is hard to solder or weld and is expensive. Titanium is a more expensive metal composite used in eyewear known for its beneficial qualities of strength, lightness, and flexibility.
However, titanium is very difficult to colour so titanium frames usually come in a very restricted range of eyeglass frame colours.
Eyeglass frames that are 100% titanium are also a "hypo-allergenic"-they do not contain any nickel which causes allergic reactions in some people. There are many other allergies (to plastics, stainless, and various other materials commonly used to make eyewear), and 100% titanium frames are a good choice for people with allergies to any of these materials. Many designer eyeglass frame brands use titanium in some part of their collection.
Stainless Steel Frames
Stainless steel is comprised mostly of iron, with a mixture of nickel, manganese, and chromium. Stainless steel is highly lustrous, and makes a good thin and sturdy eyeglass frame with strong corrosion resistance. Although it is hard to make eyeglass frames with stainless steel due to soldering and welding difficulties, stainless steel temples are especially springy.
Nylon Frames
Nylon is virtually unbreakable, so it is often chosen for sports and safety applications. Nylon is lightweight and flexible, but can only accept opaque colours.
Aluminium Eyeglass Frames
Aluminium is cut from a block, is lightweight and low in density. This makes the material strong, and yet light enough to use for thick fashion designs.
Flexon Frames
Flexon is a trade name for one company's flexible frame material. Flexible eyeglass frames are available in many compositions, but the goal is always the same. This kind of material is used in eyeglasses frames in order to reduce breakage. It is normally found in the shaft of the temple and in the bridge, and it allows these areas to endure tremendous twisting without breakage or permanent distortion of the frame's shape.
Hypo-Allergenic Eyeglass Frames
Some people have an allergic reaction to certain metals, especially nickel and certain plastics, which are common component materials used to make eyewear. Hypo-allergenic frames, such as titanium frames, do not contain such materials.
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