A huge variety of eyeglass frame materials

Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 4:37 am Post in Eyeglasses

Eyeglass frame materials including plastic, metal as well as other unusual materials have their own strength and respective qualities. These different materials of eyeglasses offer a wide variety of options to customers with different requirements.

Within the plastic category, there are many different types. Zylonite offers colors of the rainbow. It is very cost-effective and lightweight. Zylonite frames have layered colors and provide various special appearances. A nylon-based plastic called cellulose acetate propionate has more transparency and gloss than other plastics. Conventional frames made of nylon are brittle, so that modern manufacturers use blended nylon such as polyamides and gliamides, which are strong and lightweight. These blended nylon frames are particularly suitable for sports. In general, plastic frames are easier to break than metal frames. Other disadvantages include aging, strength decrease, color fading and so on.

Monel is the most commonly used metal for eyeglass frames. It features corrosion-resistance and malleability. Titanium and beta-titanium frames are favored by more and more people because they are lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion-resistant. Titanium can be applied in a combination of another metal such as nickel or copper. Beryllium glasses are a lower-cost alternative to titanium glasses. They are the best choice for people with high skin acidity or individuals working in salty environments. This material is also lightweight, strong and very flexible.

Another material featuring low toxicity and strength is stainless steel. It is an alloy of steel, chromium and another potential element. First manufactured by Marchon, Flexon is a titanium-based alloy that is lightweight, hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum is another high corrosion-resistant material that is used in high-end eyeglass frames. Commercially used aluminum combines small amounts of silicon and iron.

Besides plastics and metals, there are still some unusual frame materials. Eyeglass frames made of silver or gold are rare and expensive. Wood and even bone can be used to make eyeglass frames, bringing unique beauty. Buffalo horn frames provide elegant look and keep your body temperature. Leather can be used on temples or across frame fronts, which is interesting and fashionable. Semi-precious or precious stones and rhinestones are sometimes used as accents in frames.