Types of eyewear
When browsing through eyewear in stores, you often hear salespeople mention titanium frames, metal frames, or acetate frames. If you’re not familiar with these materials, it can be confusing. Many people know little about the various eyewear frame materials. Let’s explore the basic knowledge of these materials.
The Importance of Eyewear Frame Materials
The material of an eyewear frame significantly impacts its price. Eyewear frames can range from tens of RMB to thousands, depending on the brand, material, and craftsmanship. Currently, the market mainly features three categories of eyewear frame materials: metal, plastic, and natural materials. Here’s an overview of these materials:
1. Metal Materials
Metal eyewear frames are among the most popular types, including both optical frames and sunglasses. Common metal materials include:
- Copper Alloy: A mix of copper and other metals, such as zinc cupronickel (copper, nickel, and zinc alloy), brass, and bronze. These alloys are known for their durability and corrosion resistance.
- Monel Alloy: Easy to process and highly corrosion-resistant but less elastic, making it suitable for medium and high-end frames.
- Nickel-Chromium Alloy: Known as the new alloy, it is silver-white in color but has poor elasticity.
- Memory Alloy: Known for its ultra-elastic properties, memory alloy returns to its original shape after being bent, making it ideal for temples.
- Pure Titanium and B Titanium: Extremely lightweight and corrosion-resistant, titanium is one of the primary materials for high-end eyewear. B titanium, in particular, is very elastic and resistant to sweat.
- Gold: Rarely used in pure form due to its softness. Gold is often used as a surface treatment for other metal frames due to its high cost.
2. Plastic Materials
Plastic materials are widely used in eyewear, primarily divided into:
- Injection Molding Frame: Made from acetate fiber particles (PC) using an injection molding machine. These frames are cost-effective and suitable for mass production but offer fewer color options.
- Acetate Frame: One of the most popular types of eyewear today. Acetate frames are cut and processed from acetate fiber plates. They are durable, rich in color, stylish, and resistant to deformation.
3. Natural Materials
Natural materials include wood and buffalo horn:
- Wood Eyewear: Made from wood and bamboo, these frames are completely harmless to the human body. They are more expensive due to the complex processing involved.
- Horn Eyewear: Made from buffalo horn, these frames offer unique benefits and are highly valued. The material is rare, and the processing is intricate, making horn eyewear more expensive.
Conclusion
Understanding the different materials used in eyewear frames can help you make an informed decision when purchasing glasses. The type of material not only affects the price but also the durability, comfort, and style of the eyewear. Whether you prefer metal, plastic, or natural materials, each offers unique benefits suited to different needs and preferences.
For more detailed information on eyewear design and materials, click here to learn more.