What eyeglass material is right for you? Is there a certain look you are trying to achieve with your eyeglasses? Do you need a material that is hypo-allergenic? Maybe you’re looking for something flexible, durable or eyeglass frames that are totally unique. There are numerous materials used in the eyeglass frame industry today and they all have their own unique characteristics.
Often times people lump frames in to one of two categories, plastic or metal. Within these categories there are numerous choices. There are also materials that don’t fit in to either of these categories that we will review.
Plastic Frames
Zyl- limitless color options, ability to layer transparent and translucent colors over one another creating dimensional looks. Lightweight and cost-effective.
Propionate- a nylon based plastic that is hypoallergenic. This plastic is more transparent and glossy than other plastics. This material is usually chosen for it lightweight nature.
Nylon- Often chosen for sports and performance frames. Nylon materials like gliamides, grilamid or trogamid are very resistant to extreme temperatures yet still remain flexible. Many of the popular wrap around sunglasses styles today are crafted of nylon.
Benefits of plastics in general include color selection, cost and that they are lightweight. Some drawbacks to a plastic frame are their tendency to break more easily than a metal frame, their ability to burn and the fact that exposure to sunlight and heat can decrease their strength over time. Some plastics colors also fade over time although this is not a significant issue with modern materials.
Metal
Monel- the most widely used material in the manufacture of eyeglass frames. This can be a mixture of numerous different metals and often results in malleable and corrosion resistant frames. Not all monels are corrosion resistant however and some people’s skin chemistry can react to certain monel materials.
Titanium and Beta Titanium- this material is known for it’s strength. It is also lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistant. Titanium frames are perfect for people with skin sensitivities as they are hypo allergenic. Titanium by naute is light grey in color though new technologies and material combinations are allowing for hints of color on titanium eyewear. Beta titanium is simply an alloy of titanium and another metal, usually copper or nickel. beta titanium frames are normally less expensive than pure titanium.
Beryllium- a less expensive alternative to titanium eyewear. Beryllium is available in a wide variety of colors, is lightweight, durable and tarnish and corrosion resistant.
Stainless Steel- This is a strong, light weight material with low toxicity. Most stainless steel frames are nickel free making them hypo allergenic. This material can lens a modern look to eyewear, and is resistant to corrosion, abrasion and heat.
Flexon- is a titanium based alloy produced by Marchon. Many other companies now have their own versions referred to as memory metal. Like many other metal materials memory metals are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They are also hypo allergenic.
Aluminum- This is a lightweight, highly corrosion resistant material. Aluminum frames are not widely available though sometimes used by high end eyewear designers for the unique appearance it offers.
The main drawback to metal frames is if they contain nickel some people will have allergic reactions to them.
Other Materials
There are many exotic materials used in the manufacture of eye wear today. There are frames crafted of Bone, Buffalo Horn, Bamboo and other types of Wood. Many frames are embellished with materials like leather, rubber, gemstones or crystals. There are even frames that are more jewelry than anything as they are crafted of gold, silver and in some cases diamonds. Each of these materials have their own unique characteristics and are best considered on an individual basis.