The design and creation of frames for glasses is a rarely talked about subject. However, design enthusiasts will revel in what is actually quit an involved process.

Glasses in the 1800\’s were quite prolific amongst the wealthy and were referred to as scissor glasses owing to the fact that they were held up to the eyes by two handles that opened and closed via the same method as scissors. However, frames such as these were much too heavy to hold onto for a long period of time. Fortunately, technology and the invention of different materials, designs, and styles have resulted in eyeglasses frames that are not only flexible, but also virtually indestructible. The following outlines the most common materials used in the creation of modern frames.

Cellulose acetate is the most common material used in creating modern frames and is also the least expensive – but is not as long lasting as other materials. Next, Cellulose propionate, another type of plastic, is used to make the more high end styles of frames, chosen because it is easily injected into the chosen mould. Greater care is imperative when working with this material so that it doesn\’t shrink too much during the heating process.

DuPont entered the frame design picture when they invented a plastic designed specifically for police vests to withstand a bullet or blow to the chest, and soon eyeglasses frames were being created using the same material in order to prevent shattering if hit in the face – especially during contact sports.

Nylon is another material used in the design of frames for glasses as it too can withstand a blow or force to the eye area. Frames made from nylon are lightweight and unbreakable. However, polycarbonate is the leader in non-destructive frames because it is lightweight, and 10 times more resistant to impact than other materials. This material is often chosen for children and sports players.

Some individuals with sensitivities to plastic will benefit by wearing eyeglasses frames made of a cellulose acetate called Optyl. A high level of specialist expertise is a must with this type of plastic or the frames will not shape correctly.

Plastic is not the only material used in frame creation. The metals and compositions most commonly used are aluminum; cheap and limited in design, cobalt; quite pricey and not used regularly, monel; easy to work with and coloured to preference, nickel silver; used for making parts of frames such as the hinges and the bridge, and phosphor bronze, a copper alloy that is very flexible and easily manipulated. Additionally, the composites used are Carbon Fiber graphite (CFG) Copolyamide (MXP7) with nylon for easier injection molding, Flexon 7 made of a titanium alloy that can return to its original shape, and lastly, Titanium Ti-227, non corrosive, non destructible and lightweight, titanium is more expensive but much stronger than steel and 50% lighter than other lightweight frames.

In conclusion, technology has brought us a long way in terms of the design and engineering of glasses frames. However, there is still a great need for skilled engineers. The modern process for frame creation requires great attention to detail, particularly in the amount of heat used in the process. Made from plastics and metals, too much heat will shrink the frames and make them brittle and easily broken.

Georgia Waters writes regularly on eye health and eye wear related topics such as eyeglasses frames.

Georgia Waters writes regularly on eye health and eye wear related topics such as eyeglasses frames: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/

Author Bio: Georgia Waters writes regularly on eye health and eye wear related topics such as eyeglasses frames.

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