Sunglasses protect our eyes from the direct rays of the sun. It is highly dangerous for our eyes have long exposure to the sun’s UV rays, so we need protection in the form of sunglasses. But did you know what materials they use in making sunglasses, particularly the frame that holds it together? Here, we will discuss the different types of frame materials for sunglasses.
NYLON
They commonly use nylon in making the frame for sunglasses not only is it durable, but it is also highly resistant to extreme heat and cold temperature. The first use of nylon in making sunglasses started in the early 1940s. There were attempts made, and some original trials met with breakage with the brittle form of nylon that was initially used. Then, with some continuous trial, and development, a stronger and sturdy form of sunglasses out of nylon, was introduced. Although made durable and sturdy, the nylon-made sunglasses can also become brittle, eventually.
ALUMINUM
It made sunglasses frame is lightweight and has lesser designs compared to other materials of the sunglasses frame. It has color options, though wherein brown, gold, and black are more regularly the variety. Aluminum has the characteristic of stiffness, which makes it less versatile. Where aluminum hinges, nose pads, and end pieces for frames are concerned, rivets and screws are used.
TITANIUM
It is also one material used, specifically for metal sunglasses because of its strong, durable, and high-tech metal. It is lightweight yet strong, with high resistance to corrosion or rusting. We consider titanium the most expensive option in sunglasses, but with the use of titanium alloys, which is not a solid titanium ingredient, the price is lowered.
Titanium is also a hypoallergenic material in which a vast number of people can use sunglasses made from it.
Because of its high price, there is also a limited model that is out in the market, but you can have it customized.
CELLULOSE ACETATE
A hypoallergenic plant-based material that was introduced in the 1940s. It was from a natural compound derived from wood pulp or cotton. Such materials refined and cultivated to be mixed later on with acetic acid to produce the material cellulose acetate.
Considered the highest quality, and the best option for sunglasses.
Cellulose Acetate, aka zylonite, is lightweight, versatile, inexpensive, and durable. It is easy to color and can also have unique designs or patterns compared to other eyeglass materials.
Cellulose acetate eyeglasses can be a long process to manufacture as there are several steps to follow, and they often use hands in making sure the eyeglasses will be of the highest quality.
PLASTIC INJECTION
Molded sunglasses with the use of plastic injection is an inexpensive option as compared to using cellulose acetate. It came, however, with some disadvantages, such as its stability that can break or get brittle when exposed to extreme weather. When exposed to the sun, the tendency for this eyeglass is to warp and get discolored.
Since plastic injection molded sunglasses are mass-produced, the price dramatically decreases. Since they do it with the help of machines, the manufacturer can produce thousands of this in less time compared to handcrafted eyeglass, which is painstakingly crafted with the use of human touch.
MONEL ALLOY MATERIAL
Another prime material used for making eyeglass frames. Monel alloy is also widely used in valve production, wind instrument, aircraft, water tanks, roofing, among others. The materials composing of 68% nickel plus copper, manganese, silicon, iron, and considered stronger than steel, which is highly resistant to deformation, corrosion, rusting, and expansion caused by extreme heat.
They can transform this material because of its high malleability into any shape, but still keep its sturdiness, and hence, it is the best choice to use for bridges and other frame pieces.
Some issues with this material include its high price and less color option. People who are also allergic to nickel may have issues wearing sunglasses made of this material.
We can find the availability of wholesale sunglasses online as there are manufacturers who mass produce different frame designs for sunglasses. Although, some materials are widely used more than other materials mentioned, such as Monel alloy materials, Molded plastic injection frame, and Cellulose acetate. Wholesale can even start at twenty-five pieces for a bulk price. If you are buying more, prices will considerably lessen.
