Eyeglass Frame Materials

Finding eyeglasses with all the qualities which are most important to you personally could be as fundamental as choosing a frame material, each distinguished by its very own strengths.

You may also choose frames depending on factors including color, hypoallergenic materials, durability, lightness, price and uniqueness.

Metal Frames

Metal is the most popular material for eyeglass frames. Trying to find details relevant to Laguna Niguel Optometrist. There are many forms of metal to choose from, with each which consists of own distinctive properties.

Titanium. This premium metal is very strong, durable and corrosion-resistant. It's also 40% lighter than precious metals, as well as hypoallergenic, which makes it a nearly perfect material for eyeglass frames. Titanium frames can be found in several colors.

Beta titanium. This is surely an alloy of predominantly titanium, with small amounts of aluminum and vanadium. These precious metals in the alloy make beta titanium more flexible than 100% titanium, for easier fitting adjustments.

Memory metal. This is a titanium alloy composed of roughly 50% titanium and 50% nickel. Frames made from memory metal are extremely flexible and will be twisted or bended for an extreme and still return to their original shape. This feature makes memory metal frames ideal for kids or anyone who is actually difficult on their glasses.

Beryllium. This lower-cost substitute for titanium resists corrosion and tarnishing, making it an excellent option for anyone with high skin acidity and for anyone who spends adequate time in or around salt water. It's also lightweight, strong, flexible and accessible in a wide range of colors.

Stainless steel. This is an iron-carbon alloy this contains chromium. Stainless steel frames are lightweight, strong, durable, flexible and corrosion-resistant. They also can come in in matte or polished finishes.

Monel. This popular, inexpensive material is an alloy of nickel and copper. It is less costly than metals, but - depending for the quality of the plating used - monel frames might discolor and cause skin reactions over time.

Aluminum. Aluminum offers a unique look and is therefore normally seen in high-end eyewear. Frames made out of aluminum are lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant.

Plastic Frames

Zyl. This material (also called zylonite or cellulose acetate) is often a lightweight and affordable type of plastic. It's also typically the most popular plastic employed for eyeglass frames. Zyl frames can be bought in a wide selection of colors, including multi-colored models and frames with different layers of color.

Propionate. This is a nylon-based plastic that is strong, flexible, lightweight and hypoallergenic. Propionate can often be used in sports frames due to the durability.

Nylon. This frame material is still occasionally used. Nylon is strong, lightweight and flexible, nevertheless it can become brittle with age. For this reason, it's got for the most part been replaced by nylon blends - polyamides, copolyamides and gliamides - which tend to be more durable.

Combination Frames

As you might guess, these are frames who have both metal and plastic components. Popular inside the 1950s and 1960s, combination frames are making a comeback, in a wider selection of colors compared to the classic models.

Mix It Up!

Each frame material offers its very own advantages and magnificence features. For eyewear that suits every occasion in your life, consider purchasing multiple pair of glasses, and choose a different frame material for every pair.

For example, you might want a conservative-style frame made from durable, lightweight titanium for work. But on weekends, you may want something with increased color or style, being a zyl frame in laminated colors or possibly a combination frame using a modern spin on that classic retro look.