Frame Materials

Attributes of Cellulose Acetate are:

• Requires low heat to mount lenses and make adjustments

• Can be made in a wide variety of colours and styles

• Most common material

• Hypoallergenic

Attributes of Propionate are:

• Cold snap lenses only, heat will cause bubbling

• Hypoallergenic

• Nylon based material

• Stronger than cellulose acetate

Attributes of Nylon are:

• Cannot be heated, a perfect fit is a must

• Bubbles from heat

• Good for sports or safety frames due to high durability

• Must be soaked in water once a month

Attributes of Optyl frames are:

• Needs hot air to mount lenses and adjust

• Lightweight

• Can be difficult to adjust due to the materials memory

• Opaque colours only

Attributes of Polycarbonate frames are:

• Good for safety frames due to incredible durability

• Cannot be heat, a good fit is a must

• Lightweight

• Must be soaked in hot water to mount lenses

Attributes of Polyamide are:

• Mild heat to mount lenses and adjust

• 3/4 the weight of cellulose acetate

• Hypoallergenic

• Resistant to chemicals

Attributes of Carbon Fiber are:

• Incredibly strong, good for sports and safety glasses

• Made from a blend of nylon strands and carbon fiber

• Available only in opaque colours

• Cannot be adjusted

Attributes of Nickle frames are:

• Easy to adjust

• 10% of the population is allergic. Enamels and coatings can help

• Resistant to corrosion

• Very common

Attributes of German Silver are:

• Made of an alloy of Nickel, copper, and a balance of zinc. Not actually silver.

• Usually used for frame parts or ornamental trim

• A great choice for most people

• Sometimes used as a polyamide temple core

Attributes of Monel are:

• 10% of the population is allergic

• Accepts many colours, but the colours aren't stable

• Very durable and corrosion resistant

• Monel is an alloy blend of nickel, copper with a balance of iron