When it comes to selecting a frame for your glasses, many people focus on style and do not pay much attention to what the frame is made of. Different frame materials have different benefits and it is advisable to do your research to help you find a frame that is ideal for you and best meets your requirements.
Frames can be made from many different types of metals and plastics. The drawbacks to plastic frames are that they break more easily than metal frames but they are ideal for people who are susceptible to allergies. Plastic frames may also get slightly weaker with sun exposure. Most frames for eye glasses are made of metal. This is because it shapes easily and does not corrode if it has the right kind of plating and becomes rust free.
Plastic Zylonite Frames
Frames made of zylonite can be relatively cheap to buy and come in vibrant colours. The frames are usually very light in weight but can become less flexible overtime. Some people are allergic to zylonite frames but this is unlikely when high quality zylonite is used. Zylonite frames usually have an additional protective coating that prevents their colour from fading.
Plastic Acetate Propionate Frames
A nylon-based plastic that is hypoallergenic. It's lightweight and has more transparency and gloss than other plastics. If your main criterion for a frame is lightness, then definitely consider propionate frames. his is another lightweight plastic frame, which is hypoallergenic.
Plastic Nylon Frames
Frames made from nylon are very common and have the benefit of being strong and light in weight. Many sports players choose nylon frames because they are highly resistant to hot and cold temperatures and are very flexible, yet also stiff. A wide variety of shapes can be made with nylon and therefore nylon frames come in many frame shapes. The main drawback to nylon frames is that colour of frames can be limited.
Titanium Frames
These frames have become increasingly popular and they are lightweight, strong and durable. Titanium is naturally grey but eyeglass frames can be coloured. Titanium may be mixed with another metal to create a frame made of an alloy. Nickel or copper may be combined with titanium to reduce the cost of the frame. Titanium also has the added benefit of being allergy free.
Beryllium Frames
These are relatively cheap frames and do not corrode nor tarnish. The frames are lightweight, strong and flexible. Further, beryllium frames can be made from a variety of colours. Beryllium frames are very easy to work with and opticians can easily bend them into the right shape because of their high flexibility. These frames are often favoured.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel frames have the benefit of being lightweight, low in toxicity and are quite strong yet do have an element of flexibility. For those who suffer from allergies, they are also hypoallergenic and at the same time, relatively cheap.
Aluminium Frames
Like many metal frames, these are lightweight and very rarely corrode. These frames have a distinct look and are often used by high-end frame designers. The aluminium may be combined with silicon and iron, which makes the frame both strong and hard, as aluminium is naturally a soft metal.
Ticral Frames
These do not contain any nickel and are therefore hypoallergenic. They are exceptionally lightweight and cheaper than frames made purely of titanium. Ticral frames are also strong and long lasting and can come in a variety of colours. They can be made quite thick and can therefore look quite fashionable like plastic frames.
Flexon Frames
This is another material, which is often used to make frames for eye glasses. It is an alloy based on titanium and has the unique quality of returning to its original shape if it becomes damaged. This makes these frames particularly popular. Even if they are twisted or bent and crushed, they will still regain their shape. Further still, these frames are light in weight, hypoallergenic and do not corrode. An overall, ideal frame material.
Wood Frames
Designer bespoke frames may be made of wood but they are hand carved and expensive. These frames have a unique look and are not commonly worn.
Silver, gold, leather, semi-precious or precious stones can all be added decoratively, to plastic frames and metal frames. They create a fashionable or unique look. Frames may also be gold-plated, in a bespoke frame design.
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