•Non allergic
•Resistant to corrosion
•Nonflammable
•Inexpensive
•Durable
•Adjustable
An ideal lens materials qualities .
Cellulose nitrate widely used.
It accept a good polish, but is
flammable in high temperature.
PLASTIC FRAME MATERIALS
CELLULOSE NITRATE
It is hard
Retained its shape even in hot climates.
Easy to workup on
Disadvantage is that it is inflammable.
CELLULOSE ACETATE
Less inflammable .
Stability is low.
Allergic reactions
CELLULOSE PROPIONATE
It is used in combination frames.
Nickel silver
Also known as Germen silver.
Resistant to corrosion.
Optyl
Epoxy resin is used for spectacle
frames and is known under the trade
name of Optyl
Optyl 30% lighter than cellulose acetate.
It is highly stable.
It is appropriate for those who might be
allergic to other type of frame materials
Nylon & nylon based materials.
1.Nylon-
High flexibility .
Previously used extensively for spots
eye Wear.
2.Polyamide/co polyamide
It is a nylon based material.
It is strong.
It can be made thinner only 72% weight of
cellulose acetate.
Cont…..
It is resistant to chemicals &solvent.
It is opaque & translucent .
Hypoallergenic.
Grilamid
It is a nylon based material.
Used in sports & performance type of eye
wear.
Large variety of color possibilities.
Carbon fiber
Used to create a thin strong frame.
Made from carbon combined with nylon.
Light weight .
Carbon fiber is 60% the weight of
cellulose acetate.
Frame color will be opaque & are limited.
DISADVATAGE
Problems in breakage in cold weather
Polycarbonate
It primarily for sport or safety purposes.
Very impact resistant.
The type of sports glasses that are held
in place with elastic straps
Polycarbonate sports frames
Safety frames with plano lenses can be
molded as one unit.
It may be used either alone or worn over
conventional glasses
Kevlar
Kevlar is a material that is also mixed with
nylon.
It, too is a strong, lightweight ophthalmic
frame material.
Stable over a large temperature range,
but is difficult to adjust.
Pliable with heat, it will not shrink or
stretch.
Rubber
Sports eyewear and sunglass frames
may be made from a combination of nylon
and rubber.
As would be expected, these frames are
flexible and will return to their original
shape, but are not adjustable
Metal Frame Materials
Anodized aluminium
Lightweight.
Inexpensive.
Resistant to corrosion.
Stainless steel
Highly resistant to corrosion.
Stable.
Easy to manufacture.
Gold
Very attractive .
Resistant to corrosion.
Non allergic.
Nickel-Based Materials
It is strong and malleable.
Number of people who may have an
allergic reaction to nickel.
Pure Nickel.
Nickel Silvers.
Monel Metal.
Aluminum
Aluminum is both strong and extremely
lightweight.
Aluminum does not solder or weld well,
It holds the adjustment well, but has no
flexibility.
If it bends, it stays that way.
Stainless Steel
oIt is made mainly from iron and chrome
and is highly resistant to corrosion.
oStainless steel is strong.
oIt made very thin has an element of
springiness and flexibility
oStainless steel is one of the more non
allergenic materials
Titanium
Titanium is a versatile and abundant
material that has become increasingly
common for use in ophthalmic frames.
Advantages
Light in weight .,titanium is 48% lighter.
Titanium is very strong, which allows
titanium frames exceedingly thin..
Titanium is very corrosion resistant.
Excellent choice for people in hot climates
Titanium is hypoallergenic.
Disadvantages of titanium
Titanium is hard to solder or weld.
Because the manufacturing process is
more demanding,
Titanium is more expensive than
conventional materials.
Certified 100% Titanium—All major
components of the frame are at least
90% titanium by weight and, no problems
with wearer allergy, the frame must not
contain any nickel
Certified Beta Titanium—All major
components of the frame are at least
70% titanium by weight, and there must
be no nickel content
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy traditionally made
from copper and tin.
Is corrosion- resistant,
Lightweight , and takes color well.
Magnesium
Magnesium is even lighter in weight than
titanium.
Exceptionally durable.
Other Materials and Alloys
There are other materials that are also
suitable for frames, including cobalt,
palladium, ruthenium, and beryllium.