Mastering Custom Sunglass Production: See The Differences of Materials

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, famously declared: "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

This timeless wisdom, emphasizing the supreme importance of information, resonates profoundly in custom sunglass manufacturing.

When embarking on a sunglass customization project, particularly for eyewear brands seeking to create unique lines, the principle of "know thyself and know thy enemy" is not merely a philosophical musing—it's a pragmatic necessity. Your "enemy," in this context, isn't the factory but rather the potential for misunderstanding, miscommunication, and ultimately misaligned expectations that can plague complex production processes.

Before you dive into a sunglass OEM or ODM venture, a foundational understanding of the industry is your most potent weapon. We strongly advise equipping yourself with basic knowledge regarding common eyewear materials and sunglass types. This includes familiarizing yourself with:

Understanding the Basics: Frames vs. Lenses

To truly appreciate the nuances of eyewear, it's essential to understand the two main components: frames and lenses.

• Frames provide the structure and style of your glasses. They come in a wide variety of materials, each with its unique properties.  

• Lenses are the optical powerhouses of your glasses. They correct your vision and can offer additional features like UV protection and blue light filtering.

Sunglasses Frame Materials: A Closer Look

Let's start with the frames. Traditionally, sunglasses and eyeglasses frame materials are categorized into two main groups: metal and plastic.

Metal Frames

Metal frames offer a classic and sophisticated look. Common metal alloys used in eyewear include:  

• Copper Alloys: These alloys, including brass, white copper, and high-nickel copper (manganese alloy), offer a wide range of colors and finishes.

  
  

• Stainless Steel: Known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties, stainless steel is a popular choice for everyday wear.  

  
  

• Aluminum: Usually, aluminum-magnesium alloy (Al-Mg), lightweight and corrosion-resistant, is a great option for those who prefer a minimalist look.  

  
  

• Titanium: This high-performance metal is incredibly strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. Titanium frames are often used in the highest-end eyewear.

Plastic Frames

Plastic frames have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, durability, and affordability. They offer a wide range of styles and colors, making them a great choice for both fashion-conscious individuals and those seeking functional eyewear. Let's explore some of the most common plastic materials used in eyewear.

• Cellulose Acetate (Acetate) Cellulose acetate is a natural polymer derived from cotton or wood pulp. It's one of the oldest and most widely used materials for eyewear frames.

  
  

• Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate is a strong, lightweight, and virtually indestructible plastic. It's often used for sports eyewear and safety glasses.

  
  

• TR90 (Nylon) TR90 is a flexible, lightweight, and hypoallergenic thermoplastic. It's known for its durability and comfort.

  
  

• Cellulose propionate (CP), a thermoplastic resin derived from cellulose, it offers a unique combination of properties, including high impact strength, excellent electrical insulation, and a wide temperature service range. It is also called injection acetate.

Lens Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

The heart of any pair of glasses is the lens. The material used for your lenses will significantly impact the clarity, durability, and overall performance of your eyewear. Let's delve deeper into the common lens materials available today.

Base Lens Materials

These are the foundational materials from which most lenses are made.

• Acrylic (AC): Known for its affordability and lightweight nature, acrylic is often used for single-vision lenses. It offers good optical clarity but can be susceptible to scratches.

  
  

• Polycarbonate (PC): Extremely impact-resistant, polycarbonate is a popular choice for children's glasses and safety eyewear. It's also lightweight and offers excellent UV protection.

  
  

• Triacetate Cellulose (TAC): A blend of cellulose acetate and triacetate, TAC lenses offer a good balance of clarity, durability, and affordability. They are often used as a base material for various coatings.

  
  

• CR-39: This high-quality plastic resin is known for its excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance. It's a popular choice for prescription lenses.

  
  

• Nylon: Lightweight and impact-resistant, nylon lenses are often used for sports eyewear and specialized applications.

Lens Functions

Beyond the base material, lenses can be designed to perform specific functions:

• Optical lens, including but not limited to single vision, progressive, bifocal, etc.

  
  

• Plain lens, a lens used to keep the front frame shape from deformation.

  
  

• Anti-blue light lens, blocking out harmful electronic blue lights.

  
  

• UV protection lens protects eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays in the sunshine.

  
  

• Polarized sunglasses lenses provide a clearer and truer view in sunshine.

Lens Coatings

Coatings are applied to the lens surface to enhance performance and durability. Common coatings include:

• Anti-reflective: Reduces glare and improves visual clarity, especially in low-light conditions.

  
  

• Scratch-resistant: Protects the lens surface from scratches and abrasions.

  
  

• UV protective: Blocks harmful ultraviolet rays to protect your eyes.

  
  

• Hydrophobic: Repels water and oil, making the lenses easier to clean.

  
  

• Photochromic: Automatically adjusts to changing light conditions, darkening in bright sunlight and becoming clear indoors.

  
  

Lens Colors and Tints

Lens color can affect both the appearance and performance of your glasses. Common lens tints include:

• Clear: Provides a clear vision without any color distortion.

  
  

• Tinted: Offers varying degrees of light absorption and can be used for cosmetic or functional purposes.

  
  

• Gradient: Features a gradual transition from a dark tint at the top to a clear or lighter tint at the bottom.

  
  

• Photochromic: Changes color in response to UV light.

  
  

• Smoke: injected out lens color, for example, grey and G15 green.

  
  

• Revo: coated colorful film on the lens, for example, Revo blue, Revo red.

By breaking down the information in this way, we provide a comprehensive overview of eyewear frame and lens materials and their categories. Yet, we believe we've just scratched the surface of this topic. In our next few posts, we'll be diving deep into each of these categories. We are Janeycheers Eyewear. We share and empower, so we grow together.