The Best Material for Sunglass Frames

Many individuals wear sunglasses for two main reasons. The first one is to protect their eyes from the sun's rays, and the other one is to match it with their outfit. Although the style and the price are the common factors considered when buying eyewear, it is essential to know that there are other things to keep in mind. One of these is the materials used in creating the sunglass frames.

Choosing the Perfect Sunglass Frames For You

Sunglasses can be made of different materials. Most manufacturers use metal and plastic, while others prefer more sustainable materials like bamboo and wood. When purchasing eyewear, it is essential to consider not only the colour of the frames but also the materials used to create them. It is because there are individuals who are allergic to metal or plastic. That's why it is important to know the type of material used in your sunglass frames to prevent any issue.

Metal Frames. Metal is one of the most commonly utilized materials in crafting eyewear. The following are some of the metal types and the essential facts that you need to know about them:

#1 Aluminum - Aluminum is a lightweight and silvery-white metal, which is one of the most abundant resources on Earth. A small amount of it can be added to other kinds of minerals to improve their properties, making them more useful. Aluminum is mostly used in high-end frames. Sunglasses made of this metal are believed to be durable, flexible, and corrosion-resistant.

#2 Beryllium - Beryllium is a light metal that is used in metallurgy. Metallurgy is the process of extracting metals from their ores and altering them for specific uses. Compared to eyewear made of titanium, beryllium is cheaper and comes in various colours. Expect your sunglasses to be durable and lightweight if this metal is used in the frame. 

#3 Flexon - Flexon is an alloy of titanium. An alloy is a metallic substance that is composed of two or more elements. Flexon is a flexible material which makes it an ideal material for kids' eyewear. The said metal is also hypoallergenic, so if you opt for metal frames but allergic to them, using flexon could be an alternative.

#4 Monel - Monel is also a mixture of metals. Some manufacturers use a protective coating in the sunglass frames to protect skin from allergic reactions. Monel frames are both flexible and corrosion-resistant.

#5 Stainless Steel - Stainless steel belongs to a family of alloy steels that has 10-30 percent of chromium. They are also durable materials perfect for metal frames. 

#6 Titanium - Titanium is a silvery-gray metal that is strong and lightweight. It is a low-corrosion structural material used in making eyewear. Like flexon, it is also hypoallergenic and can be one of the best picks for children's eyewear.

Plastic Frames

Like metal, plastic is mostly used in creating sunglasses. Compared to metal frames, plastic frames are less expensive and come in a wide range of fascinating colours and styles. Although they are fragile, many individuals prefer this material. If you opt for plastic frames, here are the things that you need to be aware of: 

#1 Blended Nylon - Eyewears that use blended nylon as the primary material is expected to be durable and lightweight. Because of their malleability, they are commonly found in wraparound styles.  

#2 Cellulose Acetate Propionate - This material is another best pick for kids since it is hypoallergenic. It is a lightweight and soft material which is preferred by many individuals.

#3 Polyamide - Polyamide is a blend of nylons and is used for active eyewear. Although they are light and durable, they might alter their shape when exposed to extreme heat.

#4 Zyl - Zyl frames are easy to adjust materials which are used by many opticians. They are also cheap, lightweight, and durable. If you are considering colour, then you may use zyl since it comes in a variety of hues.

 

Wooden Frames 

Besides metal and plastic, using wood as the primary material for sunglasses is continually becoming popular. Besides durability and sustainability, wooden sunglasses make an excellent choice for uniqueness and style. Here are some types of wood used in crafting a wooden sunglass:

#1 Amaranth Wood - Amaranth wood is also referred to as Purpleheart because of its visual appearance. According to some sources, it is also regarded as one of the most exotic trees that originate from Central and South America. This colour can make your sunglass more unique compared to other eyewear. It is a durable material used in some eyewear. 

#2 Maple Wood - Many manufacturers prefer maple wood in crafting accessories like wooden watches and wooden sunglasses. It is because the said wood type has a smooth grain. Besides durability and unique colour, maple wood looks great in any outfit.

#3 Teak Wood - Teak wood is a valuable material and often praised not only for its durability but also for its elegance. Compared to other wood types, sunglasses made of teak wood are more expensive. It is because teak wood contains natural properties that cannot be found in some woods. It is weather-resistant because of its high oil content. If you want a versatile and stylish sunglass, then try to find eyewear made of teak wood.

#4 Walnut Wood - If you are looking for a dark-coloured frame that is also made of wood, then opt for walnut frames. The wood from the black walnut is dense, hard, and dark-grained. Woodworkers commonly prefer it because of its colour and strength. Walnut wood can be polished into a smooth finish, giving you a gentle touch.

From metals and plastic to wood materials, you have several options to choose from when buying sunglass. It is essential to be aware of their properties to know if they match your preferred colour and style. It is also vital to pick eyewear with frames that are hypoallergenic to avoid getting skin rashes.