What Is the Difference Between Plastic and Metal Eyeglass Frames? The main difference between plastic and metal eyeglass frames is material structure: plastic frames are molded or cut from acetate, TR90, or injected plastic, while metal frames are formed from titanium, stainless steel, or Monel. Plastic frames are lighter in feel, easier to color, and lower in cost. Metal frames are stro...

What Are the Different Types of Nose Pads on Eyeglass Frames? The two main types of nose pads on eyeglass frames are adjustable nose pads and integrated nose pads. Adjustable pads sit on metal arms and can be repositioned for a custom fit. Integrated pads are molded directly into the frame front and stay fixed. For B2B buyers, the choice affects comfort, return rate, and market fit — esp...

What Are the Different Types of Nose Pads on Eyeglass Frames? Eyeglass frames typically use two nose pad types: adjustable nose pads (metal arms, repositionable) and integrated nose pads (molded into the frame, fixed). For B2B buyers, the choice directly affects comfort, return rates, and market fit — especially for low-bridge and Asian-fit customers. Nose Pads for Glasses: The Two ...

What Are the Different Eyeglass Frame Hinge Types? The main eyeglass frame hinge types are standard hinges, spring hinges, barrel hinges, and hidden or integrated hinges. Hinges are the most common failure point on any frame, so choosing the right type affects durability, comfort, repair rate, and after-sales cost. Spring and barrel hinges usually last longer than basic standard hinges. ...

What Are the Different Eyeglass Frame Shapes? The main eyeglass frame shapes are round, square, rectangle, oval, cat-eye, aviator, browline, geometric, panto, and oversized. Each shape creates a different style and suits different face types and customer segments. For B2B buyers, shape is one of the fastest ways to build a collection because it affects style positioning, market demand, a...

What are hypoallergenic eyeglass frames? What are hypoallergenic eyeglass frames? Hypoallergenic eyeglass frames are frames designed to minimize or eliminate allergic skin reactions. They are made from materials that contain little or no nickel, or from metal frames with nickel-free plating. Common hypoallergenic options include titanium, beta titanium, acetate, Optyl, TR9...

What are nickel-free eyeglass frames? Nickel-free eyeglass frames are frames made from materials that contain little or no nickel, or frames that are plated with a nickel-free barrier system. They are designed for people with nickel sensitivity, a common cause of skin irritation from metal eyewear. Common nickel-free options include titanium, beta titanium, 316L stainless steel with nickel-f...

Are stainless steel eyeglass frames hypoallergenic? Yes, stainless steel eyeglass frames can be hypoallergenic, especially when made from 316L or 304 medical-grade stainless steel with nickel-free plating. Stainless steel itself contains some nickel, but the release rate is very low when the material grade and plating are correct. For sensitive-skin markets, buyers should always confirm nick...

What are the lightest eyeglass frame materials? The lightest eyeglass frame materials are beta titanium, pure titanium, and Ultem, followed by TR90 and stainless steel. Acetate is the heaviest of the common materials. Weight depends not only on the material but also on frame structure, wall thickness, and lens size. Rimless and semi-rimless designs are lighter than full rim. For B2B buyers, ...

What is cellulose acetate and what are its advantages? Cellulose acetate is a plant-based plastic made from cellulose (usually cotton linters or wood pulp) treated with acetic acid and acetic anhydride. It is the main material used in premium fashion eyewear. Its advantages include rich color depth, layered transparency, smooth polishing, and easy repair. Cellulose acetate frames feel denser...

What is ultem and what are ultem frames? Ultem is a high-performance thermoplastic also known as PEI (polyetherimide). It is used in eyewear to make ultra-thin, lightweight, and heat-resistant frames. Ultem frames can be molded into very thin profiles without losing strength, which makes them ideal for premium slim designs and minimalist collections. Unlike acetate, Ultem does not need polis...

What is monel and are monel frames hypoallergenic? Monel is a nickel-copper alloy widely used in lower-cost metal eyewear frames. It is strong, easy to weld, and holds shape well. However, monel contains a high percentage of nickel, so it is not naturally hypoallergenic. Frames made from monel can cause skin reactions in nickel-sensitive wearers unless the surface is properly plated and nick...

What is beta titanium and how is it different from titanium? Beta titanium is a titanium alloy that contains titanium plus elements such as vanadium, molybdenum, and aluminum. It is highly flexible and can return to its original shape after bending. Pure titanium is lighter and more rigid, while beta titanium offers spring-back memory that is ideal for thin frames, flexible hinges, and templ...

Titanium vs stainless steel eyeglass frames: which is better? Neither titanium nor stainless steel is universally better — the right choice depends on your price point, target market, and product positioning. Titanium is lighter, stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for premium and sensitive-skin markets. Stainless steel is stronger than most plastics, offe...

Acetate vs TR90: which is better for eyeglass frames? Neither acetate nor TR90 is universally better — the right choice depends on your market, price point, and product positioning. Acetate is denser, holds richer colors, and can be polished and repaired, making it ideal for fashion and premium lines. TR90 is lighter, more flexible, and impact-resistant, making it ideal for sport, kids, and ...

What is TR90? TR90 is a thermoplastic polyamide material developed by EMS in Switzerland for high-performance eyewear. It is known for being lightweight, flexible, and impact-resistant. TR90 frames can bend under pressure and return to their original shape, which makes them popular for sport, kids, and active lifestyle eyewear. For B2B buyers, TR90 offers a strong balance of durability, comf...

What is the difference between acetate and plastic frames? All acetate frames are plastic, but not all plastic frames are acetate. Acetate is a plant-based plastic cut from solid sheet, while standard plastic frames are injection-molded from petroleum-based resin. Acetate feels denser, holds richer colors, and can be polished and repaired. Injection plastic is lighter, cheaper, and faster to...

What are acetate frames made of? Acetate frames are made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic produced by treating cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride. The cellulose usually comes from cotton linters or wood pulp. The result is a strong, glossy, and color-rich material that can be polished, heated, and reshaped. High-quality acetate is often supplied as sheets from Italy...

What materials are used to make eyeglass frames? Eyeglass frames are made from two main material families: plastics and metals. Plastics include cellulose acetate, TR90, Ultem, and Optyl. Metals include titanium, beta titanium, stainless steel, and monel. Each material offers different weight, durability, flexibility, allergy risk, color range, and price. For B2B buyers, material choice driv...

What are spectacle frames? Spectacle frames are the frames that hold prescription lenses, and the term is the standard British and international word for optical frames or eyeglass frames. In B2B supply, spectacle frames are usually sold as frames only, without lenses. They can be made from acetate, TR90, Ultem, titanium, stainless steel, and other materials. READSUN Optical manufactures cus...

What are unisex optical frames? Unisex optical frames are eyeglass frames designed to fit and suit both men and women. They use neutral shapes, balanced proportions, and a mid-size range that works across genders. For B2B buyers, unisex optical frames are a smart way to reduce SKU count while covering two customer groups with one model. READSUN produces custom unisex optical frames for whole...

What is the difference between full rim, semi-rimless and rimless frames? Full rim frames surround the entire lens with frame material. Semi-rimless frames hold the lens partly with frame and partly with a nylon cord. Rimless frames mount the lens directly to the bridge and temples without a surrounding rim. Full rim is the most durable and common. Semi-rimless is lighter with a modern look....

What frame styles are trending for 2026? The strongest eyeglass frame styles for 2026 include retro square shapes, slim gold and silver metal frames, oversized acetate frames, transparent and crystal tones, and mixed-material designs. Demand is also rising for lightweight titanium styles, soft cat-eye shapes, and bold tortoiseshell patterns. These trends come from MIDO and SILMO exhibition r...

How do I measure eyeglass frame size? To measure eyeglass frame size, use a ruler or caliper to check three numbers: lens width, bridge width, and temple length in millimeters. Most frames already print these numbers on the inside of the temple. If the numbers are missing, you can measure them yourself in three simple steps. READSUN supplies custom optical frames in all standard sizes and ca...

What do the numbers on eyeglass frames mean? The numbers on eyeglass frames are eyeglass frame measurements, not prescription values. They usually show lens width, bridge width, and temple length in millimeters, printed as three numbers such as 54-18-145. Some frames also include A, B, and ED dimensions. These markings help B2B buyers confirm fit, size, and specification before ordering. REA...

How do eyeglass frame sizes work? Eyeglass frame sizes work with three numbers, usually printed on the temple: lens width, bridge width, and temple length, measured in millimeters. For example, 54-18-145 means a 54 mm lens, an 18 mm bridge, and a 145 mm temple. These numbers help buyers match frames to different face shapes and market preferences. READSUN produces custom optical frames in al...

What are the parts of an eyeglass frame called? The main parts of an eyeglass frame are the lens rim, bridge, endpiece, temple, hinge, and nose pad. Other parts include the temple tip, screws, and sometimes a brow bar. Understanding these terms helps B2B buyers communicate specifications clearly with manufacturers. READSUN Optical produces custom optical frames with all major frame component...

What are the different types of eyeglass frames? There are three main ways to classify eyeglass frame types: by structure, by material, and by shape. Structure includes full rim, semi-rimless, and rimless. Materials include acetate, TR90, Ultem, titanium, and stainless steel. Shapes include round, square, cat-eye, and aviator. READSUN manufactures all major eyeglass frame types for wholesale...

READSUN stands out with high-quality raw materials, precise CNC shaping, consistent color stability, premium polishing, and the ability to deliver both trend-driven and durable designs trusted by global brands.

Yes. READSUN can integrate acetate, metal, and injection frames in one brand collection.

Yes. Injection frames are ideal for large-volume and price-sensitive collections.

READSUN’s metal frames focus on lightweight structure, durability, and refined finishing.

Yes. READSUN supports exclusive color matching and customized lamination.

Standard acetate prototypes can be completed within 7–10 days.

READSUN ensures stable color consistency, precision CNC shaping, and premium polishing for acetate frames.