They say flexibility is a huge advantage to achieving success – whether you’re a young parent, an elite athlete, an employee, a business person… or an eye care professional. The same could be said about flexible eyewear.
Flexible eyewear is pretty well indestructible. Customers can be confident their frames won’t break when they sit on them.They can throw them to the bottom of a sports bag without so much as a second thought, and, for kids, they’re a no-brainer. The playground is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction for glasses, as is the sports field and the gym. And if your place is anything like mine, the dog probably likes to go for a run with the odd pair of specs as well.
Loads of Choice
There are loads of choices for customers who are looking for flexible frames – from acetates through to metals and even gold! It all comes down to the look and finish your customers crave – and of course – their budget
For a contemporary look, great practicality and flexibility, titanium is the ideal. Titanium frames are lightweight and can be tinted in different colours, although without the vibrancy achieved with acetates.
The iF expert jury was particularly impressed by the sophisticated technologies used
to operate the flexible memory metal of
the frames…
‘Flexon’ is one of the most popular titianium based alloys used for eyewear. Launched in 1988 by the American eyewear maker, Marchon, Flexon is known as a ‘memory metal’. That is, it returns to its original shape even after being bent, twisted or crushed. Flexon frames are corrosion resistant and strong for long-life. They’re also extremely lightweight and hypoallergenic.
TITANflex is another high-tech product used for eyewear. It’s also used in other areas of production where extreme flexibility and protection against buckling are highly important, such as in space research or medical engineering. The Eschenbach TITANflex mens’ frame (820578) received the renowned International Forum Design (iF) Material Award this year. The iF expert jury was particularly impressed by the sophisticated technologies used to operate the flexible memory metal of the frames.
Berylium is another version of titanium, which offers strength and flexibility at a lower price point. Berylium frames are available in many colours.
Jeep: Since 1941, the Jeep brand has been a symbol of freedom and capability. Designed for peak perfomance in rugged conditions, Jeep says its eyewear is virtually indestructible. By Customised Optics
Reflex: Mazzoni eyewear by Reflex has evolved with moulded bridges and flexible TR90 sides in plain colours or multi coloured patterns and a soft touch surface coating. By Frames Etc
Flexon: Since its launch in 1988, Flexon has changed the world of eyewear with its unique attributes that take advantage of Japanese materials and technology By General Optical.
Mako Feather Flex: Mako proudly claims its new Feather Flex rimless series is the ‘ultimate’ combination of lens and frame technology. By Mondottica
ByWP is an ultra-light German made collection that features wafer thin stainless steel and an innovative hinge design with no screws or welding. By Luxol Eyewear Merchants
Maui Jim: Maui Jim has launched MauiFlex, an all new metal alloy of titanium and nickel for fit, comfort, durability, and patented PolarizedPlus2 technology. By Maui Jim
Eclipse: Mod-Style's Eclipse memory flex metals collection for men is made from stainless steel, nitinol alloy and titanium.By Modstyle
Silhouette: Strong, contemporary and incredibly flexible, the Auraflex is a frame that bends all the rules: functionality combines with competitive pricing to guarantee exceptional quality and superior financial returns. By Mimo
Ray Ban Tech: LiteForce is a cutting-edge thermoplastic that delivers exceptional lightness and resistance. By Luxottica
Dior: These elegant Dior Homme foldable sunglasses are as light and comfortable as they are convenient. By Safilo Group
OiO: Thanks to the wonders of TITANflex, OiO eyewear for kids, by Eschenbach, is incredibly flexible and can cope with virtually any challenge that those little rascals have in store! What's more, they won't pinch little noses. By Eyemakers
Salomon Bubble: Salomon recently patented a ‘smart pack system’ for its Bubble range of sunglasses – a wide wrap-around toric lens for eye protection. By Shaan
Auraflex: Strong, contemporary and incredibly flexible, the Auraflex is a frame that bends all the rules: functionality combines with competitive pricing to guarantee exceptional quality and superior financial returns. By European Eywear
Schaeffer Titan has released four new flex titanium models for men, all in very saleable, rectangular shapes with varying widths and depths. By Shaan
Oio by European Eyewear
ic! Berlin: Proving that German craftsmanship is among the best in the world, IC! Berlin Eyewear’s feather-light screw-less and flexible frames combine urban elegance with uncompromising strength. By Eyemakers
Then there’s Monel – a product made from an alloy of many different metals, which is flexible and rust resistant. Because Monel incorporates nickel, it can cause allergic reactions in some wearers and can tarnish the skin if the metal corrodes slightly. Some manufacturers plate the Monel to overcome this problem.
While metal provides the greatest flexibility for eyewear, these days flexi-frames can also be crafted from some plastics. Cellulose acetate, otherwise known as Zyl is cost effective and extremely lightweight. It’s also popular among eyewear designers and customers alike because of the many vibrant effects that can be achieved with colour layering. Cellulose acetate propionate, a lightweight nylon based plastic, is also popular because it has more transparency and gloss than other plastics.
Designers of performance eyewear tend to select nylon, typically from gliamides, grilamid or trogamid for production. These materials are very resistant to heat and cold and although they feel stiff, are in fact quite flexible. Nylon frames can also be molded for wraparound styles so popular in this sector of the market.
Just as we, as individuals, age, lose our flexibility and become prone to snap under pressure so too does plastic eyewear. Although modern plastics provide far greater longevity than ever before, age and sun damage will eventually weaken frames and fade the colour finishes.
