What is the acetate material used to make eyeglasses? Cellulose acetate is a hypoallergenic, plant-based plastic, that first appeared in the late 1940s because of its durability. Today’s acetate frames are known for being strong, lightweight, and flexible.
Cellulose acetate is a non-petroleum based plastic made from natural cotton and wood fibers. While petroleum products can be more expensive and harmful to the environment, cellulose acetate is from renewable materials.
Acetate eyewear is made by forming layers of plastic into large blocks then carefully slicing individual parts, hand polishing, and assembling them into a frame.
The possibilities are endless for acetate eyeglasses. Cellulose acetate has the broadest range for transparency, vibrant colors, and finishes. An array of intricate colorations can be produced by layering several colors or transparencies in layers and melting them together.
Cellulose Acetate Frames vs. Injection Molded Plastic Frames
Cellulose acetate is hypoallergenic and made from renewable resources. Acetate frames are lightweight and very strong. These frames are made from cutting, forming, and polishing sheets of plastic.
Injection mold frames are made by injecting a more brittle petroleum-based plastic that is liquified, then inserted into an aluminum or stainless steel mold. Colors are added through a spray application then coated and tumbled for shine.
Injection mold frames are generally less expensive; however, they are considered to be lower quality.
Acetate is stronger, flexible, and more durable than regular plastic frames, which is why we use them for eyeglasses frames. They are more resistant to pressure placed upon the frames and can bend further before breaking. Acetate is a higher quality plastic than injected molded frames.
Durable
Besides the fact that acetate frames are lightweight, they are also very durable. Acetate frames are made by forming, cutting, and polishing multiple sheets of plastic; which gives these frames their strength. Since the acetate process takes longer with the many layers coming together rather than a straightforward molding, the acetate frames are very durable.
Strength and durability are essential aspects of eyeglasses frames, especially since glasses are the lifeline for 64% of the American adult population. Without them, some people wouldn’t be able to function, let alone read one sentence in this paragraph. Eyeglass frames are vulnerable items because an impact slightly too hard on any point on the glasses might render them obsolete. For instance, if the bridge breaks, then you have two halves which won’t stay on by themselves. If the frames surrounding the lenses break, you won’t be able to see out of one eye. In this sense, durability is essential, and acetate provides it.
Long Lasting and Affordable
Since acetate is a form of plastic, it doesn’t cost a lot to make acetate eyeglass frames. Acetate eyeglasses frames are a worthwhile investment. They provide the essentials of vision correction, but they are comfortable to wear if you need your glasses on while you are awake.
Since acetate frames are melted and molded into different eyeglass frames, the design and color of the frames won’t chip away, even after a couple of years of daily wear.
Dolabany Acetate Eyewear
Here at Dolabany, we have several frames made out of Cellulose Acetate. We are going to share a few of our top sellers.
Dolabany Peace
The Dolabany Peace frames are modified round model eyewear produced with high-quality acetate. Note the retro stylings of a keyhole bridge and real, original rivets. The Peace frame is available in the collection’s most admired color tones: Multi Demi, Teal Demi, Amber Demi, and Brown Dusk.
Dolabany Abigail
The Dolabany Abigail frames are embedded with a hint of glitter within the acetate material that is sure to stay in place and will not fade. These two-toned frames have a subtle flare shape that adds a dramatic note to an already eye-catching style. You can find the Abigail in a Demi Blue pattern.
Acetate glasses last longer and are stable, thanks to the plastic frame that huddles the lens inside. When choosing your new eyeglass frames, you want to be sure to select a pair of eyeglasses that is comfortable to wear, affordable, and flatters your face shape.
