Plastic glasses

It's no secret that we all love (almost all) shopping, but sometimes it can be quite exhausting. With the great offer, the different prices, materials and brands, the choice is not always easy. In recent years, the product line has quadrupled, particularly in the optics and eyewear industry. Nowadays, the eyeglass wearer needs 50 minutes on average to find a suitable mount, compared to 15 minutes ten years ago. The offer has changed considerably, as has the behavior of eyeglass wearers, men and women. One of the most common questions our customers ask us in our optician store is: "What is the difference between acetate and plastic glasses?" It is true that you do not immediately recognize the difference between the two materials, especially in rimmed glasses. We are therefore happy to show you the difference between the two popular materials in this little article.

What exactly are plastic glasses?

Plastic frames are made from a mixture of petroleum and nylon. The chemical mixture is transformed into pellets, which are then heated, melted and cast in an aluminum or steel mold. This manufacturing process is less expensive (which explains the difference in price compared to Acetate frames) and much faster (it is possible to produce about 100 glasses per minute). In the past, the frames were splashed with paint in an industrial way, but this had the disadvantage that the branches or the face scratched faster and the paint fragmented. Today, the technology has changed and instead of coloring them after, the plastic pellets are colored before the bezel transformation. In addition a protective varnish is added, which promises quality and longevity.

Are plastic glasses better than acetate frames?

A good question that is not easy to answer. In the past, plastic was not as good as acetate, but over the years that has changed, and thanks to new technologies, the quality of rimmed glasses has always improved. The biggest differences are:

- Plastic is much lighter than acetate
- Plastic is harder to adjust
- The acetate glasses have a wire in the branches, which makes them flexible. You will not find a plastic model with a wire in the branches.
- Plastic frames have simple colors, usually black, brown, blue, etc. Fancy colors with patterns or color combinations are not possible

Who are they suitable for?

Generally for all users who are looking for a good value and who are content with classic glasses, normal without too much bling. Better yet, this material is suitable for athletes. It will be hard to believe, but it's true. If you do a lot of sports, you have to buy plastic glasses for men or women. Why? As described above, the frames are ultra-light, you will hardly notice that you have glasses on your nose. Professional athletes have for years relied on brands such as Carrera, Bollé, Julbo and Vuarnet for their lightness and high performance. Many models with nose pads and rubber tips often provide even better grip and comfort despite perspiration. This detail is not available on acetate frames.

Conclusion

As you can see, each material has its advantages and disadvantages. It is our duty to inform you that you decide which material suits you best, as well as your lifestyle. If you're still not sure, visit our Visionet online store and start your search. We have a wide selection of different materials, brands, shapes and colors at unbeatable prices.