Common Classification of "Eyeglass Lenses" Materials
Eyeglass lenses play a crucial role in providing clear vision and addressing various visual needs. There are several common materials used in the manufacturing of lenses. This article aims to explore and classify the most frequently used materials in eyeglass lenses, including resin lenses, glass lenses, polycarbonate lenses, nylon lenses, acrylic lenses, and polarized lenses.
At our eyeglass factory, we take pride in offering a wide range of lens options that can be customized to meet the specific needs of our customers. Let's explore the different types of lenses available:
Resin Lenses:
Resin lenses are made from a heat-sensitive and pliable high-polymer compound. They are chemically synthesized and processed to form the lenses. Resin lenses offer several advantages, including lightweight design for enhanced comfort. They are also highly impact-resistant, making them safer and less prone to breakage. Additionally, resin lenses have good light transmission and can be easily customized to meet specific requirements. These lenses are affordable and widely used in the market.
However, resin lenses have some drawbacks. They are more susceptible to scratches and chemical corrosion compared to glass lenses. They also have higher water absorption. These limitations can be improved through coating methods. The critical disadvantage is their high thermal expansion coefficient, poor thermal conductivity, low softening temperature, and susceptibility to deformation, which can affect their optical performance.
Glass Lenses:
Glass lenses are made from optical glass, offering slightly higher clarity compared to resin lenses. They have a higher refractive index, with the highest index reaching 1.9 for lens applications. Glass lenses also have a high surface hardness, making them more scratch-resistant and durable compared to other materials.
However, glass lenses tend to be heavier due to the nature of the material, which can affect their comfort during extended wear. Additionally, glass lenses are more prone to breakage. With advancements in resin lens production technology and techniques, the use of glass lenses has decreased in recent years.
PC Lenses:
PC lenses, also known as "space lenses," are made from polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material. These lenses are highly resilient and less prone to shattering, offering effective protection against lens fragmentation during intense activities. PC lenses are also lightweight and provide excellent UV protection. As a result, they are primarily used in sunglasses and sports eyewear.
However, PC lenses are more prone to scratching and come at a higher price point. The manufacturing process is more complex, and color dispersion control may not be ideal. Consequently, PC lenses have limited availability in the market.
Nylon Lenses:
Nylon lenses primarily utilize a special transparent polyamide material called TROGAMIDCX, commonly known as memory nylon. They are extensively used in sports sunglasses and high-quality eyewear. Nylon lenses offer high elasticity, excellent optical quality, and exceptional impact resistance. They are significantly lighter, weighing approximately one-tenth of glass lenses of the same volume and half the weight of traditional resin lenses.
However, nylon lenses have lower scratch resistance and higher production costs compared to other lens materials.
AC Lenses:
AC lenses, also known as acrylic lenses, are another type of resin lens. They differ from PC lenses in terms of hardness, with AC lenses being relatively softer. Acrylic lenses possess exceptional toughness, lightness, and high transparency, making them resistant to fogging.
Similar to other resin lenses, AC lenses have the disadvantage of high thermal expansion coefficient, poor thermal conductivity, low softening temperature, and susceptibility to deformation, which can affect their optical performance.
Polarized Lenses:
Polarized lenses are composed of multiple layers of resin lenses designed to filter out irregular light and eliminate glare and visual discomfort. They are widely recognized as the most suitable lenses for driving and are essential equipment for car enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts who require precise vision.
However, it's important to note that if the lens curvature does not meet optical standards, the polarization effect may be weakened, affecting the true representation of images. Additionally, polarized lenses may have lower durability.
At our eyeglass factory, we specialize in customizing lenses based on individual needs and preferences. Whether you require the lightweight comfort of resin lenses, the durability of glass lenses, the impact resistance of PC lenses, the lightness of nylon lenses, the toughness of AC lenses, or the enhanced vision of polarized lenses, we can tailor the perfect lenses for your eyewear. Experience improved visual clarity and eye protection with our customizable lens options.