Eyewear Materials: a complete guide for B2B buyers.
Everything you need to know about TR90, acetate, titanium, metal and magnesium-aluminum frames — the properties, the production process behind each, and how to choose the right material for your line.
TR90 Frames
TR90 is a thermoplastic polyamide — a memory resin engineered for eyewear that needs to be light, flexible and tough. At HAO Eyewear, TR90 frames are produced in-house by injection molding, where heated resin is shot into precision molds. Our injection workshop runs multiple machines at up to 5,000 pairs per day.
A typical TR90 optical frame weighs just 18–22 grams, yet resists impact and snaps back to shape after bending. That combination of comfort and durability makes TR90 the material of choice for kids eyewear, sports frames and high-volume everyday styles. It also accepts a huge range of colors — over 50 finishes including matte, transparent and two-tone.
Because injection molding scales efficiently, TR90 is one of our most cost-effective materials at higher volumes, with low MOQs and fast lead times.
TR90 frames wholesale · ultra-light eyewear · flexible glasses manufacturer
Acetate Frames
Cellulose acetate is a plant-based plastic prized for its depth of color, glossy finish and substantial hand feel. Unlike injection plastics, acetate frames are cut and shaped from solid sheet, then hand-polished — a labour-intensive process that gives each frame its premium character.
HAO Eyewear works with genuine Italian Mazzucchelli acetate for premium lines. Founded in 1849, Mazzucchelli is the world’s most respected acetate maker, and its material delivers richer, more layered colors and patterns than standard acetate — a key selling point for brands positioning at the higher end.
Our acetate process combines CNC cutting with multi-stage hand polishing and assembly. The result is the tortoiseshell, transparent and laminated colorways that dominate today’s fashion eyewear — fully customizable in shape, pattern and logo for OEM and ODM partners.
acetate frames factory · hand-finished acetate · premium cellulose acetate · Mazzucchelli eyewear
Titanium Frames
Titanium is the premium choice for metal eyewear. Pure titanium is exceptionally light, completely corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic — ideal for wearers with sensitive skin. Beta titanium, an alloy, adds extra flexibility for spring temples and adjustable components.
Working titanium demands precision: it is harder to cut, weld and plate than ordinary metal, which is why titanium frames sit at the top of most collections. Our skilled welders and finishers produce clean, durable titanium frames with a refined, luxurious feel.
For brands targeting premium optical and executive markets, titanium signals quality the moment a customer picks up the frame. We offer pure and beta titanium in optical and rimless constructions, with IP and PVD plating options.
titanium frames manufacturer · pure titanium eyewear · beta titanium glasses OEM
Metal Frames
Metal frames remain a backbone of any eyewear collection. We work primarily in stainless steel and Monel — a nickel-copper alloy valued for its corrosion resistance and easy adjustability. Both take plating beautifully and hold their shape over years of wear.
Our metal workshop handles spot welding, soldering and a full range of surface treatments: electroplating, PVD and IP coating in gold, gunmetal, silver and custom tones. This versatility makes metal frames suitable for everything from minimalist round profiles to classic aviators.
Economical at volume and endlessly customizable in finish, metal is the practical workhorse material — and a strong choice for value-driven and classic-styled collections.
metal frames OEM · stainless steel eyewear · Monel glasses manufacturer
Magnesium-Aluminum Frames
Magnesium-aluminum alloy is the performance material of modern eyewear. It pairs the lightness of titanium with high rigidity and excellent corrosion resistance — the same family of alloys used in aerospace and high-end electronics.
The result is a frame that feels almost weightless yet holds its structure, with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Anodized finishes give Mg-Al frames a distinctive matte, soft-touch surface that resists fingerprints and wear.
Mg-Al is increasingly popular in premium sport, outdoor and business-casual eyewear, where wearers want all-day comfort without sacrificing strength. It offers an excellent balance of weight, durability and price for brands seeking a modern edge.
magnesium aluminum frames · aerospace-grade eyewear · lightweight alloy glasses
Material comparison table.
| Material | Weight | Cost | Durability | Customization | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR90 | Very light | Low | High | High (50+ colors) | Kids / Sport |
| Acetate | Medium | Mid–High | High | Very high (patterns) | Fashion brands |
| Titanium | Very light | High | Very high | Medium | Luxury brands |
| Metal | Medium | Low–Mid | Medium | Medium (plating) | Classic / Value |
| Mg-Al | Very light | Mid–High | Very high | Medium | Sport / Premium |
Not sure which material fits your line?
Our team will recommend the right material, construction and finish for your target market and price point.