3D printing techniques in making custom eyeglasses frames

Abstract

The spectacles (or eyeglasses) are optical instruments that have the role of protecting the eye or correcting certain vision defects. A pair of glasses consists of the actual frame and two lenses. The main role of the frames is to position the lens as correctly as possible on the optical axis of the eyes. The basic dimensions of the glasses are: the line of the glasses, the optical centres of the two lenses; the length of the lens, measured from the line of the spectacle; the distance between the two optical centres; the minimum distance between the lens and the width of the bridge. Starting from these parameters, the shape of the frames can be customized according to the wearer's physiognomy and his preferences, so that the glasses correspond from the aesthetic point of view and to the fashion trends. Based on this information, this paper aims to present a method of making custom frames using 3D printing techniques. These techniques offer the possibility of dimensional choice of the frame, colour, shape and appearance, so as to match the wishes of the user from all points of view.