Introducing Lens Material
TAC Lenses
TAC lenses are made from triacetate cellulose, which is a type of plastic derived from cellulose.
Properties:
TAC lenses are known for lightweight nature, high optical clarity, and resistance to impact and chemicals, making them durable and suitable for outdoor activities.
TAC lenses provide excellent optical performance, often comparable to polycarbonate lenses(PC).
Applications:
Used in sunglasses designed for everyday wear, sports, and outdoor activities.
In summary, TAC lenses occupy a space alongside other popular lens materials like polycarbonate, CR39 offering lightweight comfort, durability for a wide range of sunglasses applications.
PC Lenses
Polycarbonate (PC) is a lightweight and durable material derived from a group of thermoplastic polymers. t is commonly used in safety goggles, sports eyewear, and automotive components.
Properties:
PC lenses are highly impact-resistant, making them suitable for activities where eye protection is crucial, such as sports and industrial environments.
Applications:
They are particularly favored for sports eyewear due to their combination of impact resistance, lightweight design, and optical clarity.
PC lenses can also be customized with coatings (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-reflective) to enhance durability and performance.
Nylon Lenses
Nylon lenses are made from polyamide, which is a synthetic polymer known for its toughness and flexibility.
Properties:
Flexibility: Nylon lenses can be molded into different shapes and designs, offering flexibility in eyewear styles.
Applications:
Nylon lenses are used in a wide range of eyewear products, including sunglasses, fashion glasses, and safety goggles. Nylon lenses can be treated with coatings (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-reflective) to enhance performance and longevity.
Nylon lenses provide a balance of durability, lightweight comfort, and optical clarity, making them a versatile choice for various eyewear applications. They are particularly valued in sports eyewear.
CR39 Lenses
CR39 lenses, also known as Columbia Resin 39, are a type of plastic lens material, made from a lightweight plastic material called allyl diglycol carbonate.
Properties:
Scratch Resistance: Good scratch resistance, though they are not as durable as polycarbonate.
Applications:
CR39 lenses are commonly used in fashion sunglasses, everyday prescription glasses, and reading glasses.
They are favored for their optical clarity and lightweight design, making them comfortable for extended wear.
The differences among TAC, Nylon, CR-39, and PC (Polycarbonate)
Key Differences:
Impact Resistance:
PC and Nylon are known for their high impact resistance, making them suitable for sports and safety eyewear. TAC and CR39 also offer impact resistance but to varying degrees.
Optical Clarity:
CR39 and TAC typically offer superior optical clarity compared to PC and Nylon, with minimal distortion.
UV Protection:
TAC, CR39, and PC lenses are often treated to provide UV protection, whereas Nylon lenses may require additional coatings for UV protection.
Applications: Each material has specific applications where it excels. For example, PC is ideal for safety and sports eyewear due to its impact resistance, while CR-39 is favored for prescription glasses due to its optical clarity and affordability.
Choosing the right lens material depends on factors such as intended use (e.g., sports, fashion), required durability, optical performance, and budget considerations. Manufacturers often select materials based on these factors to meet the needs of different types of eyewear consumers.