Stainless steel
Characteristics: High strength and durability, good corrosion resistance, and cost-effective; may be slightly heavier than titanium, and some alloys may contain nickel that can irritate sensitive skin.
Nickel silver
Characteristics: Good strength and formability with a bright metallic appearance; typically contains nickel, so it may cause allergies and is often plated or coated for skin contact.
Beryllium Copper
Characteristics: Excellent elasticity and fatigue resistance (good spring performance), strong and corrosion-resistant; higher cost and commonly used for flexible parts such as temples or spring hinges.
Zinc alloy
Characteristics: Easy to die-cast into complex shapes and relatively low cost; generally heavier, less corrosion-resistant, and can be more brittle than stainless steel or titanium.
Titanium
Characteristics: Very lightweight, strong, and highly corrosion-resistant; usually hypoallergenic and comfortable for long-term wear, but more costly and more difficult to manufacture/adjust.
Aluminum
Characteristics: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant with a modern look; can scratch more easily and is less flexible—adjustments may be more limited than with titanium or stainless steel.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are titanium glasses truly hypoallergenic?
Yes. Titanium is highly biocompatible. It naturally forms a dense oxide layer on its surface that prevents metal ions from being released. Consequently, it does not react with human tissue, making it one of the few metals completely “inert” to the skin—ideal for eyeglass wearers with nickel allergies.
Q2: What is the difference between Pure Titanium and Titanium Alloy frames?
Pure Titanium (e.g., Grade 1 or 2) is over 99% titanium and is relatively soft, often used for full-rim frames. Titanium Alloys (e.g., Ti−6Al−4VTi-6Al-4VTi−6Al−4V or Beta Titanium) include elements like aluminum, vanadium, or zirconium for higher strength, better elasticity, and wear resistance. For sensitive skin, medical-grade titanium alloy and pure titanium frames are equally safe.
Q3: Will titanium frames rust or tarnish?
No. Titanium is extremely corrosion-resistant and will not rust even when exposed to sweat, seawater, or pool water. It does not develop green rust like copper-based frames or lose its color like cheap alloys.
Q4: Why are titanium frames more expensive than stainless steel?
Mainly due to the difficulty of processing. Titanium has an extremely high melting point and reacts easily with oxygen at high temperatures, requiring extraction and welding in vacuum or inert gas environments. Additionally, titanium causes much more wear on machining tools used for frames compared to stainless steel.
Q5: Can I wear titanium glasses while showering or swimming?
From a material standpoint, absolutely. Titanium is unaffected by soaps, shampoos, seawater, and chemicals in pool water. It is an ideal material for long-term wear (such as all-day daily use) and will not be damaged by sweat erosion.
Q6: Will titanium frames turn my skin green or black?
No. Skin turning green is usually caused by the oxidation of copper components in the frame, and turning black is often due to the peeling of cheap metal plating. Titanium contains no copper and is extremely stable, so it will not discolor your skin on the bridge of the nose or behind the ears, even when sweating.
Q7: Do titanium frames scratch easily?
While titanium is strong, its hardness is slightly lower than some hardened steels. Although it won’t break, it can develop fine surface scratches. However, since high-quality titanium frames are typically not just surface-plated, scratches will not lead to noticeable discoloration.
Q8: How should I maintain titanium glasses?
Titanium frames require almost no special maintenance. If the surface gets sweaty or oily, simply wash it with warm water and mild soap, then dry it with a soft cloth.
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The above information is from CHENGYI OPTICAL (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
