--- title: 3D Printed Glasses in 2024 - Viable Business or Science Experiment? description: "Explore the future of eyewear with 3D printed glasses: A look into how this innovative technology is reshaping the industry's landscape." image: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FwdNVYRxXzBkmbREJAW2pH5W3iPnX4Qw3B382JFR7D4vIYvQk1w11gmvJ6v-OdlRkUThFONIRsrBOfDmbaUElnXzT1Fzq7hwuBTjwsjsX_uWZf3ixYxE5xGyEicTQXBY4CN5HL8b --- [![Precision Eyewear Lab](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/pel_logo.png?width=271&height=247&name=pel_logo.png "Precision Eyewear Lab")](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [English](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [中文](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/cn/) - [Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/) - [Eyewear Testing Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-lab-testing) - [Sunglasses Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/sunglasses-testing) - [Optical Frame Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/optical-frame-testing) - 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By checking the box below you consent to receive marketing communications from PEL. Your data will be stored securely and not shared with third-parties. If you would like to manage your subscriptions please do so in the email that will follow. # 3D Printed Glasses in 2024 - Viable Business or Science Experiment? ![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FwdNVYRxXzBkmbREJAW2pH5W3iPnX4Qw3B382JFR7D4vIYvQk1w11gmvJ6v-OdlRkUThFONIRsrBOfDmbaUElnXzT1Fzq7hwuBTjwsjsX_uWZf3ixYxE5xGyEicTQXBY4CN5HL8b) Posted by [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) on 18 April 2018 3D-printed glasses have been a significant focus in the eyewear industry. The technology initially promised to "disrupt the market" and "redefine eyewear production," leading many companies to invest substantial resources into 3D printing custom and innovative designs. However, in 2024, the question remains: has the technology and its materials advanced sufficiently to make 3D printing a truly viable business model? And more importantly, can companies consistently control and maintain the quality of these products?   Like most innovations that affect a specific industry, you have the inevitable scramble from companies that want to be labelled “thought leaders” and “frontrunners” to capitalise on said innovation. It’s no different for 3D printed glasses, and it’s understandable from a publicity or marketing standpoint. But does it make business sense? Let’s start by looking at aesthetics (we’re not shallow, but aesthetics is probably the most significant factor to consider in the eyewear trade.)   ## Is 3D Printed Eyewear Aesthetic Enough? We’re but humble servants of the eyewear trade, and it’s not our place to give fashion advice.   But as an independent [eyewear testing laboratory](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/) we can say this - 3D Printed eyewear does seem to serve a utilitarian purpose rather than an aesthetic one. Custom printed eyewear faces the same difficulties as any other 3D printed object, quality. Mostly because Nylon is the primary material used for printing, and Nylon is very porous.   [![Eyewear QC](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/b56c73ab-de82-4b3d-8278-55d92eb5b14d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/b56c73ab-de82-4b3d-8278-55d92eb5b14d)   The result is eyewear that lacks the finish and strength that consumers are willing to pay for.   Here are a few reasons why:   - Printed eyewear isn’t uniform enough to make a great mass-produced (1000+) product - although, for some this is the basis of its appeal - The finish of the frames is rough (porous nylon) and can’t be compared to materials that have a lustrous finish such as [acetate](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/are-acetate-frames-destroying-eyewear-lenses-during-shipping), or even moulded frames - Quality testing is limited to - Drop tests, Lens mounting, Stress tests and Wear-ability testing only - Utilising material that will give the best results are expensive, and the “mix” is challenging to get right. Plus this information is not readily available.   The Printers and Material  SLS or [Selective Laser Sintering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_laser_sintering) printers are typically used to manufacture custom eyewear. These printers use composite base materials such as polyamide with a filler of either carbon fibre or glass. This combination of materials is expensive and limited in their ability to custom manufacture eyewear. Desktop SLS printers start at USD 6,990. ### What is SLS? This is some pretty awesome tech; explained in a nutshell: Selective laser sintering printers (SLS) use a laser to sinter powdered material like polyamide/nylon/glass. Wikipedia classifies Sintering as - “Sintering is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat or pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction.” The laser is pointed to an empty space predefined by a 3D model where it melts the material sprayed onto the surface to bind it together and create something solid (like an eyewear frame) where moments before there was nothing. Magic. Here’s an animated video showing exactly how an SLS printer operates. Bar the terrible voice over it’s a great illustration of how the tech works:       ## The Raw Materials To our knowledge, there’s only one company that has managed to develop a mix of materials good enough to print eyewear frames that achieve the desired look and feel. Berlin-based firm MYKITA. They developed an eyewear range called[MYKITA MYLON](https://mykita.com/en/mylon). We presume MYLON combines the words MYKITA and Nylon. ![3D printed glasses](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZCG3Cg4yV2T6RC0bCVM2rT5CmjjzZkMwbHT5snyb7reWqrmZvjC25G36se4zWhM76mw2txSG03RR4btkYCWuG7HLDwd_UQYgkJpG7c1fDgmgp5pjjJ5vIOSnqyh2bCfGv2otcrmF)“MYLON is made from fine polyamide powder fused into solid objects using a 3D printing technology called Selective Laser Sintering.” But their process isn’t clear-cut printing.  It's a combination of 3D printing and precision German craftsmanship.     In fact, it’s a closely guarded secret, one that won’t be revealed anytime soon according to MYKITA co-founder Levinson: *“We aren’t patenting anything. In doing so, we would have to disclose the materials in the mixture.”* We can agree with this; patenting can do more harm than good as it makes your trade secrets "public knowledge," which is why you would rather trademark a product than patent it. For a full breakdown of 3D printing materials (in general) here's a decent[3D printing materials guide](https://www.simplify3d.com/resources/materials-guide/), as well as a thorough guide on [High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)](https://provprocure.com/hdpe-high-density-polyethylene/)   Who else is worth mentioning? [Safilo](https://www.safilogroup.com/en) is also making a play at 3D printing, but as far as we can see, there hasn’t been a major breakthrough yet. However, that doesn’t prevent quotes like the one below being spread far and wide. *"Safilo aims to bring more innovative 3D printed eyewear creations and to show how this breakthrough technology can shape the future in the eyeglasses industry.”*   Then there’s Kickstarter Kickstarter is rife with “innovative” and “environmentally friendly” startups like[w.r.yuma](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1155776891/worlds-first-3d-printed-sunglasses-from-plastic-wa) coining phrases like “ the world's first 3D printed sunglasses from plastic waste.” Or[Binokers](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/138877970/binokers-transform-your-ideas-into-3d-printed-sung?ref=preview&token=1d13d87e) with their slogan *“Transform your ideas into 3D printed sunglasses”*. This is all good and well, we’re saving the environment, we’re innovating and freeing our inner hippies, but the results are far from glamorous. However, as far as we can see their heart is in the right place, which leads us to our next topic of printing eyewear to change the world.   **FURTHER READING** --- - [Quality Eyewear "Made in China" Not a Myth - Eyewear Insight](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/quality-eyewear-produced-in-china-not-a-myth-eyewear-insight) - [The True Cost of Eyewear Quality Control - Why it Saves You Money](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/the-true-cost-of-eyewear-quality-control-why-it-saves-you-money) - [10 Best Practices You Must Follow to Ensure Quality Eyewear Manufacturing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/10-best-practices-you-must-follow-to-secure-quality-eyewear-manufacturing)  ---   ## Printing Eyewear to Change the World   ![3D printed glasses](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Peru%20.jpg?width=800&height=535&name=Peru%20.jpg) ***Photo Credit:** Community Outreach  [Milpitas Optometric Group](https://www.milpitasoptometric.com/our-eye-care-clinic/community-outreach/)*   This article won’t be complete without mentioning the massive potential 3D printing has for the developing world. Most of us don’t think twice about spending hundreds of dollars on a single pair of eyeglasses, but it’s heartbreaking to think that millions of individuals have to live with visual impairment in developing countries. According to theWorld Health Organization, “*153 million people over 5 years of age are visually impaired as a result of uncorrected refractive errors.” Roughly 314 million people are visually impaired, with nearly 90% of blind and visually impaired people living in countries with lower to medium scale incomes. Corrective eye care is often an impossibility or scarcity due to lack of doctors, eye care professionals, and of course — eyeglasses.*” These were the statistics back in 2004 and are likely much higher today.     [“*153 million people over 5 years of age are visually impaired as a result of uncorrected refractive errors.”*](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Offers/D%20-%20The%20Ultimate%20Eyewear%20QC%20Guide%20To%20Effectively%20Reduce%20Defects%20/ultimate_eyewear_qc_guide.pdf)   Inexpensive printed glasses don’t do much for first world fashion sense, but it potentially solves a big problem for the visually impaired in underdeveloped regions. Utilising technology like that manufactured by[RepRap](https://reprap.org/wiki/RepRap) could hold the key to rolling out affordable eyewear to those in need. “RepRap is humanity's first general-purpose self-replicating manufacturing machine. If you've got a RepRap - you can print lots of useful stuff, and you can print another RepRap for a friend.” Reaching these remote areas undoubtedly has an array of obstacles before a plan can be put in motion for these eyeglasses to work. But it’s more viable than relying on centralised manufacturing to provide impoverished areas with eyeglasses in large numbers. Distributing 3D printers and necessary computer software seems like a much easier approach to a severe problem. And with the advances in solar technology, solar 3D printers can’t be far behind. As far as printing eyewear in the developed world goes, the main obstacle seems to be the correct mix of materials to get that finishing spot on. It’s by no stretch impossible, but the technology is in its infancy and will likely become more affordable and accessible in the future. But the fact is, if you want to get ahead of the game, you will have to experiment and innovate.   *Do you have any experience 3D printing glasses, or know of someone making headway?* *Please feel free to share your comments with our readers below.*     [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/8333a24c-b648-4651-85c2-dfa89c3eb9a9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/8333a24c-b648-4651-85c2-dfa89c3eb9a9) Topics: [Eyewear Manufacturing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/topic/eyewear-manufacturing) ### Share To Your Network - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/IMG_3766a-2.jpg) ### [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) Zenobia Chan is PEL's General Manager, and has been working in the eyewear industry for over 17 years. She has been involved in the entire supply chain from research and development, to order fulfillment, quality management, auditing and product compliance. She established PEL from scratch and is an annual seminar speaker at the MIDO and Hong Kong Optical Fair. More Articles [by Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) ### Recent Blogs ![The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/August%20Blog%20Post%20Images/design_oxygen_a_photo_of_a_pair_of_acetate_glasses_on_a_wooden_aa761d3a_0c83_4203_a32f_8517f130a03d_1.webp) ### The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges Acetate frames have become a popular choice in eyewear, renowned for their exceptional durability, vibrant colours, and comfortable fit. Understanding what makes acetate frames unique, how they compare to plastic, their cost, and their durability can help you decide when choosing your next pair.   ![Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/LI%20Featured%20Image%20(5).jpg) ### Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders With the implementation of the [EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)](https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2024/02/02/https-insightplus-bakermckenzie-com-bm-energy-mining-infrastructure_1-european-union-the-new-european-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_01162024/) in October 2023, achieving carbon neutrality has shifted from a voluntary commitment to a critical requirement for eyewear manufacturers targeting the European market. This new 'green tariff' initiative highlights the urgent need for brands to balance their carbon emissions with robust offsetting measures, directly impacting their market access and competitiveness. ![FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20pair%20of%20sunglasses.jpeg) ### FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US A thorough understanding and adherence to FDA sunglasses requirements is crucial for sunglasses brands aiming to enter or sustain their presence in the US market. As Class I medical devices, general-use eyewear products such as reading glasses, ophthalmic lenses, and non-prescription sunglasses fall under the stringent oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  At PEL, we ensure your eyewear adheres to all FDA certification requirements. Compliance not only fulfills legal requirements but also provides safety and reliability, setting the stage for a detailed look at these critical standards in the following sections. 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