Frame Design Features

          

Nose Fitting
Nearly all of the weight of a pair of spectacles rests on the nose of the wearer. The design of the nose contact area thus contributes substantially to allowing the spectacles to fit comfortably and correctly even after hours of wear without causing any complaints.


Rodenstock has performed exhaustive measuring tests on the nose shapes of men and women in order to develop some basic shapes for the construction design of the "nose gauge" on Rodenstock frames. The position of the nose pads is fixed so that the pads will agree with the contour of the nose gauge.
 - Designed for uniform weight distribution; anatomically shaped to ensure proper fit
- Superb, smooth finish on plastic frames for extra comfort

Closing Block
It is the function of the closing block to clamp the rim ends together to ensure a safe mounting of the prescription lenses. To ensure the exact positioning towards the rim ends, closing blocks are cut from two sides at defined angles and so separating it in a V-shape.
- Rims do not twist in the finished spectacles even under high impact stress - frame stays in adjustment
- Screw will not fall out even if the closing block is fully open
- All Rodenstock full metal frames are equipped with locking eye rim screws

Hinges
Only precision hinges are used for conventional Rodenstock frames. All hinges are tested a minimum of 25,000 times.

Cylinder hinge: This innovative and award-winning design requires no screws. Even after 100,000 movements, a tangible and uniform hinge motion can still be found.
- No screw (only 2 parts)
- Hinge friction uniform and permanent
- Opening stop in cylinder

Spring hinge: German made spring hinges are designed for perfect tension against the head. They are fitted with a stainless steel taper head screw to ensure an optimum and permanent hinge function. The spring hinge never seizes up and the screw will not loosen.

Temples
Temples are designed to ensure superb fitting capabilities. Special temple elasticity zones are in place for perfect pressure against the head.
- Comfort, durability and functionality
- Temples are absolutely free of nickel on their surfaces

Surface Finish
The surface finishing of spectacle frames fulfills both technical and aesthetic functions. The surface of the frame goes through lengthy pre-polishing for an extra smooth final surface.

Lacquers are dermatologically tested and have excellent corrosion resistance. Nickel-free coloration uses pure palladium which provides corrosion resistance and is hypoallergenic.

Materials
A number of different materials are used for spectacle frames. The use of a particular material depends on qualitative aspects and on the working properties of the material. Our decision on "material mix" is based on individual optimization of every single component for its special function.

Titanium is the material of aerospace technology and has become the fastest growing segment in metal eyewear. Unlike most competitors, Rodenstock uses only pure titanium or beta titanium. Titanium is extremely strong, yet lightweight and hypoallergenic. Our multi-layer systems used for galvanic coloring do not contain nickel, making it a complete nickel-free product.

Beta titanium is also lightweight and corrosion resistant but is very flexible due to the composition of 74% pure titanium, 22% vanadium, and 4% aluminum. Rodenstock uses the beta alloy specifically for the highly elastic temples, profile assemblies, and wire bending parts of titanium frames.

Stainless steel is very durable and when a higher grade of stainless steel is used, you can achieve very thin rim profiles, very good elastic behavior, and a higher level of corrosion resistance.

Monel is the material of choice for many designs in the $50 to $70 price range. Rodenstock uses a high quality monel for bridges, lugs, and rim profiles and in rare cases, for temples (and then always with spring hinges). The high nickel content gives monel a relatively good corrosion resistance factor, particularly against pitting in ocean climates.

Polyamide (PA) is a synthetic plastic especially suitable for the manufacture of high-quality injection molded frames. The material is used to make thin-rimmed, staple fronts and feather-light, flexible temples with a core of stainless steel. Although lightweight, PA is extremely resistant to breakage and highly scratch resistant. It has excellent shape retention and very good resistance to alcohol cleansing agents, cosmetics, and perspiration. PA is also hypoallergenic.

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a modified natural material that is the most widely used plastic for the manufacture of complete frames. Rodenstock CA frames are only milled from Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate, the finest Italian made plastic material available.