3D eyewear customisation and transparent collection

Customised eyewear solutions have evolved significantly in recent years. While classic frames have long been produced in fixed sizes and shapes, digital manufacturing techniques are opening up new possibilities for customisation.

3D printing in particular is changing the approach to the development and manufacture of eyewear. Instead of standardised series products, systems are increasingly being created that can be tailored directly to the individual wearer. At the centre of this development is not just the technology, but its practical application in the optical business. The decisive factor is how precisely parameters such as width, nose bridge or temple length can be customised - and how efficiently this process can be implemented in everyday life.

Klenze & Baum relies on 3D eyewear customisation

Klenze & Baum pursues a clearly focussed approach. Since its foundation in 2018, the team has focussed exclusively on glasses that are manufactured entirely using the 3D printing process. This specialisation is deliberately different from traditional manufacturers, who often rely on different materials and production methods. The core of the concept lies in customisation. Each pair of glasses can be customised in several dimensions. These include the nose bridge, the overall width, the length of the temples and the angle and curvature of the frame. This variability makes it possible to achieve a precise fit even for unusual face shapes. For opticians, this means a new form of advice. Instead of choosing from fixed models, parameters can be customised. The glasses thus become more of a customised product.

Polaskop2 and 3D measurement as the basis for precise customisation

Precise customisation requires reliable measurement data. Systems such as the Polaskop2 provide the necessary basis for this. The 3D-based refraction allows a differentiated analysis of visual behaviour and thus forms the basis for the further configuration of the glasses. The connection between the measuring system and the customised frame is a central component of modern optical processes. The more accurate the data, the more precisely the glasses can be customised. The advantage of this combination is particularly evident when it comes to more complex requirements. Development therefore goes beyond mere production. It covers the entire process from analysis to final customisation and integrates different technical systems into a consistent process.

Transparent 3D glasses with ACELIKE collection

A speciality in the current portfolio is the development of transparent 3D-printed glasses. While many 3D-printed products have so far been characterised by a rather matt or opaque surface, this new variant opens up additional design possibilities. The ACELIKE collection deliberately picks up on the aesthetics of classic acetate frames without completely imitating their material. The transparency allows light to pass through the frame while leaving the structure of the 3D print visible. This decision in favour of a deliberately ‘rough’ surface sets a clear design accent. The result is a pair of glasses that is visually different from conventional models. The combination of transparency and visible structure creates an independent design language that deliberately sets itself apart from the smooth appearance of classic materials.

Construction with articulated wire and lightweight design

In addition to the visual appearance, the construction plays a central role. A special detail is the developed joint system, which gives way when overloaded. If, for example, a ball hits the glasses or they are dropped, the temple can pop out of the joint without breaking. It can then be reinserted within a short time. This design increases the service life of the glasses and reduces the risk of damage in everyday use. At the same time, functionality is maintained without the need for costly repairs. Another element is the integration of a wire in the temple. This solution enables the customisability that is familiar from classic acetate frames. Temples can be bent, adjusted and kept stable in their shape. The process is technically demanding and has been protected accordingly. Added to this is the construction of the frames. Many models are printed hollow, which significantly reduces the weight. Compared to solid materials, this results in a noticeable difference in wearing comfort.

• Articulation with a jump-off function in the event of overload
• Wire in the temple for flexible adjustment
• Hollow printed structure for low weight
• Combination of stability and ease of repair

Asket series combines titanium and polyamide structure

Another approach can be seen in the Asket series. Here, different materials are combined to utilise specific properties. Titanium ensures stability and durability, while 3D printing from polyamide enables flexibility and freedom of form. The construction is designed to meet the requirements of everyday optician's work. Temples can be shortened, nose pads precisely adjusted and angles precisely readjusted. These customisation options make it easier to work in the shop and enable precise adjustment to the customer. At the same time, the glasses remain robust. The combination of materials results in a structure that is both flexible and resistant.

Development of individualised eyewear for everyday opticians

The solutions described are exemplary of a development that is increasingly characterising the optical market. Individualisation is becoming a central theme, while standardised products are becoming less important. Customers expect eyewear that is not only visually customised, but is also functionally tailored to them. This is changing the role of opticians. Consultancy is becoming more technical, while at the same time the importance of measurement data and configuration options is increasing. Systems that support these processes are becoming an integral part of the business. The combination of 3D printing, precise measurement and modular design shows how eyewear production can be rethought. Instead of rigid product lines, flexible solutions are created that can be adapted to different requirements - setting a new standard in the handling of customised visual aids.