3D printed nylon frame with a laser cut
metal temple by Specsy
Industry experts say sales of 3D printed
products will continue to climb, with
the increase in demand and introduc-
tion of new materials that can be used.
Today, there are essentially two cat-
egories of companies that produce 3D
printed eyewear.
The first includes firms like Specsy,
which use augmented reality and spe-
cialized software to create bespoke
frames for each patient.
The other features companies like
neubau and ic! Berlin, which design
and manufacture 3D frames that
eyecare professionals can sell on the
boards in their optical shops.
Specsy is unique in the industry
because it is the first company that
has seamlessly bridged the entire
digital design and custom frame
production process.
Using Specsy's retail-ready app that
features 3D face-scanning and aug-
mented reality capabilities, eye care
professionals can design, in-store,
truly one-of-a-kind eyeglasses that
match each patient's aesthetic prefer-
ences, like for colour, design and
shape, and technical requirements,
such as dimensions for bridges and
temples.
ECPs have embraced Specsy because
the company provides them with an
option for patients who have been
traditionally harder to fit.
Neubau, meanwhile, has launched
several new frames that were created
using its new 3D printing process.
The frames are made using polyamide
powder and boast precise detail and
the highest standards of quality.
“We went to the basics by generating
completely new shapes and structures
through 3D printing. Colourful, unique
and exciting design meets forward
and conscious technology,” says
Neubau, the young eyewear brand
distributed in Canada by Canadian
Optical Supply.
Specsy resin frames
The frames are then created using a
state-of-the-art 3D printer. Specsy
printed its first pair of plastic resin
frames in November 2016, utilizing
the expertise it gained through affili-
ate company Canaray, which operates
a leading 3D printing facility for dental
implant surgical guides. Barby says
EYE FOCUS | February Digital 2019 7