Hand Made
Hand Made Cellulose Acetate Sunglasses
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Material Preparation:
- Cellulose Acetate Sheets: Large sheets of cellulose acetate, derived from wood pulp and cotton fibers, are manually cut into smaller pieces for frames.
- Color and Pattern Selection: Craftsmen select and cut sheets based on desired colors and patterns, often aligning patterns meticulously.
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Cutting and Shaping:
- Manual Cutting: Frames are cut from acetate sheets using saws or CNC machines, then individually shaped and smoothed by hand.
- Heating and Forming: Frames are heated and bent manually to achieve the correct curvature and fit.
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Polishing:
- Multi-step Polishing: Frames undergo multiple rounds of polishing using tumblers, cloth wheels, and hand polishing techniques to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
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Assembly:
- Precision Assembly: Components like hinges are meticulously attached by hand, ensuring precise alignment and durability.
- Custom Adjustments: Frames are adjusted for comfort and fit, often tailored to individual specifications.
Traditional Plastic Sunglasses
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Material:
- Injection Molding: Sunglasses are made from liquid plastic injected into molds, typically using materials like polycarbonate or nylon.
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Mass Production:
- High Volume Production: Frames are produced in large quantities rapidly, with minimal variation in design and quality.
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Finishing:
- Basic Polishing: Post-molding, frames may undergo basic machine polishing, lacking the intricate finishing of handmade acetate.
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Assembly:
- Automated Assembly: Hinges and other components are often attached using automated processes, prioritizing speed over precision.
Key Differences
- Material Quality: Cellulose acetate is more durable, flexible, and hypoallergenic compared to many injection-molded plastics.
- Craftsmanship: Hand-made acetate sunglasses involve extensive manual labor and quality control, resulting in unique, high-quality products.
- Customization: Handmade sunglasses offer greater scope for custom designs and adjustments.
- Production Scale: Traditional plastic sunglasses are designed for mass production, leading to lower costs but also a larger negative impact on the environment.