What is Zyl?
Zyl is a type of material that is used to make frames for eyeglasses. It is also known as cellulose acetate or zylonite. Zyl is a lightweight, inexpensive, plastic material. Zyl comes in various colors and sizes and can also be made transparent. Most importantly, this material is environmentally friendly as it is derived from plant sources.
Key Takeaways
- Zyl is the most common plastic material used to make eyeglass frames.
- Advantages of zyl material include unlimited colors and styles, eco-friendly, and hypoallergenic.
- Disadvantages of zyl include discoloration, and fading when exposed to heat or skin oils over time.
Understanding Zyl
Zyl is a plastic-like material that is used to make eyeglass frames. It is also known as cellulose acetate or zylonite. The acetate material is derived plant-based fibers, including wood flakes, cotton fibers, and wood pulp. The mixture is plasticized and spread out into thin sheet-like formations. Dye is added to the zyl to give it colors. It is melted and put into a mold. The mold is then cooled down. These molds give zyl frames their unique shapes such as cat eye, aviator, circular, or square. Zyl can be molded into any type of color and shape per the wearer’s need.
Zyl Or Plastic, Which Is The Better Option?
Zyl, or cellulose acetate, is the most common frame material used today for making glasses frames. Zyl is a type of plastic material. The words zyl and plastic are essentially synonymous.
While zyl is a type of plastic, not all plastic frames are zyl frames. There are other types of plastic used to make frames, including cellulose propionate and Optyl materials. Cellulose propionate is a nylon based material that is hypoallergenic, thinner, and lighter than Zyl material. Optyl is a memory based plastic that returns to its original shape once heated. Overall, Zyl is the most common type of plastic-like material in the market today, and it is a good option for people who want colorful, lightweight glasses frames.
Advantages Of Zyl
Zyl has many advantages compared to other traditional glass frames:
- Versatility
The layering technique of the zyl material make it more versatile than other frames. Zyl can come in an unlimited amount of styles and colors, which makes the material sought after by consumers who want to make a bold fashion statement. - Durability
Zyl material tends to hold up well when heated, which is beneficial when opticians make glasses adjustments. Zyl material softens after heating, so it can be mechanically manipulated into the preferred position. - Easy Adjustment
Most optical stores have instruments that heat up frames either using hot air or hot salt. An optician can adjust the pair of glasses so that it sits appropriately on the nose and one the sides of the temples without being too tight or too loose. - Eco Friendly
Zyl frame materials are made from natural sources, including cotton and wood. Because zyl material is made from renewable resources, it is biodegradable and better for the environment. - Lightweight
Zyl frames are made of plastic-like materials which are lightweight compared to metal frames. Zyl is less likely to cause discomfort induced from heavy weight, such as nose pad indentations on the nose or headaches. - Hypoallergenic
Since zyl is made up of plant-based materials, it rarely causes allergic reactions. However, stainless steel and titanium are the most hypoallergenic materials.
Disadvantages of Zyl
- Discoloration
Zyl tends to be more prone to yellowing and discoloration than other frame materials. - Fading
Leaving zyl frames in the sun or hot environments for a prolonged period of time can make their colors fade. Oils from the skin can also cause the frame colors to fade over time.
