3D printing allows us to go further and faster in development than traditional manufacturing. 3D printing is already been adopted in complex industries such as aerospace and certain surgical interventions. In eyewear, 3D-printing technology allows us to create unique shapes, layers and produce each frame with significantly less waste.
Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Additive Manufacturing (AM) allows us to create unique shapes without the limitations of traditional injection moulding. AM offers the flexibility to create limitless shapes without limiting the creativity of the design.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Our eyewear starts as a powder in a process known as Selective Laser Sintering or SLS. The powder is bound by laser and transformed layer by layer before taking shape. We only use the finest powder derived from Germany and our eyewear is produced in Europe in an impeccably clean facility. The final product is polished and refined before it is dyed. This novel material is more durable and incredibly lightweight.
The Hinge
We are continually improving upon existing eyewear in the market. One of the most important functional features in eyewear is the hinge design. Frames are more likely break at the level of the hinge. We developed a new encased hinge system that results in significantly less breakage. Each frame consists of only 2 parts: a front and temples. The entire frame is 3D printed and contains no metal parts.
Sustainable Practices
3D printing allows us to test new designs without the large inventory requirements in traditional manufacturing. We produce new models and only produce what we need without large excess inventory. Our frames are produced by demand. We keep less inventory and only use what we need.
Additive manufacturing means using less material which equals less waste. Additive manufacturing process results in 50-70% less waste than traditional manufacturing. SKONA Eyewear is made to last. Our material is more durable and needs to be replaced less often. Your SKONA frames will last you for several prescription changes. The extended lifespan has less environmental impact - by about 50% = our products are designed for longevity.
Comfort is non-negotiable
One of our goals is to create the most comfortable eyewear in the world. Eyewear that you feel great about while looking great. In order to do that, we have to push the envelope in design. 3D-printed technology allows us to do what hasn’t been done. We can explore new designs in all elements of the design including the hinge.
A great piece of eyewear is the ‘piece de resistance’, the one piece that you wear that brings the outfit together. A great piece of eyewear has the power to transform our mood, the way we are perceived. Your eyewear should be as comfortable and enjoyable to wear as it is beautiful.
SKONA Eyewear is designed with every feature, every touch point on the wearer’s face in mind resulting in incredibly comfortable eyewear.
Ultimately, innovation means progress. Our desire to improve upon traditional eyewear comes from a technical understanding of all the things that can go wrong with eyewear. Whatever frustrations or concerns the end user might have become our focus as to what needs to be fixed or improved upon. Only by utilizing technology to its fullest potential can we hope to offer the eyewear aficionado the ultimate wearable experience. This experience is what counts. The desire to hear the words ‘these are the most comfortable glasses I have ever worn’ or ‘these are my favourite glasses I have ever had’ from the mouths of customers is what drives us to continually innovate.