Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Frame – this is a nickel free frame so it is better in terms of health and allergy. But stainless steel is heavier than nickel silver and monel, so the frame is likely to be of a wire design in order to make it light. The frame will look very thin and sometimes people will assume that it is not strong enough.
Stainless steel frames and surgical stainless are another alternative to titanium. Qualities of stainless steel frames include light weight, low toxicity and strength; many stainless steel frames also are nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic.
Stainless steel is readily available and reasonably priced. It's an alloy of steel and chromium, and may also contain another element. Most stainless steels contain anywhere from 10 to 30 percent chromium, which provides excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and heat.
Stainless steel can and does rust, but its rate of rusting is much less than that for low chromium alloys. Stainless steel must contain at least 12% chromium to be classified as truly stainless.
• Steel was the first metal used in eyeglasses manufacture, since the first glasses were made out of a nail.
• Stainless steel is exceptionally long-lasting and flexible; it is anti-corrosive, which is why it is used in many fields: food, hygiene, and health.
• Manufacturers can make small parts without losing the mechanical resistance.
• Stainless steel is not used very often for eyeglasses yet because it is quite expensive and brazing (welding) is difficult, given its fragility when it is hot.
Pros : good physical resistance, good resistance to oxidation. Non-corrosive and tarnish resistant. Hypoallergenic, flexible, lightweight. Extremely durable. Available in thin material.
Cons : Difficult to manufacture because this material is originally very hard. Particular galvanic treatment. Becomes brittle in hot temperatures.