3D printing lets you reduce the price for the production of single, personalized items. The tech also enables you to manufacture complex objects as a single piece, which can offer significant advantages in terms of usability and durability. Finally, 3D printing can give a small company the possibility to create and launch new products on the market with relatively contained funding obtained through a crowd-funding campaign.
ITUM, a young Hong Kong company formed by architect Edmong Wong and optician Simon Lin, is combining all these advantages in MONO, a new line of 3D printed-to-fit sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses which will become a reality if it hits the $30.000 of the Indiegogo campaign launched today.
While we have seen a number of 3D printed eyeglasses making waves in the industry, as the ideal entry level 3D printed product (both in desktop FDM and professional laser sintering), MONO sunglasses are shaping up to be the most complete yet. The glasses, which you can be the first to own by pledging $99 for the optical model and $119 for the sunglass model, come in 5 different frame styles reinterpreted from classic profiles to fit for both casual & formal wear.
These include the M-RC Rectangular, M-FV: Ful Vue, M-RD: Rounded, M-WF: Wayfarer and the M- AV: Aviator, each with their own very original style. The most unique and functional feature is that all frames are 3D printed as a single object (which is why they are called MONO), meaning that you no longer risk bending and breaking the frames or losing the screws and desperately searching for a tiny screwdriver you’ll never find. This is possible because of a patent-pending “DNA joint” which leverages the flexibility of the nylon material used for laser sintering.
ITUM also invented a unique sizing system which takes into account three measurements critical to wearing comfort: the width of front frame, the depth of nose pad, and the length of temples. Each measurement is represented by S, M or L, indicating Small, Medium and Large, forming a 3 digit code. This will make it possible to create custom glasses to fit your face, even without referring to a 3D scan.
Further personalization is possible through 4 different colors for each frame and 8 colors of interchangeable polycarbonate lenses, which provide UV 400 protection and block 100% of harmful rays. The can be detached with a single snap thanks frame’s shape and flexibility. Prescription lenses are also available, both in clear and tinted color, and you will be contacted for your prescription information by the ITUM team as soon as the campaign has ended.
The benefits of the MONO glasses are so extensive that I would not be surprised if they represented the moment in which 3D printed eyewear marks its definitive superiority with respect to traditional acetate glasses. They are also significantly lighter (almost half the weight of a comparable model, weighing in at just 11 grams) and the laser-sintered nylon finish is considered to be pleasant to the touch. If MONO reaches its funding goal, the new age of 3D printed glasses will finally kick in.
