Get in touch
Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please include as much information about the nature of your inquiry as you can to help us connect you with the right team member.
You will also find some helpful FAQs below that may have the answers you’re looking for.
Please note: Our eyewear services are currently only available to professional organizations looking to produce 3D-printed frames and not to private consumers. If you are interested in buying a 3D-printed frame, you can explore a range of brands offering 3D-printed collections in our lookbook.
Frequently asked questions
What type of services do you offer for eyewear?
We offer a variety of services to help you fulfill your eyewear manufacturing needs, including:
- Manufacturing services
- 3D printing in metals and polymers, post-processing, quality control, packaging, and shipping
- Frame assembly services
For more information, please see our eyewear manufacturing page.
Do you offer design services?
We have a team of design engineers who can advise you on 2D drawings and assess 3D files for print suitability. However, for production, we require 3D designs in a printable format, such as an STL file. If you need full design development, we can connect you with a network of designers who specialize in designing frames for 3D printing.
Can I make a prototype with you?
Yes, when you work with us on a new collection, you will always receive prototypes for approval before the final production. However, if you want to evaluate a design or test a concept, you can also make a prototype through our online service.
What quantities can you produce?
Our production facility is the largest dedicated 3D printing production line for eyewear and can produce 1 – 10,000 frames and beyond. We work with our clients to build flexible production runs according to their needs.
How long does it take to produce a collection?
This depends on where you are in the development journey. If you have a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) file — and you’re working with our portfolio of materials, colors, and finishes — we can help you go to market within three months.
What materials do you offer?
We have a range of polyamides, PA 11 and PA 12, that radiate elegance whilst meeting the industry’s strict technical demands. Designers looking to create luxury products can work with different metals, such as titanium.
For more information, please see our portfolio of materials and finishes.
What colors and surface finishes are available for 3D-printed frames?
We have a broad range of finishes, from smooth to tactile, and a wide palette of colors. Our goal is always to match your desired look and feel. Our color palette features over 50 inviting shades, and if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll create it using our Pantone matching service.
For more information, please see our portfolio.
How much will it cost, and do you have a minimum order quantity?
Pricing is calculated according to different factors, such as frame design, materials, and finishes. In order to receive a quote, please get in touch with our team, who can understand your requirements and prepare an offer.
The beauty of 3D printing is that we can offer you batches of one. However, for post-processing services like coloring, low-volume minimum order quantities (MOQs) may apply to ensure quality. This is something you should discuss with our team, who can advise you on the MOQ depending on your color selections.
Do you provide lenses?
We are a frame manufacturer only.
How can I order replacement frames or lenses?
Although we’re passionate about creating personalized eyewear, this service is for brands looking to venture into the world of 3D-printed eyewear. For consumers looking at replacement frames or lenses, we recommend contacting your local optician.
What can I expect when working with Materialise?
With years of expertise in additive manufacturing for eyewear, we’ve fine-tuned our production process, ensuring you’ll get a seamless pathway to explore the technology’s possibilities.
Does your brand have specific needs and quality standards? Through a collaborative procedure, guided by an experienced project manager and a dedicated team of production and quality experts, we can help bring your collection to life.
Can I buy frames or sunglasses from you directly?
We only manufacture frames for fashion/eyewear brands. If you want to purchase 3D-printed frames or sunglasses, please contact your local optician.
I’m interested in creating 3D-printed frames for myself. How can I do that?
If you have a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) file and want to evaluate a design or test a concept, you can purchase a prototype through our online service. Please be aware that our online service is for validating prototypes and is not meant to create frames for everyday use.
Where are your 3D-printed frames made?
We produce most of our frames in our 10,000m2 SLS competence center in Wrocław, Poland. This facility hosts 30 SLS machines and is dedicated to certified manufacturing for various industries, including eyewear.
How sustainable is 3D printing?
An additive process, such as selective laser sintering with PA 12, enables frames to be ‘built to spec’ with no subtractive material loss and a much lesser need for post-process tooling. Both these factors ultimately mean that less material is wasted and less energy is used when compared with acetate production.
Another of the eyewear industry’s biggest challenges is overproduction. 3D printing helps address this problem by offering you a more flexible and on-demand approach to production. For us, sustainability is not just a destination; it’s a journey. We want to empower you with a creative vision and support you in making more sustainable choices for your brand.
You can learn more about how 3D printing can help you achieve your sustainability goals in our free whitepaper.