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Our American Factory

Learn more about our United States factory

Decades ago, there was a thriving optical manufacturing industry in the United States. During the late 20th century, many businesses moved their manufacturing facilities overseas as a way to reduce spending, resulting in 95% of optical frames that are sold in the U.S. being imported.

Before we decided to open our own U.S-based factory, we did what every other company did: ordered and shipped frames from factories that were 7,000 miles away in China. Any new design styles took roughly 9-12 months to arrive, and any reorders took at least eight months to be delivered. So we took matters into our own hands, and opened up one of the only United States based frame factories in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

We knew we needed to do this right, which means purchasing the correct equipment, building a quality team, and creating exceptional products. Our team hand-picks high-quality Italian acetates and German hinges to ensure outstanding frames for our customers.

The Process:

Step 1: The process begins with a conceptual sketch that is put into a 3D CAD model.
Step 1: The process begins with a conceptual sketch that is put into a 3D CAD model.
Step 2: Once the basic design is finalized, the drawing is readied for CNC machine production. Specific tool paths are created to automate the cutting of the frame.
Step 2: Once the basic design is finalized, the drawing is readied for CNC machine production. Specific tool paths are created to automate the cutting of the frame.
Step 3: Next we use a machine that is designed only for prototyping. We create sample frames that are identical to the frame that will eventually go into production.
Step 3: Next we use a machine that is designed only for prototyping. We create sample frames that are identical to the frame that will eventually go into production.
Step 4: Once we’re satisfied with the prototype, our team chooses acetate colors and moves into the production phase using high tech 5-axis CNC machines that cut the acetate sheets into their desired frame shape.
Step 4: Once we’re satisfied with the prototype, our team chooses acetate colors and moves into the production phase using high tech 5-axis CNC machines that cut the acetate sheets into their desired frame shape.
Step 5: Our team inserts hinges into the front of the frames and core wires into the temples.
Step 5: Our team inserts hinges into the front of the frames and core wires into the temples.
Step 6: The cut frame pieces are tumbled in wood pegs and polishing compounds using a 4-step, 80-hour process. When the pieces come out of the tumblers, they are ready for assembly and a final polish.
Step 6: The cut frame pieces are tumbled in wood pegs and polishing compounds using a 4-step, 80-hour process. When the pieces come out of the tumblers, they are ready for assembly and a final polish.
Step 7: We then polish each pair of frames by hand, ensuring a perfect luster finish for customers.
Step 7: We then polish each pair of frames by hand, ensuring a perfect luster finish for customers.
Step 8: Each pair of frames is laser engraved with the frame name, size and logo then hand painted by a team member.
Step 8: Each pair of frames is laser engraved with the frame name, size and logo then hand painted by a team member.
Step 9: Once the frames are fully assembled, they are sent off to our in-house lens lab where each pair of lenses are cut and interested into the frame.
Step 9: Once the frames are fully assembled, they are sent off to our in-house lens lab where each pair of lenses are cut and interested into the frame.
Step 10: Frames are given a final inspection, before being cleaned, packaged, and ready to ship.
Step 10: Frames are given a final inspection, before being cleaned, packaged, and ready to ship.
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