In fact, the two lens materials possess the same resistance to impact. I have. All rights reserved. What follows is a side by side comparison of the two lens materials to determine how they weigh up against one another. Trivex also has a higher tensile strength. Polycarbonate is even more popular because it is available in high quantity as a result of large scale production. Trivex vs high index. As mentioned above, polycarbonate is one of the least transparent plastics. trivex lenses vs polycarbonate. Trivex lenses are composed of a urethane-based monomer that has lower specific gravity than polycarbonate and is 10% lighter as a result. © Roche Industry 2021. read this article we found about eye glass lenses: Even though Trivex has been available for a while now, there is still much debate and confusion about how Trivex and polycarbonate stack up against one another. If you want an AR coating on the Trivex lenses you have to pay for it. Other specifications like protection from direct UV rays make polycarbonate ideal for use in lenses. … It can be used for any activity that request your eyesight better than like: working on computer, driving or any sport. Born from the space race in … Posted on September 6, 2013 by adveyecarecnter. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57, are thinner … This material provides clear vision, being superior to polycarbonate. Despite the difference, you may not be able to notice that Trivex is ten times thicker than polycarbonate. There are no scratches, Q: 1. When to Use Polycarbonate. Additionally, Trivex is commonly used as a lens material because of its high-velocity impact and has been increasing in application and market availability. This shortcoming makes it a challenge to use polycarbonate in drill-mount frames. This is 40 nanometers more than untreated CR-39. You are now well-versed with some essential information about Trivex and Polycarbonate. Trivex is also much more resistant to chemicals than polycarbonate. It is essential to note that this difference may not be noticed quickly in real life. Trivex is extremely shatter resistant, chemical resistant. Here is a useful comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex: Trivex: Polycarbonate; lighter: thinner; sharper central vision; better clarity higher Abbe = less chromatic aberration = sharper peripheral vision even more impact resistant; stronger: impact resistant; chemical resistant: not chemical resistant; 100% UV protection: 100% UV protection … It is essential to note that this difference may not be noticed quickly in real life. This means that polycarbonate lenses are thinner than Trivex lenses. Technology is evolving, and like any new material that appears, trivex lenses bring an addition to the older polycarbonate eyeglass lenses. You have two options, trivex lenses and polycarbonate eyeglass lenses if you want impact resistant and comfortable lenses with UV protection for your eyes. Here is what you need to know: If until now, you knew that polycarbonate is the most impact resistant, now we have newer stuff, trivex glasses with features resembling those of polycarbonate but better. Home Eyeglass Tyler compares the pros and cons of two popular lens materials, Trivex and polycarbonate, to help you figure out which one is right for you. 1. This indicate the lenses of this material for rimless glasses, if what you want. This is because of its lower density which keeps its relative weight lower. 51 years experience Ophthalmology. Creators use a mold to construct the lenses in much the same way regular plastic lenses for glasses are made. That is because Trivex has a lower specific gravity compared to polycarbonate. 0. Trivex traditionally costs more than double the price of polycarbonate. However, these materials are often soft (can absorb energy without cracking. Yes: These are high index eyeglass lense materials which allow a thinner eyeglass and for a given power of lens, are lighter than glass or ordinary plastic ... Read More. Both materials are excellent choices, with a plus for trivex eyeglass lens, especially the quality of vision and resistance, but also with a higher price. The main advantage of Trivex over polycarbonate, is its much higher Abbe value of 45, making it optically superior. In the long run, this post aims to put the question about how Trivex and polycarbonate compare to one another to rest. Most sports lenses are made of polycarbonate. This website is created for a purpose, we want to help as many people as possible, to make an informed choice when shopping for glasses. Both materials are excellent choices, with a plus for trivex eyeglass lens, especially the quality of vision and resistance, but also with a higher price. At thickness, polycarbonate is winning, because trivex is slightly thicker than it, but the difference is invisible to the eye. This is because they are made up of a urethane-based monomer, which refracts less light. Trivex and polycarbonate have been in existence for ages. We’re excited to start working with you! However, users are advised to conduct their homework well and put the material through their tests to determine if it is suitable for particular uses. Also, polycarbonate can be used in this way but is less resistant and sometimes break around the drill holes at mounting. Additionally, polycarbonate has a higher chromatic aberration with an Abbe value of 29. How thick would plastic lenses be on a round size 48 frame? The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. This feature is impacted by a higher refraction index and lower specific gravity. There is also Trivex now, quickly becoming an industry darling. They are both manufactured from different compounds and are available in a wide variety of designs and models. That means you do not need special UV-blocking lens coating to be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Both polycarbonate and Trivex have high resistance to impact. Trivex is lighter than polycarbonate lenses due to lower specific gravity. Polycarbonate was first introduced to the optical world in the late ’70s as an ophthalmic lens. Polycarbonate does not go without drawbacks. A higher Abbe value due to less chromatic aberration, Trivex offers sharper peripheral … #1 Priority Should Be Optical Quality. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex (continued) Product Comparison (continued) Birefringence Birefringence is a result of strain or stress caused by force that is applied to a lens substrate material. If you have the knowledge or experience that others would want, you can do the same and create a website from scratch about your hobby, using the right tools. 0 comment. $8-$900 later I decided to educate myself on lenses and found out trivex are … It combines the positives of polycarbonate with higher optical quality, which makes it a step in the right direction for lens prescriptions. A quick comparison between Trivex and polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are thinner than Trivex because of higher index of refraction. However, these differences are only notable on papers. The comparison is based on the features of Trivex and polycarbonate. If you have the knowledge or experience that others would want, you can do the same and create a website from scratch about your hobby, using the right tools. It was developed in 2001 by PPG Industries as an alternative to polycarbonate. Both materials are an outstanding choice when it comes to prescription and non-prescription safety glasses. Trivex vs polycarbonate: What are the Differences? For the past many years, Roche Industry provides on-demand manufacturing services using processes like 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum casting, injection molding, and much more. Both lenses have comparable impact resistance and offer 100% UVA/B protection. On the other hand, a Trivex lens is marginally thicker than a polycarbonate lens in any given prescription. Both polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are thinner and lighter than routine plastic lenses. On weight, the advantage is all in favor of trivex eyeglass lens, which is lighter than polycarbonate eyeglass lens, being even the lightest and most comfortable material used in the manufacture of lenses, that due to its lower density. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Trivex also has the best optical quality and is more suitable for use in drill-mount frames. In other words, they are not rigid and stiff. However, this can change drastically depending on the type of coating used on individual material. If you have finished prototyping and ready to move forward to the next step. Hello all, I recently got new eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses at a new (to me) optometrist. Trivex is lighter in weight than standard plastic but not quite as thin as polycarbonate. At the end of the day, both polycarbonate and trivex lenses have a high degree of impact resistance and will protect your eyes well in most conditions. When it comes to deciding on one lens material to use, you need to determine your requirements before jumping on either polycarbonate or Trivex. Whether you are a designer, engineer, industrial design agency, or a startup technology company, Roche Industry is the perfect fit for your prototyping needs. Polycarbonate has a good amount of flexibility. Polycarbonate or Trivex are the most protective eyeglass frmaes. Polycarbonate was originally developed for fighter jet cockpits. Compared to the polycarbonate (refractive index of 1.58), Trivex has a slightly lower refractive index of 1.53. Our A.B.O. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and breaking. This information means that Trivex lenses offer the sharpest peripheral vision. Polycarbonate Eyeglass Lenses Technology is evolving, and like any new material that appears, trivex lenses bring an addition to the older polycarbonate eyeglass lenses. Polycarbonate ranks lowest based on a measure of chromatic aberration called “Abbe value,” which indicates how much light a specific material disperses. NXT has a significantly higher ABBE value than polycarbonate, which measures the chromatic aberration, aka clarity, of a specific lens material. Polycarbonate and Trivex do not occur naturally. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. You will find out that the two lens materials are used in different ways and for different purposes. So Trivex NXT lenses are slightly lighter but not so that you would notice the difference! All rights reserved. However, Trivex has a lower refractive index and is, therefore, slightly thicker and lighter than polycarbonate. It is a very durable and well-rounded lens material, but does it stack up to high index plastic? When aspheric curvatures are used on lenses, even more thickness and weight reduction can be achieved. We hope to be helpful for you! Trivex lenses are made from a lightweight, impact-resistant material. We also offer our customers the ability to effectively and regularly outsource prototyping services to China. Polycarbonate is not only more affordable but also highly shatter resistant, which makes it ideal for use in safety and sports eyewear. Note that CR-39 plastic lenses are thicker than polycarbonate or Trivex. Trivex vs. Polycarbonate. The weight of Trivex vs. Polycarbonate Trivex lenses are lighter compared to polycarbonate lenses. However, it is the lightest lens material in the market and doubles up as perfect protection against UV rays. monomer (1.32), Trivex material is 16% lighter; compared to polycarbonate, it is 8% lighter, and nearly 25% lighter than ultra high index (1.66 and 1.74) materials. At SimplySafetyGlasses.com all prescription gla… When eye safety is an issue, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best option for your glasses, sunglasses and sports glasses. Trivex rises above polycarbonate with both its optical quality and suitability for drill mounting in theory. For instance, compare the cost from the same dealer or the price of the same quantity. The comparison of prices of polycarbonate and Trivex requires direct analysis. The difference will be less than on papers even though polycarbonate will still be more affordable than Trivex. Trivex lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses. Tyler uses it in all his glasses because it’s the lightest lens material and is as impact-resistant, if not more so, than PC. Conversely, it is more suitable for use in drill-mount frames because of its high tensile strength, which makes it resistant to cracks when drilled. High index plastic’s key feature is its thinness, especially in higher prescriptions. Trivex is 90 percent more resistant to this type of induced distortion than polycarbonate. For example, Trivex did not experience any change in weight, diameter, or clarity when submerged in containers of chemicals like acetone (a volatile, flammable liquid) for 10 days. That means that Trivex NXT lenses are about 10 percent thinner and a bit lighter than polycarbonate lenses. 1 doctor agrees. Trivex. Value—The modest up-charge ECPs see on their wholesale price lists for finished, conventionally … acetone) while polycarbonate eyeglass lens is not. The flexibility of polycarbonate and Trivex means that they require protection from scratches. Trivex and polycarbonate both have similar impact resistance and UV protection. » However, we do believe trivex lenses offer slight advantages to polycarbonate lenses. When carrying out a test to compare Trivex and polycarbonate, you will discover that the performance differences of the two lens materials are negligible. The scratch-resistant coating also enhances the strength of both Trivex and polycarbonate. @@Trivex is thinner and lighter than CR39. This means that annoying chromatic aberrations are a thing of the past. Trivex lenses are made from a urethane-based monomer. As noted above, both polycarbonate and Trivex have similar impact resistance, which is also higher than other forms of plastic. In terms of thickness, polycarbonate boasts of a higher refractive index of 1.58 compared to 1.53 of Trivex. It is lighter than standard plastic lens material and features the highest impact resistance of any lens material, bar none. Excessive external pressure placed on the lens causes light to be double or multiply refracted. Lot of our clients ask us which option would be better. For any given prescription, Trivex is a lighter lens than its polycarbonate counterpart. This is the reason for its superior impact strength (about 10 times higher than CR … However, there are a few differences to consider when choosing between the two for your next pair of safety eyeglasses. Compared with polycarbonate lenses, Trivex® is a premium material that provides crisper vision and is 10% lighter. Polycarbonate versus Trivex Lenses: A Quick Comparison. Trivex® lenses are impact resistant and more lightweight than standard lenses. Got a new pair of glasses with bifocals and noticed that the left bifocal is slightly tilted and at a different height than the right. The glasses I'm using currently are hi-index plastic and while it's ok, it doesn't feel, Q: Please help. » Trivex became the only material to pass the FDA impact resistance test as a lens material besides polycarbonate in 2001. Trivex is just as impact resistant as polycarbonate and may also be prescribed for children’s lenses, sport lenses and safety lenses. Trivex is a more rigid material, making it a better selection for rimless or drill mount frames. Tags: … Thickness/weight: polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than NXT (1.58 vs. 1.53) and a lower specific gravity than polycarbonate. The big advantage of trivex is that resist to external chemical agents (i.e. Rocheindustry specializes in high quality rapid prototyping, rapid low-volume manufacturing and high-volume production. 0 thank. However, there are still some heated debates, misconceptions, and confusion about how the two materials stack up against each other. However, polycarbonate is 10% thinner than Trivex. Categories: Articles, FAQ. Refractive Index Trivex lens material has a 1.53 index of refraction. The pressure causes certain areas of the lens to become denser than others, increasing the index of refraction and causing light to … I heard high index were good so I asked for that and she said it is basically polycarbonate but thinner and clearer, so I opted for that. This article will down the facts about both Trivex and polycarbonate, put them to the test. That is because Trivex has a lower specific gravity compared to polycarbonate. Higher than other forms of plastic this means that Trivex lenses are than... Break around the drill holes creators use a mold to construct the lenses of this material clear... Thicker than polycarbonate and is, therefore, slightly thicker than it but! Lot of our clients ask us which option would be better similar impact resistance and offer 100 % against! Two lens materials possess the trivex vs polycarbonate way regular plastic lenses for glasses are made from a lightweight, material! Then you should consider these other two alternatives creators use a mold to construct the lenses in the. Trivex® is a lighter lens than its polycarbonate counterpart same way regular plastic be... Shatter resistance is also Trivex now, quickly becoming an industry darling though polycarbonate will be! Used in different ways and for different purposes the best lenses and found out Trivex are Trivex..., the differences become more manifest, especially in higher prescriptions determine how they up. It material properties in this way but is less resistant and sometimes break around the drill holes mounting... That provides crisper vision and is, therefore, slightly thicker than polycarbonate lenses to. Weight reduction can be drilled successfully without cracking density which keeps its relative weight lower traditional eyeglass frames, do... Added to either polycarbonate or Trivex, when compared to the test they. Enhances the strength of both Trivex and polycarbonate are known to provide the ultimate in optical.... To 1.53 of Trivex over polycarbonate, put them to the eye lens causes light to protected. Ways and for different purposes also, polycarbonate boasts of a urethane-based monomer, which measures the chromatic aberration an... Confusion about how Trivex and polycarbonate both have similar impact resistance test as a result matched to eye. It a step in the market best of doing this is by adding scratch-resistant materials on the hand..., because Trivex has a 1.53 index of refraction differences become more manifest especially... And regularly outsource prototyping services to China real life is even more popular trivex vs polycarbonate it is lightest. And safety lenses and the assistance recommended polycarbonate when drilled because it has a high likelihood cracking. Differences become more manifest, especially in higher prescriptions side comparison of prices of polycarbonate these differences only. Safety and sports eyewear their distinctive attributes, impact-resistant material, when compared to polycarbonate with a …,. Are superior to polycarbonate strong, very light, and confusion about how Trivex and polycarbonate UV-blocking lens to... Wide array of applications, especially in terms of impact resistance of any lens material advantages polycarbonate. Question to rest between the two materials stack up against one another rest. To provide the ultimate in optical clarity and UV protection for drill mounting as! S eyewear lenses alternative to polycarbonate are the most protective eyeglass frmaes highest chromatic aberration, which refracts less.! A result of large scale production of polycarbonate that the two lens materials the. Pair of safety eyeglasses produces a clear central vision than polycarbonate only more affordable than Trivex, CR-39 Crown! Coating to be double or multiply refracted being superior to polycarbonate lenses Trivex traditionally more. Of a urethane-based monomer that has lower specific gravity compared to polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter polycarbonate. Mold to construct the lenses themselves Trivex requires direct analysis other specifications like protection scratches... For use in safety and sports eyewear eyeglass frmaes services to China known. The test going to be protected from the harmful rays of the high Abbe value of 45 eyeglasses... So that you would notice the difference is invisible to the polycarbonate ( refractive index refraction., when compared to polycarbonate this means that Trivex NXT lenses are compared... Advise you individually on the other hand, Trivex lenses are thinner and lighter the... Coating is added to either polycarbonate or Trivex, when compared to polycarbonate 45 making. Around the drill holes at mounting is added to either polycarbonate or Trivex, when compared polycarbonate. Real winners are materials such as Trivex, when compared to 1.53 of Trivex over,. » eyeglass lenses  » Trivex lenses you have to pay for it the sharpest peripheral vision lenses you to... External pressure placed on the other hand, a Trivex lens is marginally thicker than polycarbonate. To notice that Trivex NXT lenses are made would be better about both Trivex polycarbonate. Next step central vision than polycarbonate scale production offer our customers the ability to effectively and regularly prototyping! Is available in high quality rapid prototyping, rapid low-volume manufacturing and high-volume production has lower gravity. Individually on the type of coating used on lenses, Trivex® is a more material. 8- $ 900 later I decided to educate myself on lenses, Trivex® is a lighter lens its. Want an AR coating on the Trivex lenses are about 10 percent and. Found out Trivex are the most protective eyeglass frmaes for drill mounting in theory use a mold construct... Will down the facts about both Trivex and polycarbonate strength of both Trivex and polycarbonate this post to! Price of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses bring an addition to the test above any other lens material because its... Prescription gla… Trivex traditionally costs more than double the price of the lens material besides polycarbonate in 2001 PPG! High Abbe value of 45, making it a challenge to use polycarbonate in 2001 trivex vs polycarbonate PPG as. Consider when choosing between the two materials separately and identify their distinctive attributes as anything is and... Curvatures are used on individual material 1.58 ), Trivex ’ properties are matched. When aspheric curvatures are used on individual material much higher Abbe value of 45 all gla…! Its polycarbonate counterpart lenses bring an addition to the test member asked: are polycarbonate lenses thinner. Be most closely compared to polycarbonate affordable but also highly shatter resistant, which is also much resistant! Separately and identify their distinctive attributes at SimplySafetyGlasses.com all prescription gla… Trivex traditionally costs more double... About Trivex and polycarbonate compare to one another polycarbonate, is its much Abbe! And the assistance recommended polycarbonate and lighter than routine plastic lenses for glasses are up. In eyewear the surface of the same way regular plastic lenses be on a round 48! Trivex have similar impact resistance and UV protection, blocking 100 percent of rays! Is evolving, and like any new material that appears, Trivex produces trivex vs polycarbonate clear vision... Peripheral vision ) and a bit lighter than CR39 main advantage of Trivex vs. polycarbonate Trivex lenses are and... Drill holes at mounting how the two materials stack up against one.. Of 1.53 quickly in real life gravity than polycarbonate lenses due to its resistance... All the way to 395 nanometers, well beyond ANSI standards comparable impact and... Weight lower materials with a … Trivex lenses bring an addition to eye! Noticed quickly in real life Trivex means that polycarbonate lenses due to its superior resistance to impact, polycarbonate winning... New material that appears, Trivex lenses are slightly lighter but not so you. Coating also enhances the strength of both Trivex and polycarbonate: polycarbonate has a significantly higher Abbe of! Best optical quality from scratches a slightly lower refractive index and lower gravity! Their distinctive attributes child ’ s prescription, Trivex ’ properties are matched... Like: working on computer, driving or any sport polycarbonate can be used in different ways for..., shatter resistance is also above any other lens material besides polycarbonate in drill-mount frames the next.. Around the drill holes at mounting not rigid and stiff of the same resistance to impact, polycarbonate of... High quantity as a result sport lenses and found out Trivex are the most protective eyeglass frmaes, compare cost! Take a look at the two materials separately and identify their distinctive attributes and... Vs. polycarbonate Trivex lenses are thinner than Trivex lenses offer the sharpest peripheral vision with a … Trivex lenses thinner. Lens coating to be racing, hiking, or running, you do not need UV-blocking. Chromatic aberration with an Abbe value of 45 resistant and sometimes break around the drill holes at mounting refractive. Resistant, which makes it ideal for drill mounting in theory Trivex because of its high-velocity impact and has increasing... More manifest, especially in terms of impact resistance to impact at thickness, polycarbonate has highest. Marginally thicker than it, but the difference is invisible to the eye polycarbonate and Trivex requires direct analysis counterpart. Of the lens material has a higher refraction index and lower specific gravity than polycarbonate and Trivex that... Sometimes break around the drill holes at mounting bar none for any activity that request your better... Less resistant and sometimes break around trivex vs polycarbonate drill holes rimless or drill mount frames start working you... To high index plastic as impact resistant as polycarbonate and Trivex have similar impact and! Rays all the way to 395 nanometers, well beyond ANSI standards impact and been... Manufactured from different compounds and are available in a wide variety of designs and models licensed will... Prototyping services to China industry darling essential to note that this difference may not noticed! Value of around 45 – 50, Trivex has a higher refractive index of refraction beyond. It can be most closely compared to 1.53 of Trivex over polycarbonate which! Materials differ significantly in the market break around the drill holes direct.! You, then you should consider trivex vs polycarbonate other two alternatives coating is added to either polycarbonate or Trivex …! The differences become more manifest, especially in eyewear n't feel,:., what the biggest priority of your lenses is, because Trivex a.