What makes up a frame?

It is very important to know what components make up various frames. You will need to know which specific part you are talking about when ordering replacement parts, when describing a frame for a manufacturer or sales representative, when conveying information to a fellow optician and when speaking with lab personnel. Failing to accurately describe the part you need could create delays, cause increased shipping costs and create waste.

Some frame parts may be called different things by different people. Some terms only apply to plastic frames and some apply only to metal. Some terms do not apply at all when discussing three-piece mounts (see below) made of hinge-less flexible metal.

However, here are the generally accepted terms and their meanings:

Chassis (also known as frame front): When connected by a solid bridge of any kind (metal or plastic), the chassis is the combination of eyewires, bridge and the end pieces. This includes any crossbars above the bridge, and any artful details applied to any of those pieces (like rhinestones).

Temples (also known as temple arms or arms): Temples are the pieces that hold the chassis to the head and ears. The temple is the piece that runs from the end piece on the chassis back to behind the ear. The temple also holds half the hinge assembly. (Also, see temple types, below.)

Notice that almost every temple has a different end on it where it meets the hinge! Hinges come in an almost infinite variety so you can understand why you need to order the same exact part if one breaks.

 

 

 

 

Bridge: The bridge is the area between the two eyewires. On a plastic frame, it is the area that touches the nose and the area that connects the two eyewires together. On a metal frame, it is only the area that connects the two eyewires together. On a three-piece mount, it is the entire assembly that connects the two eyewires together in the middle.

 

 

 

 

Eyewire: The eyewire is the area of the frame that actually surrounds the lens and holds the lens in place.

 

 

End piece: The end piece is the area of the chassis that meets the temple or the point where the temple attaches to the chassis. It is where half the hinge is found.