Finite element analysis of a customized eyeglass frame fabricated by 3D printing

In recent years, 3D printing has received increasing attention due to releases of low-cost 3D printers based on open-source platform. 3D printing is expected to reduce the barrier to entry in the traditional manufacturing processes by increasing flexibility and creating an advantage to manufacture customized products at low costs. In this study, a unique eyeglass frame was designed to have a snake shape, which has an asymmetric geometry unlike traditional frames. The eyeglass frame was designed in a customized manner by reflecting dimensional characteristics of a customer's face. Finite element analysis was performed to investigate the structural safety of the 3D printed frames during the assembly process. The analysis also considered the effect of anisotropic material properties as determined by tensile tests. The eyeglass frame was then printed using the customized sizes and the best building process. The eyeglass frame was successfully assembled with lenses and without structural failure during its assembly procedure.