Eastman has acquired vast expertise in material technology during more than 80 years in the eyewear industry. Whether you are injection molding or extruding sheet, Eastman has the specialized knowledge to help you get the best results from any of our materials.
Injection molding
The industry is trending toward injection molding to simplify manufacturing cost and lower system costs. Eastman anticipates this trend by working with leading molders around the world in many industries to create efficient processing and reliable consumer products.
- Because of the relatively high heat deflection temperature (HDT) of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, Eastman continually works with customers to refine guidelines and publishes a library of processing guides to help make injection molding Tritan as simple and successful as possible.
- Tenite™ cellulosics have long been known for their advantages in extruded sheet, but now there are ways to enjoy the benefits of Tenite in injection molding applications. Excellent flow properties produce smaller gates, better gate aesthetics, and the ability to mold thicker parts.
Extrusion
- Tenite is known to have excellent melt strength which allows ease of extrusion and customization—typically improving processability and chemical resistance. It can be processed at 20% lower temperatures and dries in 25% less time compared with other polymers.
- Tritan provides extruders with excellent toughness, clarity, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, low and stable shrinkage rates, and other properties. Versions of Tritan are available with various additive packages, such as UV and color.
Working with Eastman
- Eastman is dedicated to providing eyewear manufacturers and designers with a wide range of materials and technology to help fulfill their vision and keep pace with rapidly changing market needs.
- By providing a total-solutions capability, Eastman can focus on customer needs first then match a polymer and provide technical, design, and marketing support to help ensure success with either extrusion or injection molded processes.
- Eastman provides primary and secondary processing support as well as design reviews, product testing, and even marketing support. Eastman provides strong market access and knowledge throughout the value chain.