Prototype for Testing Frames of Sunglasses

A first prototype version was developed for testing the resistance in sunglasses frames, according to NBR ISO 12311:2018, which can also be used for prescription glasses. It tests the durability of the frame by the act of placing and removing the glasses from the face by the user, ensuring the quality and safety of glasses sold to consumers. A mechanical system was designed, consisting of a nose simulator and fixing edges for one of the glasses’ temples, which simulates the side that is fixed behind the ear; and an electronic rotation system—40 rpm—for testing the other temple (simulation of the side that will be removed from the face) and frames have been tested. Tests were performed on 30 samples, out of which 04 were non-compliant with ISO and for only one of them the motor’s torque was not adequate to perform the test. In addition, 5 samples moved away from the “nose” during the test, not comprising the test, but suggesting a more efficient design. The prototype will be revised for proper testing of frames with larger and smaller dimensions than the standard as well as the engine will be re-designed to test samples with less flexible frames. Also, international equipment of the market is discussed, pointing out inadequacy in relation to the requirements of the standard. This research was financially supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)—process number 2018/16275-2.