If you pay attention to technology news, you are probably aware of the fact that carbon fiber is one of the hottest manufacturing materials right now. It is everywhere. From carbon fiber purses to running shoes with carbon fiber inserts, we cannot seem to get enough of this stuff. But alas, there are times when carbon fiber is more hype than function.
The carbon fiber running shoe relies on a combination of a carbon fiber insert and the laws of physics to make running more efficient. We get that. And in fact, so do athletics organizations. One by one they are banning carbon fiber trainers for competitive racing.
On the other hand are carbon fiber sunglasses. One particular brand, recently profiled by Trend Hunter, says it all. This post will not mention the brand because the discussion centers more around the reviewer than the brand itself. For the record, carbon fiber makes a great selling point. If the manufacturer can make money on carbon fiber frames, go for it. At issue is how the glasses are described by marketers.
Durability and Versatility
In the review, the Trend Hunter writer discussed how carbon fiber gave the sunglasses durability and versatility. Durability we get. It is common knowledge, according to Rock West Composites, that carbon fiber reinforced plastics are stronger than both steel and aluminum. It is no surprise that carbon fiber sunglasses would be durable.
As for more versatile, that doesn’t make sense. Why is carbon fiber any more versatile as an eyewear material than metal or plastic? What is it about carbon fiber that inherently makes the sunglasses more versatile than any other pair?
A pair of sunglasses has only one function: to protect the eyes against visible sunlight and UV rays. If you are using your sunglasses as a fashion accessory, that’s a bonus. But fashion is not the point here. It is eye protection. And how can you get more versatile with eye protection by incorporating carbon fiber into your design?
Exploring on Your Terms
We get the durability issue. We can even let versatility slide in the name of good marketing. But there is one statement in the review that is just too much to pass up. Carbon fiber sunglasses apparently allow owners to “travel or explore on their own terms without having to worry that their essential eyewear will fail.”
If the terms of your travel are dictated by the sunglasses you wear, perhaps the material your shades are made of is the least of your worries. In fact, do you know anybody whose travel plans are determined by their sunglasses? If so, advise them to get help.
We all travel on our own terms by default. We go where we want to go. We travel when we want to travel. We see the world according to those destinations that are most important to us. Sunglasses don’t have anything to do with it. Nor will they ever.
Lots of Applications
Do not misunderstand what this post is trying to convey. Carbon fiber is a great manufacturing material with lots of applications. Just the fact that it is stronger and lighter than both aluminum and steel makes it a great replacement in everything from aerospace to sporting goods and automotive manufacturing.
Carbon fiber also represents a way to sell more consumer goods. That’s fine too. Manufacturers are making sunglasses with carbon fiber because people want them. They are simply meeting market demand. But in the end, selling carbon fiber sunglasses is more about hype than function. Just make them sound good and everything will work out just fine.
