Hi all, I am currently undertaking my final year of university.

I have been studying the industry for the last year or so and currently my project involves the manufacturing of eyewear frames in-house using 3d printing as well as investment casting.

I've designed a pair of sunglasses with 6base head curvature and have sourced lenses.

Now the frames will be somewhat thick (3-4mm) and will be made out of sterling silver �� (more-so statement piece)

The "problem" I'm having is that it's quite difficult to snap lenses into metal frames hence why eyewire screws are used within the metal frame ecosystem.

Now my enquiry is - is it sensible/okay to design metal frames with tight and smart tolerances as to avoid needing to split the frame and incorporate screws into the design.

I'd imagine chamfering the rear of the frame to create a sliding slope, though my local optometrist insists that all metal frames require eyewire screws.

I could have sworn I've seen metal frames that are screwless?

Thank you