Panto-Style Glasses Frame

Panto Glasses

This model features a fully 3D printable panto style spectacles frame. 

It was designed with the help of professional opticians and has the required features to be used as a real spectacle frame.

The arms contain hidden springs, which make the hinge mechanism stable and pleasant to use.

No glue needed. The parts fit together very tightly.

Usage as real eyewear

IMPORTANT: I can and will not guarantee safety of usage and I will take no liabilities for any damage, that may be related to this model. Use it at your own Risk.

If you want to use this model as real eyewear, you will need the help of a professional optician. The optician will adjust the model to fit your head and will deliver the right lenses. 

Printing

The parts are designed with orientation and strength in mind. You can take a look at the project file, but you can also just lay the parts down flat.

The project file contains some settings which try to improve surface quality, but those settings are not necessary for the print to work. 

Material

I tested this Model with PLA and PETG. These are my findings after wearing this model for over a year now (as of July 2025). 

DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences. The materials that are described below may have a different effect on your skin. If you notice any irritations, stop wearing this model immediately.

• PLA is not recommended, as it easily breaks. 
• PETG is a rather good choice
  • + it is durable enough for every day life
  • + it had no effect on my skin yet
  • ~ opticians can work with it, even if it takes some getting used to
  • - stringing causes quality problems which need post processing

Assembly

Assembly may be a bit challenging, as tolerances are very tight. This process worked well for me. 

1. Find a Pliers Wrench and add tape to the jaws to not damage the print
2. For one side, put the hinge and the arm together loosely
3. Use the wrench to press both parts together carefully
4. Then, take the frame and set the assembled arm loosely into the rail on the frames side
5. Again, take the Wrench and carefully press the hinge into the frame
6. Repeat for the other side

The first time you fold in the arms, press one arm on to a table and gently bend the frame over it. This will prevent the hinge from wearing out or breaking. Repeat for the other side.