Designing the Pipeline Sunglasses

How sunglasses are created


Passion, Rigor and Application are the keywords in the creation and development of sport sunglasses designed for extreme conditions.



From idea to finished product


Craftsmanship, cohesion between our design, R&D and marketing teams, and the shared commitment to offer high-performance and high-quality products are the driving forces behind the development of all Julbo's new sunglasses, from concept to production.



PHASE 1: THE IDEA

Freedom is the driving force behind creativity

Inspiration can come from anywhere, a simple discussion or maybe a marketing brief. However, our main source of ideas is the feedback we receive from users, athletes and eyewear professionals.


From idea to first sketch

It all starts with an idea for a product which is then drawn using Julbo's eyewear expertise. The drawings encourage debate and discussion. Ideas often come thick and fast, discussions are productive and result in more concrete proposals: the choice of models to prototype



Drawing the idea


PHASE 2: PROTOTYPING

Craftsmanship and attention to detail

Ergonomic requirements in eyewear are so important that products must be prototyped with the greatest rigor so that the concept can later become a frame.


Validation of style and innovative features

The intended styling is then taken into account and developed on the three-dimensional drawing, together with the light lines that have to be shaped and any suggested technical innovations.


Modelling and first prototype

The sunglasses are modelled in two ways:

    • Traditional modelling in acetate that is scanned and remodelled in 3 dimensions.

    • Three-dimensional modelling using design software.

These virtual models are then produced using fast prototyping (stereolithography, sintering or 3D printer) to test their comfort, functional efficiency and feasibility.



Prototyping



PHASE 3: DESIGN

Creation of the first molds

This essential phase is used to produce the molds for each component (front, temples, bridge and accessories) while taking account of all constraints related to plastic injection, the combination of parts and quality requirements in terms of lens fitting and optical performance.


The molds are designed and manufactured in-house by the Julbo mechanical engineering workshop.


PHASE 4: INJECTION TESTS

First injection operations

Once the molds have been produced, a first series of parts is created. This allows Julbo to check whether the molds produced to create the unfinished frames accurately correspond to the quality and conformity criteria of the model.


Final adjustment

This phase is used to correct the molds if necessary and make any final adjustments to the model.



Injecting the Molds



PHASE 5: FINALIZATION

Attention to detail

Perceived quality is the primary factor in the success of a model. Finishing is therefore carried out with great care.


Because our sunglasses are designed to be worn

Significant work is done to research trends in materials, colors and finishes, together with the combination of lenses that will perfectly meet customer requirements.



Cutting the Glass



The model is then ready, the rest is up to you...