There are a number of criteria that materials for frame making should meet. Hans Stepper’s opinion is that they should be:
- Skin-friendly
- Antiallergic
- Durable
- Long lasting
TX5
The material for all STEPPER plastic frames is a Nylon-derived Polyamide with the following properties:
- 25% lighter than conventional plastic material
- Tougher, to allow much thinner frames
- Harder for greater scratch resistance
- Free of allergic reactions
Titanium and Beta-Titanium
The material for all STEPPER metal frames and metal components of TX5 frames with outstanding properties:
- 50% lighter than all other metals used
- 100% corrosion-free
- Free of allergic reactions
- 100% nickel-free
Stainless Steel
The best choice among the more traditional metals. Stainless Steel is lighter than Monel or Nickel Silver. It is very tough and highly flexible. Stainless Steel allows much thinner frame components, and the use of frames made from thin sheet.
NXT
The materials used in the NXT frame are Trivex, a castable polymer, developed and produced by PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) Industries, Ohio, USA. Originally developed for the USA Military for its outstanding properties:
- Lightweight
- Optical clarity
- Almost indestructible