Kio Yamato Collection

Technical information of KT-236, 237, 239 and 240
These models have fronts which have been formed to create a three dimensional image which is elevated up to the lens and recedes backwards towards the face meeting the unique hinges in one fluid movement.  This is a unique technical process that creates angles unseen with normal titanium frames.  6 molds are used to produce a front of each model (KT-236, 237, 239 and 240) and the final product consists of 12 different molds (KT-239 and KT-240) that create volume and angles to be pressed together, which are combined with hand crafted workmanship that gives an added complexity to these models.

These extraordinary fronts began from a titanium base plate of 4mm thickness.  The solid block structure belies the lightness of the whole design, and leaves an impression that is as bold and as striking as plastic frames.  This process is unprecedented when compared to other methods and models.  Trimming, shaving, and smoothing all angles after pressing are done piece by piece, along all dimensions of the frame (which is also included in temple design and workmanship so very characteristic of Kio Yamato collection).  Kio Yamato brings the full use of using top-class technology and know how into every process in these models.

Manufacturing process for Front shapes:

1. An 80ton press is utilized to form the outer silhouette of the front by punching it out from a titanium sheet.
2. Trimming of the outer burrs generated by 'dies pressing,' and then an 80ton press does trimming of the inner burrs.
3. A 400ton press creates different dimensions.
4. Then removing of burrs, barreling, and polishing surfaces.
5. The eye rim groves are shaved out by NC  process (a cutting machine).
6. The NC process is used also to create the outer line to make the frame front look sharp.
7. After buffing, the entire front is given a curvature and dimension by stampoing mold press of an 80ton press.

KT-239 and KT-240 series temples:
These temples are made by 6 mm rounded titanium bars, which is maximum sized bars in optical industry processed to make the shape of the temple hinge (drawing 8).  Titanium is not a material  that can be as malleable as with other metals, so it is very difficult, if not impossible to create this shape.  This successful creation and discovery defies the inherent nature of titanium by the highly technical process of this pressing method.  The outlines of shapes are made by 'sweaging' (compression of the bar to create a rectangular structure).  This shape is created by pressing several times with heavy pressing machine (250ton press) for angles and the body of the bar creates stability to the temple shape.  Both temples require separate molds because they are  mirror images of each other, rather than the same temple on both sides.  A highly advanced three spot soldering to accommodate the shape of the temple that also reindorces the stability of the structure do all soldering.  Each peice is then shaved and polished piece by piece by hand, with a triangle cutter and buffing machine (drawing 9).  The end result is a mono-block end piece with a cutting edge style.

KT-236 and KT-237 series temples are made by Beta-titanium for to make comfortable fittings.