The Tech Pack for Custom Sunglasses: What to Include

A tech pack is the single most important document in custom eyewear production. It translates your vision into a precise, manufacturable spec — and a complete one prevents the misunderstandings that cause sample rounds, delays and bulk that doesn't match. This guide details everything a sunglasses tech pack should include.

What a tech pack is — and why it matters

A tech pack is the complete technical specification a factory uses to make your product exactly as intended. Without it, the factory fills gaps with assumptions — and assumptions cause errors. A thorough tech pack is the cheapest insurance you can buy against a failed order.

Every detail you leave out of the tech pack is a decision you've delegated to a stranger. Specify it, or accept their guess.

Section 1 — Frame dimensions

Precise measurements define fit and proportion:

• Lens width and lens height
• Bridge width (distance between lenses)
• Temple length (arm length)
• Total frame width
• Base curve (frame/lens curvature)
• Frame thickness

Include a dimensioned drawing or reference sample.

Section 2 — Materials

Specify frame and component materials exactly: acetate (sheet/block, grade), TR90, metal alloy (Monel/steel/titanium), bio-acetate, or wood — and any wire cores. See choosing frame material.

Section 3 — Lens specification

See lens materials and UV400.

Section 4 — Hinges and hardware

Specify hinge type (spring/barrel/riveted/screwless), screw type and any thread-locking, and temple core. See hinge types.

Section 5 — Colors

Give exact Pantone references for frame, temples, tips and any color elements, with a Delta-E tolerance. See Pantone matching. Note two-tone or gradient color details.

Section 6 — Branding/decoration

Specify method (laser/pad print/metal plate), placement, logo file (vector preferred), size and color. See logo options.

Section 7 — Packaging

Detail case, pouch, cloth, box, inserts/hangtags, barcodes and branding. See packaging ideas.

Section 8 — Tolerances and QC

State acceptable tolerances (dimensions, color ΔE, gradient height), AQL inspection level (2.5 major / 4.0 minor), required test reports (UV, impact, category, hinge endurance) and compliance standards for your market. See durability testing.

Section 9 — Compliance and labeling

Specify the standards your product must meet (CE EN ISO 12312-1, FDA, ANSI, AS/NZS, REACH) and any labeling (category, "not for driving" if cat 4, UV). See lens categories.

Tech pack checklist

1. Dimensioned frame drawing
2. Frame & component materials
3. Full lens spec (material, UV, polarized, color, category, coatings)
4. Hinge & hardware
5. Pantone colors + ΔE tolerance
6. Branding method, placement, logo file
7. Packaging spec
8. Tolerances, AQL, test reports
9. Compliance standards & labeling

Summary

A complete sunglasses tech pack — dimensions, materials, lens, hinges, colors, branding, packaging, tolerances and compliance — is the foundation of a successful order. The detail you invest here is repaid in fewer sample rounds, faster production and bulk that matches your vision. Treat it as your product's contract with the factory.