Tech Print Industries uses additive manufacturing to create 3D-printed frames with turnaround times that challenge traditional production, explains co-founder David Friedfeld.
INVISION: With new tariffs threatening traditional eyewear supply chains, how is 3D printing positioned to offer a smarter, more resilient alternative for U.S. eyewear brands and retailers?
DAVID FRIEDFELD: Our 3D printing solution is currently based in the Netherlands and will be available in the USA in late Q3 or early Q4. Tariffs are currently unpredictable. If TPI customers request manufacturing and assembly in the USA with 100% U.S.-sourced parts, tariffs may be avoided or minimized. However, at present, several components (such as hinges) may need to be imported, in which case we may incur a small tariff on these components. This is similar to other “Made in America” eyewear that imports certain parts.
INVISION: You’ve embraced a “zero-inventory” production model. For independent optical retailers or designers, what are the practical business advantages of producing on demand?
FRIEDFELD: Zero inventory is a concept best suited for distributors to increase inventory turnover, enhance cash flow, maximize fill rates, and minimize excess stock of slow-selling SKUs, thus reducing warehousing space. Additionally, distributors can produce on demand and deliver reorders within 2-3 weeks. They can also change SKUs quickly, avoiding the risk of overstocking.
Similarly, designers and those entering the eyewear market can go to market with a small inventory or a few sample pieces, then order on demand. Retailers interested in private labeling also benefit from small minimum order quantities (MOQs) and quick delivery, enjoying the same advantages as distributors.
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In summary, this model reduces risk in terms of investment and obsolescence while accelerating time-to-market for production and delivery. It also allows customers to respond swiftly to market trends and what is selling well.
INVISION: How does additive manufacturing enable businesses to customize products — whether through small runs, new collections, or testing concepts — without the constraints of traditional minimum order quantities?
FRIEDFELD: Additive manufacturing allows for both customization and small-batch production, making it ideal for businesses seeking flexibility. At TPI, our software enables adjustments in sizes, shapes, and colors with MOQs as low as one piece. While full customization is available, the bigger opportunity lies in using 3D printing to rapidly produce collections, test new concepts, or introduce limited runs without overcommitting to large quantities. This approach benefits both smaller businesses looking to enter the market and established brands aiming to stay agile in response to evolving trends.
INVISION: Can you describe how your system shortens time to market and gives designers or retailers more control over style, pricing, or trends?
FRIEDFELD: Through TPI’s proprietary software and AI modeling, we can receive a design brief from a customer and have sales samples and stock inventory on the shelf within eight weeks after the first concept meeting. This rapid timeline is not achievable at scale with traditional manufacturing, where design and prototyping typically take 8-12 weeks.
TPI’s software and 3D printing can respond to market trends within 3-7 days, generating a fully designed 3D mesh that can be viewed in a virtual try-on (VTO) format before printing. If adjustments are needed, they can be completed in less than a day. In contrast, traditional manufacturing may require 3-6 weeks to develop production tools.
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Pricing is dependent on components, design, and post-processing. While 3D printing generally has lower tooling and assembly costs, the cost of materials and components remains comparable to good-quality acetate frames.
INVISION: Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what signals are you seeing that suggest the tipping point for mainstream adoption of 3D-printed eyewear is near?
FRIEDFELD: Currently, in the U.S., 3D-printed frames represent less than 0.5% of the total volume of eyewear sold at retail. Brands that offer 3D-printed eyewear primarily sell at premium prices and have been limited in color options. Recent surveys and national focus groups indicate that approximately 10% of dispensaries have carried 3D-printed eyewear, and 40% are interested in learning more.
The tipping point for U.S. sales to increase will come with the availability of mainstream styling and more accessible consumer pricing. We foresee this shift based on growing interest from major U.S. retailers and distributors. Ultimately, when consumers have more choices and come to appreciate the benefits of lightweight, sustainable eyewear in a full array of styles and colors, the market will begin to shift.
Note: Check out our profile of VSP’s Global Innovation Center and other innovative people, places, and products in the lead article of INVISION’s June issue.
