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ROOTS &

PHILOSOPHY STEPPER has been manufacturing eyewear since 1970, but the company’s journey began further back than this when the founder, Hans Stepper, was in his late teens.

Hans, born in 1935 in Stuttgart, Germany, entered optics assisting his father who owned a small opticians in the city. Here he began an apprenticeship where Hans soon recognised he had a passion for the design and craftsmanship of eyewear.

Hans noticed how much happier the

spectacles himself? But, rather than

to the family home. Hans’s family

patients he saw were when they had a

look to conventional, tried and trusted

grew up and the business prospered.

methods of frame manufacture, Hans

The brand became available across the

had become interested in a process

world with opticians attracted to the

that would not have been obvious to

frames that gave their customers such

company Marwitz & Hauser,’ comments

most as a method of manufacturing

comfort and for a growing demand for

Hans. ‘Their product was much more

quality eyewear. Cheap sunglasses

fashionable plastic frames.

expensive than others and as a young

were being made at this time using the

lad I was reluctant to offer these (in

mass production technique viable with

In 1993 demand switched from

injection moulding plastic. This began

plastic to metal frames. The change

However, I soon discovered that once

the idea to use this method to create

was so fast that Stepper couldn’t

the customer had tried them on, the

his own injection moulded frames.

respond quickly enough and as the

“Around this time the best frames I

company was so engineered towards At the time, Hans went against the

the production of high quality plastic

advice of his contemporaries to create

frames, it almost disappeared. During

‘’I soon became interested in

quality injection moulded spectacles.

this time, one of Stepper’s most

frame design which led to “Metzler

What emerged in 1970 was the

reliable UK customers, who didn’t want

beginnings of the Stepper we know

to see such an innovative supplier

a trainee in their design studio

today. To start the business, Hans

vanish, purchased the company and

who, in turn, recommended me to

enrolled Bernard Ide to assist, leaving

brought the complete works to the UK.

Hans free to design. Together Stepper

Hans also moved and he and the team

optical chain in Finland, to have my

and Ide began creating ground-

continued to design and manufacture

own studio in Helsinki for handmade

breaking comfortable frames. These

frames to be sold across the globe.

eyewear with jewellery applications for shape, could be easily adjusted and

Today, Stepper frames are sold in over

He returned to Germany in 1961 where

were designed and coloured

60 countries with as many as 150 new

he continued to design for Metzler and

with ease to suit trends. Ide sadly

styles launched every year. The brand

completed his training, graduating as

died in the mid 1980’s, but he hasn’t

remains one of the few true ophthalmic

‘Master Optician’.

disappeared from the frames as the

brands still trading and it grows, year

nomenclature for ‘Stepper’ branded

on year. Hans is still busy designing

This experience, his passion and

frames start with ‘SI’ – Stepper and

frames, researching materials and

ability to craft eyewear led Hans in a

Ide.

production techniques as well as

direction the company has been on ever since. What if he could create

visiting distributors and attending trade Manufacturing began in a garage close

shows worldwide.

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One of the ultimate leading eyewear State-of-the art materials, lightness and a timeless design.

STEPPER combines materials of the Titanium family with TX5, a sophisticated polyamide adaption, making the frames corrosion free, ultra-light and hypoallergenic.

StepperS takes the Stepper brand to a more contemporary place. The younger, more vibrant feel of this collection gives StepperS a personality which is quite distinct and exciting.

It opens up a whole new marketplace for those customers seeking more fashionable frames.

New models enhance the collection and build on the existing StepperS style’s youthful appeal. Design and manufacturing excellence are not eschewed, remaining true to the original Stepper brand values.

almost all models are manufactured in two sizes. A collection from professionals for professionals, with a proven promise for customer satisfaction.

Manufactured primarily using TX5 and stainless steel, the quality of these frames is clear to the eye and to the touch. Discover the design, quality and energy that is StepperS.

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professional opticians.

Professional recommendation has delivered STEPPER frames to millions of faces in over 60 countries and all ethnicities worldwide. This passion continues into the 21st century.

Now, isn’t that a comforting thought.

characteristics with every frame.

Our own quality control and testing facilities allow STEPPER develop and maintain the highest standards of reliability with any new innovation being rigorously tested before it is presented to the customer.

Our commitment to these Stepper characteristics enables us to deliver our brand promise – ‘Committed to providing the most comfortable,

to hold a pair of lenses correctly before the eyes with the upmost precision and comfort.

almost unnoticed, minimising slip and pressure against the head and ears.

The STEPPER design process creates frames that professionals recommend. The design process begins with optics applied to anatomy. This creates frames that perform their function perfectly, almost unnoticed by

worked outwards.

the wearer.

different angles, heights and widths.

from the brand’s numerous different nose shape designs with

correct angle, width and height of the nose section and how this makes a great difference for the wearer.

« STEPPER is uniquely positioned in the prescription eyewear market. »

COMFORT & FIT

“A face is three dimensional; this is why we design and manufacture frames in three dimensions. Anything else would be a compromise.’’

Hans Stepper Founder, Stepper EYEWEAR

is the brand’s principle differentiator

unnoticed, minimising slip and pressure

given to the correct angle, width and

and the reason for its success.

against the head and ears.

height of the nose section and how

The most important function of an

This is vital with TX5 frames where

this makes a great difference for the

ophthalmic frame is to hold a pair of

wearer.

lenses correctly and comfortably before

All these elements are considered

the eyes with the utmost precision and

appear between the wearer’s nose and

integral during Stepper frame design

comfort.

the frame; there should be no gaps

process and manufacture and before

visible.

aesthetics.

As noses are not standardised all gender and ethnicity.

This involves more knowledge in

numerous different nose shape designs with different angles, heights and

nose.

widths. Every frame design starts from the nose and is worked outwards.

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MATERIALS Material Selection Three criteria for selecting materials for Stepper frames are: 1. Light 2. Hypoallergenic 3. Durable

Key Materials

TX5 TX5 is a state-of-the-art material for premium plastic frames, allowing the essential requirements of comfort and ideal for creating eyewear. It combines minimal weight with high strength, impact strength and high transparency.

TX5 frames are manufactured using Stepper’s unique moulding process. This process undergoes constant the TX5 frames look and feel different to a regular plastic frame.

TX5 vs Acetate Stepper plastic frames are made from TX5 – a superior material to acetate with a fundamentally different manufacturing process which allows Stepper to deliver our ‘seven characteristics’.

In contrast to Stepper, almost all other plastic frames are

Our international registered trademark for the resultant material – exclusive to STEPPER EYEWEAR – is TX5.

TX5 Continued

TX5 Injection Moulding

The moulding technology allows three-dimensional shaping

STEPPER has extensive knowledge of working

that helps to reduce the weight and thickness. The results

with TX5. Casting the moulds from a high

are a well-balanced almost weightless look and feel.

temperature resistant Epoxy results in a 100%

They keep their shape and do not deform, even in a hot

replication of the master creating a perfect

environment.

replica of the original design.

The frames come out from the mould with

Frames made of TX5 surpass user

the 3D lens groove and the anatomical shape

requirements for superior optical frames. These are: and joining elements for lug connections are -High stability and impact strength stronger to allow for much thinner frames -Harder for greater scratch resistance -High transparency -Good memory properties almost as light as water) 25% lighter than onventional plastic material -Endless colouring possibilities -Hypoallergenic properties

contact and biocompatibility.

TX5 is the plastic of choice for all contemporary Stepper frames. More recently, working within Arts has allowed the design and manufacturing with this material to move forward enormously. Thinner, more delicate designs are now possible as the product development team push what can be achieved with this remarkable polyamide.

provided creating extra strength in the frame construction.

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Innovation and Technology - Titanium Under Arts ownership, the brand has access to one of the most advanced Titanium spectacle design, technology and durability, plasticity (in Beta form) and hypoallergenic characteristics make it a great metal alternative to the TX5 material.

Titanium – Pure 99.44%. It is ideally used for thicker (1.2mm and above) or more solid structural areas. Pure Titanium

The key reasons this state-of-the-art material is used are:

Lightness

Corrosion Resistance

Hypoallergenic

Titanium and Beta-Titanium are 4.45 to

Titanium is 100% resistant against any

Titanium, Beta Titanium, TX5 and

aggressive liquids such as saltwater, sweat, mineral and organic acids.

less allergic reactions than conventional frame manufacturing materials. For example; metal frames can often contain nickel.

Most Stepper metal frames and frame components are made of Titanium or its alloys. compared to these materials and Nickel Silver so often found in eyewear: Lightness, about less than half the weight of conventional metals, Corrosion resistance against all acids, alkaline liquids and Hypoallergenic (nickel free)

Beta - Titanium This material is much tougher and offers superior elasticity to pure Titanium. In eyewear it is used in frames or frame parts like: Thin wires, frames with temple, end pieces and temples that do not require thick, three dimensional cross-section, most rimless frames’ components are made of Beta protect the lenses from breaking. Despite the fact that Beta - Titanium is an alloy of various components, it too meets the International standards ISO 12,870 and

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Vanadium (20%), Aluminium (4%) and mean 100% pure Titanium. Nickel has

and no other metals are used.

Iron (1%).

often been used by manufacturers as

As described earlier 100%

Beta-Titanium’s benefits are its

a soldering material but this removes

Titanium has so many mechanical

flexibility and ability to be produced

the benefit of using Titanium as a skin

disadvantages that the request for

with a very slim profile. However, it

friendly material.

thin, flexible frames cannot be met.

is around three times as expensive as

Beta-Titanium, by comparison,

pure Titanium due to its complicated

parts, not only rims or temples, of the

contains around 75% Titanium. The

amalgamation technology.

frame are made of Titanium.

other elements in this alloy are:

Titanium Frame Hinge Construction

Normal hinge

The natural surface of Titanium makes it unsuitable for the construction of a frame hinge when it slides or rubs against another Titanium part.

For best performance and durability, Stepper uses quality Brass or Stainless Steel between moving Titanium parts in regular and sprung hinged frames.

Spring hinge

The STEPPER rimless frame collection offers a multitude of opportunities for an optician.

From modern minimalism through classical elegance to exquisitely detailed styling; there is a STEPPER rimless style for most tastes.

Whether worn as a statement piece of eyewear or as an almost invisible mount to hold lenses, STEPPER rimless

Lightweight in construction but not lightweight in innovation and inspiration, the rimless collection continues to be one of Stepper’s key strengths in ophthalmic frame design and manufacture.

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All STEPPER frames are quality controlled by our own in-house Quality operations in accordance with ISO 12,870 and EN 1,811.

The eight quality control testing procedures measure the following: Nickel Release Dimensional Stability Dimensions Tolerance Bridge Deformation Endurance Perspiration Optical Radiation Ignition

WHY PEOPLE LIKE US Here are the three main reasons why millions of people worldwide wear a Stepper frame.

How many of these are important to you when choosing quality ophthalmic frames?

Value for money

Range

Saleability

Very few people buy on price,

We offer a range of frames from the

‘Stepper frames are designed “from the

preferring great value for money and

traditional to the fashionable. Whether

a return on their investment (this is

you are looking for a reliable supplier

‘what we do)’. We have a range of price

of injection moulded plastic, titanium,

points and, because we do not pay

rimless or quality ‘proper’ half-eyes,

dust on your display). You are “never

royalties to pass on, our prices are not

Stepper has something to meet your

stuck with a Stepper’’.

smart. We make frames, not labels that

needs.

What some of our customers say:

‘’We have used Stepper frames well. Stepper designs frames to designers seem to draw shapes that

‘’....since stocking the Stepper rimless frames we have enjoyed great success selling them...great quality and fantastic styles...’’

‘’I have been dealing with Stepper since I opened my practice nearly 30 years ago and have always found them to have great products and excellent service.

The plastic frames in particular are incredibly comfortable, according to the large number of our clients who wear them. In fact, I cannot remember a single instance where a Stepper frame has been uncomfortable in wear.’’

‘’I have used Stepper frames for some years now, and the best thing I can say about them is that the patients like them. Lots....To how me 12 rimless, you choose’ And be sure everyone is a good one?’’

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