6月17日

Interview with brand kikiki optique #2 (Visiting the workshop)

During our visit to the kikiki optique's workshop, we had the opportunity to tour and observe the manufacturing process of handmade eyewear frames.

From the conception of ideas, creation of prototypes, making rubber molds, brazing, sanding, and assembly... as we toured the workshop, we could sense that each step of the process was infused with both technical expertise and heartfelt dedication.

（上）デザインの構想とともに、手作業で地金やハードワックス、3次元CADを使い原型を作成。

Alongside the conception of the design, prototypes are created by hand using base metal, hard wax, and 3D CAD.

（上）原型を使用しゴム型作成。ゴム型にワックスを流し込み、ワックスパターンを作成。

Using the prototypes, rubber molds are created. Wax is poured into the rubber molds to create wax patterns.

（上）ワックスパターンを使用し、ロストワックス鋳造で金属パーツを作成。写真はロストワックス鋳造後の金属のパーツ。

Using the wax patterns, metal parts are created through lost-wax casting. The above image shows the metal parts after the lost-wax casting process.

（上）ロウ付け（合金を接着剤として溶接する工程）を行い、パーツを溶接する。次の工程としてバレルで金属を磨く。

Brazing(the process of welding using an alloy as an adhesive material) is performed to assemble the parts. The next step involves polishing the metal in a barrel.

（上）kikiki optiqueのテンプルパーツ。掛け心地や安全性に配慮し、フィッティング時に調整が必要なヨロイはしっかりと強度を保つプレスで生産。鯖江で最高品質といわれる工場でプレスしたヨロイ、スエージング加工した芯材、それらを御徒町で鋳造装飾パーツとロウ付けと磨きをかけ組み合わせる。

The temple of kikiki optique's frame. Taking into consideration comfort and safety, the end pieces, which require adjustment during fitting, are produced with pressing to maintain strong durability. The pressed end pieces and swaged metal temple core parts are produced at the factory in Sabae, renowned for its highest quality. They are then combined with handmade decorative parts from Okachimachi with the process of brazing and polishing.

（上）数個ずつ砂打ち（サンドブラスト）でマット加工を施す。ジルコニアがついているパーツは（花のめしべ部分など）、石に傷がつかない様、事前に石の部分を丁寧にマスキングで覆う。

Matte finishing is applied through sandblasting(several pieces at a time). Parts with zirconia attached are carefully masked (such as the stamen of a flower) beforehand to protect the stone from scratches.