Frame Adjustment Techniques by Material Flashcards
7 cards from real ABO NOCE Basic Opticianry practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Frame Adjustment Techniques by Material flashcards as text
When adjusting a titanium frame's temples, which technique is most appropriate?
Answer: Bend slowly with fingers or pliers at room temperature without heat
Titanium is adjusted cold using slow, steady pressure because it has memory properties and applying heat can damage its finish or alter its temper.
A patient's zyl (acetate) frame shows whitening at a bend point after adjustment. This indicates:
Answer: The material was bent while too cool, causing stress fractures
Whitening or stress marks in acetate indicate the material was bent cold or at an insufficient temperature, creating micro-fractures in the plastic.
Which of the following frame materials should NEVER be placed in a salt pan or frame warmer?
Answer: Optyl
Optyl is a thermoset epoxy resin that has shape memory—it returns to its original molded shape when heated, so applying heat reverses adjustments rather than aiding them.
A patient returns with a metal frame whose nose pads are pressing unevenly. The correct first step is to:
Answer: Use pad-adjusting pliers to reposition the pad arms symmetrically
Pad-adjusting pliers allow precise repositioning of metal pad arms to achieve symmetrical, even pressure without damaging the frame.
What is the primary reason TR-90 (nylon-based) frames require a different adjustment approach than standard acetate?
Answer: TR-90 has high flexibility and memory, resisting permanent deformation from heat alone
TR-90's nylon composition gives it spring-like memory, meaning adjustments may need more force and the frame may partially revert, requiring patient counseling about limitations.
A stainless steel frame temple needs to be opened slightly for a wider head. The optician should:
Answer: Use temple-spreading pliers or gently spread the temple by hand at room temperature
Stainless steel is adjusted cold because heat is unnecessary and a torch could discolor or weaken the metal; gentle manual or plier pressure achieves the spread.
When performing a four-point touch alignment check on a frame, you are verifying that:
Answer: Both temples and both pad arms contact a flat surface simultaneously, confirming the frame is not twisted
The four-point touch test places the frame face-down; all four contact points (two temples, two pad arms) should rest flat simultaneously to confirm proper alignment.