METAL-FRAME LEATHER INLAY
Leather set into a machined groove along the metal rim.
For this construction the rim face of a metal frame is machined with a groove. The leather is cut to fit the groove and bonded into it with adhesive, so the leather line follows the metal rim instead of sitting on the surface. Leather grain and color can be selected for the design.
PROJECT INPUTS
Define the groove, the leather and the finish before sampling.
- Metal frame with a groove machined into the rim face
- Leather cut to the groove and bonded into place
- Leather grain and texture directions reviewed
- Custom leather color directions
- Inlay line, edge finish and assembly checked on the sample
Machine the groove in the rim face
The metal rim face is machined with a groove that follows the intended leather line. Its position, width, depth and the path along the rim are reviewed from the frame drawing or reference sample before a sample is made.
Cut the leather to the groove
The leather is cut to the groove profile so it can follow the rim line without lifting at the edges. Grain direction, material thickness and the way the leather meets the metal edge are reviewed for each design.
Bond the leather into the groove
Adhesive holds the cut leather inside the machined groove, setting the material into the metal construction rather than building it up on the surface. Bonding, edge cleanliness and levelness are checked on the sample.
Select the leather grain and color
The leather grain or texture can be chosen from the available directions, and the color can be customized for the collection. Exact material, thickness, finish, dye lot and availability are confirmed for the design.
Approve the inlaid sample
Sampling checks the inlay line along the rim, the junction between leather and metal, the surface appearance and the frame assembly. The approved sample becomes the reference for production, inspection and packing discussions.
Place the leather inlay in the wider project
Start from the closest custom metal frame direction and include the rim construction in your brief.
Compare this construction with leather wrapped over the frame surface when the covering sits on the front, brow or temple instead of inside a groove.
Organize collection details through the OEM and private label process and confirm the approved sample against the quality-control and packing scope.
FROM CONSTRUCTION TO FINISH
See how the leather sits inside the metal rim.
Use these examples to mark the inlay line, the leather grain and the color direction you want us to review.
Leather sits inside the groove machined along the metal rim face so the material line follows the frame.
Review how the inlaid leather reads across the front of the metal frame.
Compare the metal finish with the selected leather color and grain.
The leather is cut to the groove and bonded into it instead of being built up on the surface.
Mark the inlay line and reference color when the grain, color or edge finish needs to change.
BUYER QUESTIONS
Questions about metal-frame leather inlay.
Need an answer for a specific design?
Ask our team ↗
What is metal-frame leather inlay?
A groove is machined into the rim face of a metal frame, the leather is cut to fit that groove and bonded into it with adhesive, so the leather sits inside the metal construction.
How is this different from leather wrapping?
Leather wrapping covers a surface of the frame, such as the front, brow or temple. Leather inlay sets a cut piece into a machined groove on the metal rim. The suitable route depends on the frame construction and the covering material.
Can the leather grain and color be customized?
Grain, texture and color directions can be selected for the collection. The exact material, thickness, finish, dye lot and availability are confirmed for the design before sampling.
Can the inlay follow a specific line on the frame?
Send the frame drawing or reference image with the intended line marked. The groove path, width and depth, and how the leather meets the metal edge, are reviewed against that design.
What should I send for a leather-inlay inquiry?
Send the metal frame reference or drawing, the rim area to be inlaid, the leather grain and color direction, expected quantity, target market and desired timing.
RELATED INFORMATION
Connect the inlay with the frame project.
PROJECT REVIEW