LATHE EYELET
LATHE EYELET
Lathe eyelets, also known as machined eyelets, are manufactured through precision lathe or CNC machining, ensuring smooth edges, uniform thickness, and accurate hole dimensions. Unlike traditional stamped eyelets, machined eyelets provide superior durability and a refined appearance, making them ideal for premium footwear, luxury handbags, outdoor boots, and industrial applications.
With advanced electroplating or surface treatment, these eyelets offer anti-oxidation and rust-resistant properties, while their polished edges prevent damage to laces or fabrics. This makes them a perfect choice for brands that emphasize quality and detail.
Structure and main features
Composed of a visible top (side A) and a cylindrical body (the tubular portion through the material, side B), the double-sided design allows the cylindrical body to lock into place from both sides of the material, thereby enhancing strength. Manufactured on a lathe or CNC machine tool, it ensures a tighter, more consistent, and smoother dimension.
Materials and processing methods
- Copper: Excellent machinability, beautiful polishing and electroplating, medium strength.
- Surface treatment: electroplating, PVD, stainless steel passivation or electrophoretic coating.
Functional advantages
- High precision and stable tolerances: CNC machining can precisely control the inner and outer diameters, ensuring good fit with the thickness of fabrics and leathers, and preventing loosening or deformation.
- Excellent surface finish: Due to rotary cutting, the lathe parts have smooth surfaces and rounded edges, which do not damage webbing and leather. Chamfering and polishing can reduce wear and extend the life of webbing, leather and rope.
- More flexible materials and thicknesses: Lathe processes can handle thicker or harder materials and can also create a solid feel or complex structural details (such as precise radius, threads, or specific grooves) that are difficult to achieve with stamping processes.
Lathe eyelets are widely used across footwear, bags, luggage, leather goods, and industrial outdoor equipment.They combine durability, structural reinforcement, and premium aesthetics, making them essential both for functionality and visual design.
- Bags & leather goods Handle pass-through holes, decorative vent holes, brand-signature grommets.
- Premium dress shoes/boots & custom workshops When a metallic look and high-precision appearance are required.
- Outdoor/work-safety footwear Upper quick-lacing holes and high-load positions (often paired with two-piece washers).
- Athletic footwear Lightweight aluminum versions; mirror-finished inner bores to reduce friction.