Editing Inline skates (section)

=== Frame materials and rigidity ===

[[File:Rollerblade 2-bg.png|thumb|right|220px|Plastic frames]]

In general, stiffer frames require more expensive materials and manufacturing processes. The cheapest options are plastic frames, which are injection-molded with PVC, polypropylene, polyurethane or nylon. These are soft and flexible, thus not suitable outside of low-end skates. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is more rigid, and is widely used in recreational frames.<ref name="le-roller-en-ligne-on-skate-frame-uses"/>

[[File:Inline skate parts-Frame-Nexus Rockerable 235mm frame-PS Spinner 90mm wheels-IMG 5890-FRD.png|thumb|right|220px|Extruded & CNC-milled]]

Metal frames are produced from aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloys using a variety of processes. Folding a metal sheet is the cheapest option, resulting in a frame less rigid compared to other processes. Die casting is a step up from folding, but the resulting frame is more brittle. Extrusion followed by finishing milling is much more expensive, but produces a very rigid frame. The most expensive option is to run computer-controlled milling (CNC) on a block of metal, called a [[Semi-finished casting products#Billet|billet]], and carve a frame out of the block.<ref name="vegter-everything-about-frames"/><ref name="le-roller-en-ligne-on-manufacturing-of-skate-frames">{{cite web
|url=https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/the-manufacturing-processes-of-skate-frames/
|title=The manufacturing processes of skate frames
|website=Le Roller en Ligne
|date=23 November 2007
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215033904/https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/the-manufacturing-processes-of-skate-frames/
|archive-date=2025-02-15
|access-date=2025-02-15
}}</ref><ref name="powerslide-download-guides-frames"/>

Rigidity of a frame is an important factor in choosing one. However, other considerations, including cost and weight, also influence the decision. Sometimes, a discipline's needs trump many of these factors. For instance, aggressive skaters exclusively use fiberglass-reinforced plastic frames for their superior performance and consistent friction when grinding against all types of surfaces.<ref name="powell-svensson-inline-skating"/>{{rp|19–20}}<ref name="gutman-catching-air-2004"/>{{rp|138}}<ref name="vegter-everything-about-frames"/> Some of the most rigid frames, such as those made of carbon fiber, can be too brittle for hockey. These frames shatter rather than deform under impact or extreme stress due to their low [[fracture toughness]].<ref name="le-roller-en-ligne-on-anatomy-of-skate-frames">{{cite web
|url=https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/anatomy-of-a-skate-frame/
|title=Anatomy of a skate frame
|website=Le Roller en Ligne
|date=6 December 2007
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215034517/https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/anatomy-of-a-skate-frame/
|archive-date=2025-02-15
|access-date=2025-02-15
}}</ref> In addition, some skaters value comfort, which is at odds with rigid frames; increased rigidity transmits all imperfections of the road surface to the skater unattenuated, reducing comfort.<ref name="le-roller-en-ligne-on-aluminum-magnesium-carbon-frames">{{cite web
|url=https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/which-material-for-your-skate-frames-magnesium-or-aluminum/
|title=Which material for your skate frames: Magnesium or aluminum?
|website=Le Roller en Ligne
|date=25 January 2011
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215034730/https://www.rollerenligne.com/materiel/which-material-for-your-skate-frames-magnesium-or-aluminum/
|archive-date=2025-02-15
|access-date=2025-02-15
}}</ref>