The Differences between Resin Buttons and Plastic Buttons

The Differences between Resin Buttons and Plastic Buttons

April 18, 2018 BY TRIMS CO.,LIMITED Buttons Knowledge

When buying buttons, we often hear "metal buttons, resin buttons, plastic buttons". "Metal buttons" are well understood, but many people cannot distinguish between "resin buttons" and "plastic buttons". What is the difference between them? In fact, plastic is a form of resin.But the term [resin button" and "plastic button" are often interchangeable with each other.

In the following, We will discuss all the major differences between the two button types to help you make the right choice between the two buttons.

In simple terms, resin is a natural substance and plastic is a synthetic substance.

Specifically, resin is a compound obtained from plants, so it is purely natural. Resin usually has a clear, yellowish color and is highly viscous. The original form of resin is a volatile liquid, but it will harden into a transparent solid material when processed.

Plastic is also known as synthetic resin. Generally, plastics are made from petrochemicals in combination with natural materials. We can further categorize plastics into several different subtypes such as acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and many more. There are also plastic materials that are mostly made from renewable plant material known as bioplastics.

When we make buttons from resin or plastic, another key difference between them is their manufacturing process.

Plastic buttons, on the other hand, are manufactured from solid substances and are made through an injection molding process.

The raw resin material is in a liquid form, and so this liquid substance goes through the processes of heating, cooling, solidifying, cutting, etc. These processes are applied via the mould cavity. Another manufacturing process that is commonly used is coating the roller surface with liquid resins, which are then solidified. Then, the solid resin is molded and pressed into the intended form, as well as other subsequent processes.

Due to those different manufacturing processes, resin buttons look cleaner and brighter on the surface. They are also thicker and heavier, and so are more suitable for various applications. Plastic buttons, however, have the advantage of an easier molding process, and so can be shaped in a wider variety of forms. This also makes electroplating easier on plastic buttons.

Below are commonly used terms when discussing resin and plastic buttons, as well as their definitions.

Urea Buttons

Urea is a completely organic material that is very resistant to heat processing, belonging to the resin material group. It is quite difficult to make urea buttons since the raw material is very expensive.

Polyester Buttons

The term "polyester" is most commonly referring to a plastic subtype called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and so polyester buttons belong to the plastic buttons group.

Chalk Buttons

Chalk buttons are manufactured of unsaturated polyester resin material in combination with other chemicals. Chalk buttons can be dyed with pigment and can also come in various colors for DTM orders.

Acrylic Buttons

Acrylic is the term commonly used to describe polymethyl methacrylate, a form of plastic material known for its lightness, toughness, and transparency.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer material commonly used to make plastic buttons. ABS is a very tough material with very high impact and heat resistance, and so is very durable.

In addition to the buttons mentioned in the article, for more information about Jeans Eyelets, Snap button tapes, Printed Button, you are welcome to inquire by mail or phone.