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MultiMaker Lab

This includes information about the space, equipment, and resources available to students, faculty, and staff.

Supplies

The kit includes molds and circle cutters to make three different size buttons: 1 inch, 1.25 inch, and 2.25 inch. You will need button making supplies, however. Any brand is fine, but they must be the correct size for the mold you're using. 

Supplies can be purchased through many online retailers, including Amazon. Use search terms like: buttons, button blanks, button backs, button making supplies, or button parts. Craft stores such as Joann may also carry supplies in store or online.

Design & Print

Button Maker

Kit Contents

  • Button Maker
  • Molds and circle cutters for 1", 1.25", and 2.25" buttons
  • L wrench (x2)
  • Metal pins (x3)
  • Manual
  • Carry bag

 

Circulation Information

 

Instructions

Mold Installation

 

Making Buttons

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues (recommended by the manufacturer)

Tips

  • When crimping the metal cover, paper and plastic clear cover, the pegs on the top mold do not go into the holes (as shown in step 4).
  • When crimping the pinback button with top pieces, the pegs need go into the holes((as shown in step 7). Also, In this step, you need to use a little force to pull the handle to the end.
  • For medium (1.25 inch) and large (2.25 inch) metal buttons, please put a plastic washer under the pinback first. But for any plastic buttons, do not put a washer under it (as shown in step 5).

 

Scenario 1: Buttons are coming apart or the clear plastic cover isn't tucked in on the side

Solution:

  • Make sure there are no problems with the installation. If something goes wrong with the installation, all subsequent steps will fail.
  • One of the most common causes is that your paper is too thick or too thin. We recommend using 24-28 pound copier paper.
  • Wrong circle graphics: Your graphic has to be cut exactly and even. It should not be bigger than the plastic clear cover and the edges need to be nice and even.
  • You need to push the handle down with a bit of force in the last press. It is best to hold the handle tightly with your hands when pressing for the last time so that the upper and lower molds can be tightly combined with each other.
  • The top die may become loose after a long time of use. If the mold is loose, that's maybe the cause you failed pressing. Because the vertical force between the upper and lower molds cannot be applied when pressing. Tighten with an L wrench before installing the upper mold if it needs (Do not over-tighten, make sure the upper die can rotate properly).
  • Don't forget to put the metal pin that holds the sliding mold fixing. If there is no metal pin, the force of the upper and lower molds will not be uniform, which will cause the button to unsealed.
  • Only put one piece of paper and plastic clear cover at a time, too thick material can cause jamming and seal failure. Since papers or plastic clear cover are easy to stick together, you may not notice how many layers are there when putting it together.
  • Only for the 1.25'' and 2.25'' metal-back buttons do need put a plastic washer under it, all plastic-backs do not.

 

Scenario 2: The metal cap is stuck inside the mold and won't seal after the last press

Solution: 

  • Please use an intact metal cover, not deformed. Do not reuse failed metal cover.
  • When the pinback button is put into the mold, the up and downside are wrong. The correct button is with the pin side down
  • If the metal cap stuck inside the top mold, press again to let it off.