Plastic Snap Button

Definition and Overview

A plastic snap button is a garment fastener that is closed by pressing it with a finger and opened by pulling it apart. Like a metal press fastener, it can be opened and closed, but because its main components are made of resin, it is chosen for specifications that require light weight, a soft feel against the skin, and corrosion resistance.

"Nylon snap" is one name for a plastic snap button, but the actual type of resin varies by product. "Push snap" is also a name that focuses on the structure for attaching and removing by pressing, and its usage in distribution varies.

Materials and Component Structure

In many cases, it is made of synthetic resin chosen for durability and moldability. A typical punch-in type consists of a cap that covers the front side, a spring or socket, which is the recessed part on the receiving side, a stud, which is the protruding part that engages with it, and a leg part that is fixed from the back side.

The textile is sandwiched between the cap and the leg part, then fixed by pressure using a dedicated setter or hand press. Because the combination of parts is determined for each series, it is important not to mix parts of different standards even if they look similar.

• Cap: the head visible on the front side.
• Spring/Socket: the recessed part that receives the protruding part.
• Stud: the protruding part that fits into the receiving side.
• Leg part: the part that passes through the textile and is press-fit with the matching part.

How Size Is Expressed and How It Is Attached

Size is generally indicated by the diameter of the cap seen from the front. Even with the same diameter, the leg length, fastening strength, and compatible textile thickness differ, so compatibility and usability cannot be judged by diameter alone.

For installation, use the specified setter and press machine, and assemble the parts in the correct orientation. If the leg is too short, it cannot be fully clinched and may come loose; if it is too long, it may cause deformation or looseness. Before full production, carry out a punching test on the actual textile.

Main Applications and Selection

It is used in products that emphasize light weight and rust resistance, such as baby and children's clothing, underwear, nightwear, shirts, sportswear, and rainwear. It is also considered for areas where metal contact with the skin should be avoided, or for applications that may be exposed to moisture.

When selecting, check the required opening and closing firmness for the application, the thickness and weave of the textile, washing and drying conditions, and the installation position. For highly stretchable textiles or thin fabrics, force tends to concentrate at a single point, so some specifications also use a pressing cloth or fusible interlining for reinforcement.

Notes and Differences from Similar Terms

If a part with a short leg is used on a thick textile, fixing may be insufficient; if a part with strong holding force is used on a thin fabric, it may cause tearing or deformation. Resistance to repeated opening and closing, washing, and chemicals varies depending on the resin type and product specifications, so testing and confirmation are necessary to match the required performance.

Because it is mainly resin-based, it is less likely to develop red rust like a metal snap button. However, discoloration, cracking, or deterioration may occur due to aging, storage conditions, or chemicals. Also, not all versions are non-metal, so whether it is compatible with a metal detector must be confirmed from the component structure and the maker's specifications.

A sew-on snap button is attached by passing thread through holes and sewing it in place, whereas a plastic snap button differs in that it is fixed by sandwiching the textile and punching it in. Compared with a metal press fastener or spring hook, the main differences are material, weight, corrosion resistance, and how it is handled during metal detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can plastic snap buttons be attached to thin fabrics?

They can sometimes be attached, but it is necessary to check the combination of textile strength, leg length, and holding force. On thin fabrics, holes tend to widen during punching or tear during opening and closing, so it is important to reinforce with a pressing cloth or fusible interlining and test first.

Can plastic snap buttons be detected by a metal detector?

Products made only of resin are generally difficult to detect with standard metal detectors. However, some specifications may include metal parts, so do not assume they are non-metal; check the specifications of the parts used and the operation in the metal detection process individually.

What is the difference between a plastic snap button and a sew-on snap button?

A plastic snap button is fixed by sandwiching the textile with a dedicated setter or similar tool, whereas a sew-on snap button is attached by passing thread through holes. The punch-in type is suitable for standardizing work, but it requires selecting the appropriate textile thickness and the proper setter.