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Area 49

This guide provides information on how to use technology within Area 49, as well as guides for digital technologies and physical projects. Area 49 is available for use by all current students, faculty, and staff.

Button Maker Pricing

Supplies

You Will Need

  • Your design, drawn or printed
    • 2.25" - 2.75" in diameter for large button maker (view more below)
    • 1.25 - 1.75 in diameter for small button maker
  • Clear film piece
  • Smooth metal plate
  • Pin backing plate
button maker supplies, explained above

A Note on Design Sizes

While the resulting button will be 2.25" or 1.25" (depending on which button maker you use), it is a good idea to create a design that has an extra 0.5" of diameter. The extra 0.5" will be crimped around the edge of the button, and it will give it a finished look. While you can use a smaller design size, You will see a silver border around your image.

design size comparison

silver border on button

Creating a Button

Note: The process for the small button maker is similar to the below process for the large button maker, except instead of sliding the molds, you will swivel them.

  1. Slide the button maker's track so that the compartment labeled "1st Press" is exposed.
  2. Place the smooth metal plate into the compartment. The side with the raised edge should be pointing down and will slot into the compartment.

smooth metal plate in button maker

  1. Place your design in the compartment, then the plastic film piece.

design in button maker

  1. Slide the track to the right so that the "1st Press" compartment is underneath the lever.
  2. Firmly press the lever down all the way, then release it. The button should now be in the upper part of the button maker.

first press

  1. Place the pin backing plate in the "2nd Press" compartment. Make sure the side with the safety pin is facing down.

    1. Ensure that the black plastic ring is placed in the "2nd Punch" compartment when using metal pin backing plates. Plastic pin backing plates do not need this.

      plastic ring

pin backing in second compartment

  1. Slide the track to the left so the "2nd Press" compartment is underneath the lever.
  2. Firmly press the lever down all the way. You will need to use more pressure for this press. Release it.

second press

  1. The button is complete!

button with an illustration of a bald cardinal