About the Structural Design of Plastic Buttons: Some Case Studies 1/3

           In product design,buttons play a crucial role;they are not only an essential medium for user interaction with the product but also directly affect the user experience.Below are some button design cases we have encountered in plastic product design,along with some design considerations,while integrating the philosophy of WELTECHNO.

•Classification of Plastic Buttons:

•Cantilever Buttons:Fixed by a cantilever to secure the button,suitable for scenarios requiring a larger stroke and good tactile feel.

•Seesaw Buttons:Often come in pairs,working on a principle similar to a seesaw,triggered by rotating around the protruding column in the middle of the button,suitable for designs with space constraints.

•Inlaid Buttons:Buttons are sandwiched between the upper cover and decorative parts,suitable for products that require aesthetic and integrated design.

•Materials and Manufacturing Processes:

•"P+R"Buttons:Plastic+rubber structure,where the keycap material is plastic and the soft rubber material is rubber,suitable for scenarios requiring a soft touch and good cushioning.

•IMD+R Buttons:In-Mold Decoration(IMD)injection molding technology,with a hardened transparent film on the surface,a printed pattern layer in the middle,and a plastic layer on the back,suitable for products that need to be resistant to friction and maintain bright colors over time.

•Design Considerations:

•Button Size and Relative Distance:According to ergonomics,the center distance of vertical buttons should be≥9.0mm,and the center distance of horizontal buttons should be≥13.0mm,with the minimum size of commonly used functional buttons being 3.0×3.0mm.

•Design Clearance Between Buttons and the Base:Proper clearance should be left based on materials and manufacturing processes to ensure the button moves freely and rebounds smoothly.

•Height of Buttons Protruding from the Panel:The height of ordinary buttons protruding from the panel is generally 1.20-1.40mm,and for buttons with a larger surface curvature,the height from the lowest point to the panel is generally 0.80-1.20mm.

        Incorporating the philosophy of WELTECHNO into the design means that when we design plastic buttons,we focus not only on functionality and aesthetics but also on innovation,durability,and environmental friendliness.We are committed to creating plastic buttons that are both ergonomic and highly durable through advanced technology and materials,while reducing environmental impact and achieving sustainable development.With such a design philosophy,we hope to provide customers with practical and aesthetically pleasing products,enhancing user experience while also contributing to environmental protection.