Search term for plastic buttons - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 08:37:01 am
content: Could anyone tell how are called buttons which have holders on them to keep in right position within enclosure, like on the picture? I'm particularly interested in single buttons which have the holder. Tried various search terms but still did not find one which would give a proper result.

author: David Chamberlain
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 11:27:36 am
content: No, but i can tell you injection molding is expensive and thats what your sample picture looks to be.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 12:51:45 pm
content: Quote from: David Chamberlain on June 03, 2018, 11:27:36 amWhat I want to find are sort of single off the shelf buttons, not doing injection molding. Picture is only for reference so people understand what I want. Added different picture which shows what I want better.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 01:16:04 pm
content: The idea is that button cap is not attached to the switch.

author: David Chamberlain
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 07:49:45 pm
content: These pendants have the buttons i think your talking about.They have a screw on ring to mount to the enclosure but do not physicaly attach to the button.https://www.schneider-electric.com.au/en/product/XACA681/pendant-control-station-xac-a---6-pushbuttons/?range=661-harmony-xac&node=166398889-complete-pendant-control-stationsSorry, now i look at the data sheet the buttons in that series are actual electrical buttons. But anyway schneider do do the ones i described. Ill try and dig up the cirrect part number.

author: David Chamberlain
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 09:45:11 pm
content: OK, here are the ones I was referring to.http://au.element14.com/schneider-electric/xaca9413/pushbutton-head-booted/dp/2058553http://au.element14.com/schneider-electric/xaca9412/pushbutton-head-booted/dp/2058552So "Switch Cap" / "Push Button Head"

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 10:25:39 pm
content: Do you mean something like this?https://www.adafruit.com/product/1611Many years ago I used a rubbery membrane array of buttons that had rubber nipples on them that you pulled through holes on the PCB, this kept the membrane stuck on the PCB even outside of the enclosure. You could cut the switches down to a single one, each switch had nipples.I forgot who made these, I thought it was ITT Cannon but that doesn't find anything.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 11:00:26 pm
content: "Tactile button caps" is what you are after I think?Hope you find what your looking for buddy.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 11:00:42 pm
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on June 03, 2018, 10:46:56 pmto-may-to, to-mah-to...

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 11:01:37 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on June 03, 2018, 08:37:01 amWill loose top hat style buttons suit ?Square ones won't rotate of course if you are to have labeling on the button.What's the type of switch you're trying to actuate ? PCB Tactile ?Like these but square:https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/free-shipping-12-12-7-3mm-push-button-switch-circular-hat-cap-color-Red-blue-green/834205_32740661394.html?spm=2114.12010612.0.0.13275f31TSmMvnI know the style you mention and they're not so popular these days as the little tethering fingers do break over time.

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 12:03:11 am
content: I think the term is "keycap mount".https://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_mount

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 06:51:20 am
content: Quote from: JohnnyMalaria on June 04, 2018, 12:03:11 amThat is right about what I want to avoid, placing cap directly on the switch plunger.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 07:01:34 am
content: Quote from: tautech on June 03, 2018, 11:01:37 pmThe issue is, I want to avoid tact switches. I have size (depth) constrain and need a long life, so if I use switches where cap is attached to the plunger, it's basically limited to TACT switches. Moreover It's very likely that people will smash them hardly, and it's very bad for tact switches. Also tactile feeling won't be something I would like. I want to use omron D2LS-11 ultra subminiature microswitches which are just 3mm high and put a cap above them. I won't be high volume product (maybe few hundred pieces a year), so I'd like to avoid injection molding. Not to say, I have no experience designing for that.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 07:06:45 am
content: The keys in the OP picture look like they have "living springs" to hold them in the frame. Maybe this keyword can help.