EU vs. US button-making machines: the differences and advantages

Whether for personal use or as a promotional gift, buttons are a universally popular way of adding personalised details to clothing or etching your company logo into customers’ memories. In particular, anyone who frequently uses buttons as a promotional tool or runs a business specialising in them will, sooner or later, need to invest in their own button-making machine. But be careful! When buying, you should make sure to choose the right machine for your specific needs. Not only are there different models depending on the desired button size and shape, but there is also a distinction between EU and US button-making machines.

US button machines: precision without frills

US button machines are characterised above all by their effective operation. They enable buttons to be produced in two simple steps, typically involving the use of a lever handle. Using US machines is particularly pleasant because there is no noticeable pressure point when pressing the buttons.

Although US machines are very robust and durable, the first signs of wear on the handle’s finish become visible relatively quickly. It is also not possible to swap out the button inserts for different sizes on the US models, meaning you are forced to purchase a separate machine for each new button shape and size.

EU button machines: Effective and flexible

As well as a slightly more detailed design, the EU models also stand out for their straightforward operation thanks to simple lever controls. However, unlike the US models, there is a distinct pressure point that can be felt, which also signals to the user that the button has been pressed. Furthermore, the EU models are slightly more comfortable to use than their American counterparts:

as well as a comfortable rubber grip, they also feature rubber nubs on the base, which ensure a non-slip grip and prevent the surface from being scratched. Another advantage: unlike the US machines, the EU models also come in ‘Flexi’ versions, which make it easy to swap out the button inserts for different shapes and sizes.

What to look out for when buying your button machine

As well as the advantages and disadvantages of the EU and US models already mentioned, there are a few other criteria you should bear in mind when buying your button machine. The first and most important criterion here is the type of buttons you’d like to print. If you’re limiting yourself to just one button shape and size, a basic model will suffice instead of the EU Flexi model. Conversely, a Flexi model is particularly worthwhile if you intend to produce many different types of buttons. Another criterion is the type of button blanks you wish to use. For example, US buttons are characterised by their particularly round surface, whilst EU buttons tend to look flatter. The sizes also vary between EU and US models, meaning that, for instance, US buttons generally cannot be pressed in an EU machine.

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