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D5497-94 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D5497-94 (Reapproved 2005) establishes standardized terminology for the button industry, specifically defining terms for sew-through flange and shank buttons. Issued under the fixed designation D 5497, this standard was originally approved in 1994 and reapproved in 2005. The terminology ensures consistency in communications across manufacturing, design, and quality assurance processes.
📐 Core Terminology and Button Anatomy
The standard formally defines a button as “a knot, disc, or similar object which when forced through a narrow opening or buttonhole, fastens one part of a garment or other flexible substrate to another.” Although fastening is the primary purpose, buttons can also serve decorative functions.
Key anatomical terms include the face, defined as the portion of the button that will be exposed after attachment to the substrate. The bridge is defined as the area of the button between the holes that is partially covered by the sewing threads; its dimensions vary upon design and end use. Hole spacing is technically defined as the distance from the center of one sewing hole to another.
| 🟦 Standard Term | 📖 Exact Definition (D5497-94) | ⚡ Industry Application |
|---|---|---|
| Face | “that portion which will be exposed after attachment to the substrate” | Primary surface for finishing, decoration, and branding |
| Bridge | “the area between the holes partially covered by the sewing threads with dimensions varying upon design and end use” | Determines attachment strength and sewing thread space |
| Hole Spacing | “the distance from the center of one hole to another” | Critical specification for sewing fixture setup and compatibility |
⚙️ Manufacturing Processes and Material Composition
The terminology covers several specific production methods. A compression molded button is produced by compression molding, using thermoset compounds such as urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, or styrene-modified polyester. Pearlescent pigments can be oriented in this process to resemble natural shell. Electroplated buttons are plastic types made conductive by chemical treatment, then electroplated; common substrates include polyester, acetate, ABS, melamine, and urea formaldehyde. Assembled buttons combine similar or dissimilar materials (e.g., plastic and metal) joined by gluing, swedging, or metal stamping.
The term fabricate specifically describes “the conversion of a blank into a completed button,” involving turning, drilling, grinding, slotting, and any required shank insertion. The standard notes four shank types: pin shank, U shank, stab or screw shank, and bell shank.
| 🟦 Method | 📖 Definition / Mechanism | 🛠️ Primary Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Molded | Molding in a confined cavity using pressure and heat | Urea, Melamine, Styrene-Modified Polyester, Pearlescent pigments |
| Electroplated | Chemical treatment to make plastic conductive, followed by electroplating | Polyester, Acetate, ABS, Melamine |
| Assembled Button | Combinations of materials joined by gluing, swedging, or stamping | Plastic & Metal, or Metal & Metal |
💡 Design Flexibility Note: Figures 1-8 in the standard illustrate principal button types (e.g., toggle, staple, bell shank). The standard explicitly states these figures are “descriptive only and are not intended to be restrictive as to design,” allowing manufacturers to apply the terminology broadly.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Definitive Scope
While primarily a terminology standard, Section 3 provides strict criteria for what constitutes a button under this scope. The definitions apply strictly to sew-through flange and shank buttons. Other fastener types, such as snaps or purely decorative studs, may fall outside this specific terminology and are addressed by other ASTM standards like D883 (Terminology Relating to Plastics) and D3136 (Terms Relating to Permanent Care Labels).
⚡ Application Scope: Clause 1.1 states, “This terminology covers special terms or special meanings used in the button industry. These definitions apply only to sew-through flange and shank buttons.” Ensure the correct standard is referenced for other fastening components.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What specific button types are covered by D5497-94?
The terminology explicitly applies to sew-through flange and shank buttons. Examples of shank types defined include pin shank, U shank, stab (screw) shank, and bell shank.
💡 How does the standard define the term ‘Assembled Button’?
An assembled button is defined as a decorative button consisting of combinations of similar or dissimilar materials (e.g., plastic and metal) which have been joined together by processes such as gluing, swedging, or metal stamping.
⚡ What is the difference between a ‘Compression Molded’ and ‘Electroplated’ button?
Compression molded buttons are formed from thermoset resins (urea, melamine, styrene-modified polyester) using heat and pressure. Electroplated buttons are plastic substrates made conductive through chemical treatment and then coated with a metallic layer.
📌 What processes are involved in ‘Fabricating’ a button?
Fabrication is defined as the