Metal buttons are one of the most popular buttons because of their surface finish, durability and decorative function. Depending on the materials of manufacture, metal buttons can also be grouped as:

  • zinc alloy buttons
  • brass buttons
  • stainless steel buttons
  • aluminum buttons
  • iron buttons

Zamak buttons and brass buttons are the most common types of metal buttons on the market. Stainless steel buttons are popular due to their much lower cost compared to zinc alloy buttons and brass buttons, as well as being more resistant to rust. Aluminum buttons that can achieve special effects are also commercially available. However, iron buttons, whose surface is susceptible to rust and deterioration, are rarely used.

Below we will take a closer look at the two most commonly used metal buttons, namely zamak buttons and brass buttons.

Zamak Buttons


Recognized as a type of metal button produced from high-quality zamak, zamak buttons are often used for premium jeans, coats, uniforms, etc. used for products. It is the most expensive among metal buttons.

Zamak alloy buttons are usually produced from 5# zamak alloy, which is composed largely of zinc and aluminum. These buttons go through a die casting process, which removes burrs from button edges or holes and maintains non-smooth surface before being electroplated, followed by polishing. Please note that although they can be electroplated in various colors, color matching does not work for zamak alloy buttons.

Brass Buttons


Considered another type of high-end metal button, brass buttons are widely used in jeans apparel, casual wear, coats, handbags, etc. widely used for. They are cheaper than zamak alloy buttons and more expensive than stainless steel buttons.

Brass is a metallic alloy of copper and zinc. Brass buttons can be produced from H62 copper, H65 copper and H68 copper, the biggest difference being the copper content. The higher the copper content, the easier it is to pass the harder needle detection. Generally on the market, brass buttons are mainly made of H65 copper and are available in a wide variety of designs.

Tips to Distinguish Zinc Alloy Buttons and Brass Buttons


Zamak alloy buttons are easy to distinguish from brass buttons.

çinko alaşımlı düğmeler ve pirinç düğmelerin imalat malzemeleri

Zamak alloy buttons weigh more. In addition, you can scrape the electroplating layer of the zinc alloy button/brass button with a hard object and see the color of the raw material. Zamak buttons are similar in appearance to iron and are whiter, while brass buttons are similar in color to gold.