We are exhibiting at Screwfix Live 2024
27th - 29th September
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy.
11/1/2024

A testing time for Type 3

Any direct push-on panel fixing must be strong and reliable for the duration of its life. At Button-fix, we have put the new Type 3 through exhaustive testing to make sure we can confidently give recommended loadings that will pass the test of time.

Type 3 has undergone rigorous testing, both in-house and independently at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at Sheffield University. The comprehensive test report from AMRC is available to download on our website, but to summarise, it shows that four Type 3 Button-fixes can support a panel weighing over 300kg . These tests measured loads to failure; however, we also needed to understand how the product would behave over time and in extreme conditions.

Shear and pull-off load testing at AMRC

In our own test facilities at our London studio, we have a specially developed ‘climate chamber’, where the Button-fixes are loaded for extended periods at elevated temperatures of over 40°C and 90% humidity. This is important, as any polymer under a constant moderate load can exhibit ‘creep’, potentially leading to failure, weeks or months later due to slow deformation of the plastic. The climate chamber allows testing for conditions in hot humid environments, but also accelerates any creep characteristics found in more tropical climates. These in-house tests were invaluable for selecting the best materials for Type 3. We chose Acetal for the Button, due to its good creep characteristics in such adverse conditions, and PBT for the mating Fix.

We also developed a cyclic testing machine, to put the Fix and Button through many thousands of engagements and disengagements, to ensure panels can be removed and replaced without compromising strength.

These results, combined with those from our independent test house, allow us to suggest safe working loads for use on both wall and ceiling panels. Using  four Type 3 Button-fixes and the correct screws for your material, a panel can weigh up to 60kg on a wall, and 10kg on the ceiling.

5,000 cycles and counting

Our sealed climate chamber test rig, running 24/7 at over 40°C and 90% humidity

Featured product

Button-fix Type 3

  • Connects panels face-to-face with a 3mm or 8mm gap
  • Strong push on/pull off engagement
  • Ideal for acoustic, wall and ceiling panels
View Product Information

Featured accessory

Related insights

14/3/2024

Button-fix: The small component with a big impact that improves the life-cycle assessment of your panels

Hanging panels using a demountable system such as Button-fix makes them easier to repair, repurpose or refurbish, ultimately reducing waste.

Read The Article
13/7/2022

Where can you use Button-fix in a kitchen fit-out?

Button-fix is the secret to making a state-of-the-art kitchen fit-out slick and seamless. This interactive diagram, with 'X-ray vision', reveals some of the many varied ways the hidden fasteners can be used.

Read The Article
Button-fix Type 1 Bonded
8/6/2022

Bonding to compact laminate

Adhesive specialists JIT demonstrate how best to glue Type 1 Bonded Fixes to compact laminate panels, using Parabond Fast - a high bond polymer adhesive.

Read The Article

Follow us on Instagram: @button_fix