The main difference here is the source: we describe resin as a chemical compound that is obtained from plants, and so it is all-natural. Resin usually has a clear, yellowish color and is highly viscous. The original form of resin is a volatile liquid, but it will harden into a transparent solid material when processed.
Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic chemical compound, and so we can actually call plastic as the synthetic resin. Generally, plastics are made from petrochemicals in combination with natural materials. We can further categorize plastics into several different subtypes such as acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and many more. There are also plastic materials that are mostly made from renewable plant material known as bioplastics.
Differences Between Resin Buttons and Plastic Buttons:
Besides the difference in raw material, as we have discussed above, another key difference between resin buttons and plastic buttons lies in their manufacturing processes.
As we have discussed, the raw resin material is in a liquid form, and so this liquid substance goes through the processes of heating, cooling, solidifying, cutting, etc. These processes are applied via the mould cavity. Another manufacturing process that is commonly used is coating the roller surface with liquid resins, which are then solidified. Then, the solid resin is molded and pressed into the intended form, as well as other subsequent processes.
Plastic buttons, on the other hand, are manufactured from solid substances and are made through an injection molding process.
Due to those different manufacturing processes, resin buttons look cleaner and brighter on the surface. They are also thicker and heavier, and so are more suitable for various applications. Plastic buttons, however, have the advantage of an easier molding process, and so can be shaped in a wider variety of forms. This also makes electroplating easier on plastic buttons.
