Adapter for machine for manufacturing buttons and method

In combination with a universal assembly machine for manufacturing flat back buttons and formed back buttons and comprising a ram die holding a laminate;

• a crimp die having a crimp die ring with an inner diameter, and a crimp die pedestal with a top surface having a counterbore therein and being at a first location suitable for cooperating with the ram die to manufacture a formed back button from the laminate and a formed back placed on the crimp die pedestal top surface;
• and means for advancing the ram die into operative association with the crimp die to assemble the formed back button,
• an adapter having a first surface placed on the crimp die pedestal top surface and a second surface that is at a second location suitable for cooperating with the ram die to manufacture a flat back button from the laminate and a flat back placed on the adapter second surface in response to advancing the ram die into operative association with the crimp die,
• so that both flat back and formed back buttons are manufactured using the crimp die pedestal.

A method of manufacturing a flat back button comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a universal assembly machine having a ram die and a crimp die with a crimp die pedestal with a top surface at a first predetermined location relative to the ram die;
• b. placing an adapter having an adapter top surface on the crimp die pedestal top surface and thereby locating the adapter top surface at a second predetermined location relative to the ram die;
• c. assembling a laminate and a shell having a wall in the ram die;
• d. loading a flat back with a periphery on the adapter top surface;
• and
• e. advancing the ram die in a crimp stroke to cooperate with the adapter and the crimp die and assembling the laminate and shell to the flat back with the shell wall being proximate the flat back periphery.