Tecre is an American manufacturer of button making equipment, based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and its manual presses are the workhorse machines of the button and magnet trade. We sell the range below. This guide explains how Tecre's catalogue is organised so the model numbers stop looking like a code.
How the model numbers work
Machines
A machine's number is its finished size.
- 100, 125, 225, 350 are round: 1, 1-1/4, 2-1/4 and 3-1/2 inches.
- 2020, 2525, 3030 are square: 2 x 2, 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 and 3 x 3 inches.
- 1727, 2030, 2535 are rectangle: 1-3/4 x 2-3/4, 2 x 3 and 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches.
Graphic punches
Round punch numbers are the artwork cut size in thousandths of an inch. The 2625 cuts a 2.625 inch circle for the 2-1/4 inch machine, and the 4000 cuts a 4 inch circle for the 3-1/2 inch machine.
Square punches carry an S and rectangle punches an R, followed by the button size: the S2020 is for the 2 inch square machine, the R2030 for the 2 x 3 inch rectangle. Tecre also makes rounded-corner rectangle punches marked RC, oval punches and photo punches for specific uses.
Every machine and punch we carry
| Size | Machine | Weight | Tecre list | Punch | Tecre list | Artwork cut size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" round | 100 | 6.5 lbs | $295 | 1313 | $190 | 1.313" |
| 1-1/4" round | 125 | 7.5 lbs | $295 | 1629 | $190 | 1.629" |
| 2-1/4" round | 225 | 10 lbs | $295 | 2625 | $190 | 2.625" |
| 3-1/2" round | 350 | 19 lbs | $405 | 4000 | $240 | 4.000" |
| 2 x 2" square | 2020 | 18 lbs | $1,675 | S2020 | $325 | 2.717" sq |
| 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" square | 2525 | 54 lbs | $1,995 | S2525 | $445 | 3.204" sq |
| 3 x 3" square | 3030 | 54 lbs | $2,400 | S3030 | $510 | 3.772" sq |
| 1-3/4 x 2-3/4" | 1727 | 19 lbs | $1,795 | R1727 | $400 | 2.39 x 3.328" |
| 2 x 3" | 2030 | 21.5 lbs | $1,795 | R2030 | $400 | 2.774 x 3.772" |
| 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" | 2535 | 38 lbs | $2,200 | R2535 | $475 | 3.204 x 4.202" |
List prices are Tecre's published retail prices at the time of writing. Our selling price on each machine and punch is below list, and the machine and punch bundle is discounted further. Check each product page for the current price.
Why the round machines cost so much less
A round press at 1 to 2-1/4 inches costs a fraction of a square or rectangle press. Round dies are simpler to machine and have been made in far higher volume for decades. Square and rectangle dies must align a shell with corners, which takes heavier tooling. You can see it in the weights: the small round presses weigh 6.5 to 10 lbs, while the square and rectangle presses run from 18 to 54 lbs.
What they are like to own
- All-metal and manual. No motor, no electronics, no power cable. There is very little that can fail.
- Cam-on-roller action. Pressing needs little force, which matters over a run of several hundred.
- Two-step process. The first die sets the shell, artwork and mylar. The swivel moves to the second die, which adds the back. Positive stops keep the dies aligned.
- One size per machine. A die set cannot be converted to another size. The 3-1/2 inch machine can make coasters with a coaster insert, but that is still the same 3-1/2 inch size.
- Rectangle corners. Rectangle and square buttons from a manual press have open corners on the back. Fully closed corners need a separate die cutting press and cutting die.
- Parts matter. The machines are engineered around Tecre parts. Off-brand shells and backs that are slightly out of tolerance are the usual cause of jams.
- Warranty. Machines bought from Snap Magnets come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Damage caused by user error is repaired at a reasonable cost, with the customer paying for parts and shipping both ways.
Which Tecre machine should you buy?
- Buttons, pins and merchandise: the 225, 2-1/4 inch round.
- Small pins and flair: the 100 or 125.
- Coasters and large statement pieces: the 350.
- Photo magnets: the 2030, 2 x 3 inch rectangle.
- Modern square photo magnets: the 2020.
- Save the dates and premium photo magnets: the 2535.
A longer comparison, including how to decide between round and rectangle, is in what size button maker machine should you buy. Artwork dimensions for every size are in the template size guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Tecre button machine cost?
List prices run from $295 for the 1, 1-1/4 and 2-1/4 inch round machines to $2,400 for the 3 inch square. A matching punch adds $190 to $510 at list.
Are Tecre machines made in the USA?
Yes, in Wisconsin.
Do I need the graphic punch?
For consistent results, yes. It cuts artwork to exactly the size the die needs, which prevents white edges and misaligned artwork.
Can a Tecre machine make magnets and pins?
Yes, in the same size. Change the back: magnet, pinback, keychain, mirror or bottle opener.
How long does a machine take to arrive?
Machines we sell are normally in stock and ship within 1 to 2 business days, plus carrier transit.
Where can I buy parts?
We stock button making supplies for Tecre machines in 1,000-piece sets for most sizes we sell machines in.