When it comes to industrial control, marine equipment, medical devices, automotive electronics, new energy EV chargers, or industrial robots, the reliability of switches directly determines the safety and efficiency of the entire system. Among various switch types, the metal push button switch stands out with its rugged durability, excellent environmental adaptability, and precise operation performance. As a professional Chinese metal push button switch manufacturer with 23+ years of export experience, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you understand everything about metal push button switches—from core advantages to selection tips, key application scenarios (especially EV chargers and robots), and procurement considerations. Whether you’re an engineer, procurement manager, or product designer in the new energy or robotics industry, this article will solve your pain points in choosing and applying metal push button switches.
Why Choose Metal Push Button Switch Over Plastic Ones?
In many industrial and commercial scenarios, plastic push button switches are gradually replaced by metal ones. The key lies in the unique advantages of metal materials. Let’s take a detailed look at the core competitiveness of metal push button switches:
1. Durability & Long Service Life
Metal push button switches are usually made of high-quality materials such as 304 stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or brass. Compared with plastic switches, they have higher wear resistance, impact resistance, and pressure resistance. The mechanical life can reach 100,000 to 1,000,000 operations, which is 2-5 times that of ordinary plastic switches. This means that in high-frequency operation scenarios (such as assembly line control, robot joint control, EV charger start/stop), metal push button switches can maintain stable performance for a long time, reducing the cost of replacement and maintenance.
2. Excellent Environmental Adaptability
Industrial, outdoor, and new energy scenarios are often harsh—high temperature, low temperature, humidity, dust, oil, corrosive gases, or even heavy rain. Metal push button switches can easily cope with these challenges: they have a wide operating temperature range (-25℃ to +65℃), and most products can reach IP65, IP67, or even IP68 protection levels, effectively preventing water, dust, and oil from entering the switch interior. For example, in outdoor EV charging stations, metal push button switches can resist rain, dust, and extreme temperature changes; in robot working workshops with metal dust, they can avoid short circuits caused by dust accumulation. In contrast, plastic switches are prone to deformation, aging, or short circuits in extreme environments.
3. High Safety & Anti-Vandalism
Safety is the top priority in equipment operation, especially for EV chargers (directly related to electrical safety) and industrial robots (involving personnel and equipment safety). In addition, the metal shell has strong anti-vandalism performance, which can resist intentional damage (such as knocking, prying) and accidental collision—critical for outdoor EV charging stations open to the public. For industrial robots, the high safety of metal switches ensures that misoperation or switch failure will not cause equipment collision or personnel injury.
4. Aesthetic Appearance & Customization
The metal push button switch has a sleek and professional appearance, which can enhance the overall quality of EV chargers and industrial robots. At the same time, we can provide customized services according to customer needs, such as different surface treatments (polishing, sandblasting, electroplating), color markings (red for emergency stop, green for start in EV chargers/robots), and logo engraving. This flexibility makes metal push button switches perfectly match the customized needs of new energy and robotics industries.
Key Application Scenarios of Metal Push Button Switch – Focus on EV Charger & Industrial Robot
Due to its excellent performance, the metal push button switch has been widely used in various industries. Here are the most common application scenarios, with a focus on new energy EV chargers and industrial robots:
- New Energy EV Charger: As a core component of EV charging stations (both public and private), metal push button switches are used in multiple key positions:
- ① Charging start/stop button: Requires high waterproof and dustproof performance (IP67/IP68) to adapt to outdoor rain and dust environments;
- ② Emergency stop button: Must have high safety and anti-vandalism to deal with sudden electrical failures;
- ③ Mode selection button (fast charging/normal charging): Needs precise operation and long service life to cope with high-frequency use by the public. Our metal push button switches for EV chargers have passed multiple international certifications, fully meeting the safety and environmental requirements of the new energy industry.
- Industrial Robot: Industrial robots (such as assembly robots, welding robots, handling robots) have high requirements for switch reliability and stability. Metal push button switches are applied in:
- ① Robot start/stop and emergency stop control panel: Resist vibration during robot operation and ensure accurate signal transmission;
- ② Joint action control button: Withstand high-frequency pressing (up to 1,000,000 operations) and maintain stable performance;
- ③ Fault reset button: Need to be corrosion-resistant to adapt to workshop oil mist and metal dust environments. Our metal push button switches can match the high-precision control needs of industrial robots and ensure long-term stable operation in harsh workshop environments.
- Industrial Control System: Used in CNC machine tools, assembly lines, power distribution cabinets. For example, the emergency stop button, start/stop button in the control panel of machine tools—metal materials ensure stable operation in high-oil, high-dust environments.
- Marine & Offshore Equipment: Marine environments are characterized by high humidity, salt spray, and strong corrosion. Metal push button switches with anti-corrosion treatment (such as 316 stainless steel) are widely used in ship control cabins, navigation equipment, and offshore platforms.
- Medical Devices: In medical equipment such as operating tables, diagnostic instruments, and emergency equipment, metal push button switches are favored for their high hygiene (easy to clean and disinfect) and high reliability—any switch failure may lead to serious medical accidents.
- Automotive & Transportation: Used in automotive dashboards, bus control systems, subway operation platforms, etc. The metal push button switch can withstand the vibration and temperature changes during vehicle operation, ensuring accurate signal transmission.
- Public Facilities & Smart Buildings: Emergency call buttons in elevators, access control buttons in communities, and control buttons in smart building ventilation systems—metal materials’ anti-vandalism and durability meet the needs of public use.
Recommended Product 1: Piezoelectric switch（Click on the red part to obtain the parameter information.）
Core Features: High waterproof performance, long service life, suitable for harsh environments such as outdoor EV charging stations. It adopts advanced piezoelectric technology, which has better stability and anti-interference ability compared with traditional switches. Operating temperature range: -40℃ to +70℃, fully adapting to various extreme working conditions.
How to Select the Right Metal Push Button Switch?
Choosing the right metal push button switch requires comprehensive consideration of application scenarios, performance parameters, practical needs, and certification compliance (especially critical for new energy and robotics industries). Here are 5 key selection tips to help you avoid mistakes:
1. Determine the Material According to the Environment
Different materials have different characteristics. For general industrial environments, 304 stainless steel is sufficient; for marine, coastal, or chemical corrosive environments, choose 316 stainless steel (better corrosion resistance); for lightweight requirements (such as robot interior components), aluminum alloy is a good choice; brass has excellent conductivity and is suitable for high-precision signal transmission scenarios (such as robot joint control).
2. Confirm the Protection Level (IP Rating)
The protection level directly determines the adaptability of the switch to the environment. IP65: dust-tight and water-jet resistant (suitable for general outdoor or dusty indoor environments); IP67: dust-tight and temporary immersion resistant (suitable for wet environments such as washing equipment); IP68: dust-tight and long-term immersion resistant (suitable for underwater equipment or outdoor EV charging stations). Choose the appropriate protection level according to the actual environment.
3. Clarify the Electrical Parameters
Key electrical parameters include rated voltage, rated current, and contact type. For low-voltage and low-current control circuits (such as robot signal transmission), choose micro metal push button switches; for high-voltage and high-current power control circuits (such as EV charger power control), choose heavy duty metal push button switches. In addition, contact types (normally open NO, normally closed NC, or changeover) should be selected according to the control logic.
4. Consider the Operation Mode & Installation Size
Operation modes include self-resetting (automatically returns to the original position after pressing, suitable for EV charger start/stop), self-locking (maintains the pressed state after pressing, suitable for mode selection), and mushroom head (emergency stop button, large contact area for quick operation in EV chargers and robots). Installation sizes (such as 16mm, 22mm, 30mm) should match the equipment panel opening size to ensure easy installation and tight fit.
5. Prioritize Products with Authoritative Certifications (CE/TUV/REACH/RoHS/UL)
For enterprises in the new energy EV charger and industrial robot industries, especially those targeting international markets, the certification of metal push button switches is non-negotiable. Products with CE, TUV, REACH, RoHS, and UL certifications have obvious advantages: they can smoothly enter European, American, and global markets (comply with local regulatory requirements); ensure product safety and environmental friendliness (RoHS/REACH restrict harmful substances, protecting users and the environment); and prove product quality through third-party authoritative testing (TUV/UL are recognized for strict safety standards). Choosing certified products can avoid market access barriers, reduce quality risks, and enhance the competitiveness of your end products.
Recommended Product 2: HBDS1-AGQ Series Metal Push Button Switch with Multiple Certifications（Click on the red part to obtain the parameter information.）
Core Features: Equipped with CE, TUV, REACH, RoHS, UL and other international authoritative certifications, ensuring smooth access to global markets. Made of high-quality metal materials, it has excellent anti-vandalism and corrosion resistance. Operating temperature range: -25℃ to +65℃, suitable for industrial robots, EV chargers and other high-demand scenarios. Multiple sizes (16mm, 19mm,22mm,25mm etc.) and operation modes are available for selection.
Why Choose Us as Your Metal Push Button Switch Supplier? Focus on EV Charger & Robot Solutions
As a professional Chinese metal push button switch manufacturer focusing on foreign trade, we have in-depth research on the needs of the new energy EV charger and industrial robot industries, and are committed to providing high-quality, certified, and customized products for global customers. Here are the reasons why you can trust us:
- Full Set of Authoritative Certifications, Smooth Market Access: All our metal push button switches have passed CE, TUV, REACH, RoHS, and UL certifications—a key advantage for your EV charger and robot products to enter global markets. These certifications are not only mandatory requirements for market access but also a guarantee of product safety and environmental friendliness. For example, TUV certification confirms the high reliability of our switches in high-voltage scenarios (suitable for EV chargers); UL certification meets the strict safety standards of the American market; RoHS/REACH ensure that our products contain no harmful substances, in line with the environmental requirements of the new energy and robotics industries. Choosing our certified products can help you avoid regulatory risks and improve the market acceptance of your end products.
- Customized Solutions for EV Charger & Robot Industries: We have a professional R&D team with 10+ years of experience, focusing on the customization needs of EV chargers and industrial robots. We can provide personalized solutions such as waterproof (IP68) switches for outdoor EV charging stations, vibration-resistant switches for robot operation, and color-coded/custom-logo switches for equipment matching. Our production workshop is equipped with advanced automated production lines and testing equipment (environmental testing, life testing, electrical performance testing) to ensure the stability and consistency of customized products.
- Comprehensive Product Range for One-Stop Procurement: Our metal push button switches cover various series suitable for EV chargers and robots, including 16mm/22mm/30mm standard series, IP67/IP68 waterproof series, emergency stop series, and micro high-precision series. We can provide one-stop procurement solutions for different functional requirements of your equipment, saving your procurement time and cost.
- Strict Quality Control & Long-Term Warranty: From the procurement of raw materials (high-quality 304/316 stainless steel, aluminum alloy) to the delivery of finished products, we implement strict quality control. Every batch of products will undergo 100% random inspection and testing (life test, water resistance test, electrical performance test) before leaving the factory. We offer one-year warranty service – if any quality issues occur within the warranty period, we will replace the product free of charge and provide technical support.
- Competitive Price & Timely Delivery: As a direct manufacturer, we eliminate intermediate links and provide competitive ex-factory prices. We have a large inventory of conventional products for EV chargers and robots, which can be delivered within 3-7 days; customized products can be delivered within 15-25 days. We cooperate with well-known international logistics companies (DHL, FedEx, UPS) to ensure timely delivery to global destinations.
- Professional After-Sales Service for Foreign Trade: We have a professional foreign trade service team that provides 24-hour online consultation (English, Spanish, German, French). For customers in the EV charger and robot industries, we can provide technical parameters matching, certification document support, and after-sales problem solutions within 48 hours.
Recommended Product 3: Ultra-Thin Metal Push Button（Click on the red part to obtain the parameter information.）
Core features: Ultra-thin design (12 mm), compact size and lightweight, suitable for devices with limited installation space, such as aircraft, coffee machines, computers, etc. It has an IP67 waterproof rating, featuring effective dust and water resistance. Operating temperature range: -25°C to +65°C, stable performance in harsh environments. Instant operation mode, precise and sensitive.
Conclusion
The metal push button switch is an indispensable core component in new energy EV chargers, industrial robots, and other high-demand equipment. Its durability, environmental adaptability, and safety make it the first choice for these industries. When selecting a metal push button switch, prioritizing products with CE/TUV/REACH/RoHS/UL certifications is crucial for market access and quality assurance. Choosing a reliable supplier that understands the needs of the EV charger and robot industries can save you time, cost, and avoid risks.
If you are looking for high-quality, certified metal push button switches for your EV charger or robot products, or need customized solutions according to your specific application scenarios, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with professional product recommendations, certification documents, and quotes, and help you find the most suitable metal push button switch solution!