Pins Style Selection Guide

Pins, as a classic and versatile accessory, are widely used in brand promotion, commemorative events, personal collections, and more. Each pin craftsmanship technique has its unique production method and application scenarios. This guide will detail several common pin crafting techniques, including soft enamel, hard enamel, die struck, offset printed, 3D, and semi cloisonné pins. Understanding these processes will help you make informed decisions for your pin design and customization needs.

A. Soft Enamel Pins
Craft Overview: Soft enamel pins use a soft enamel paint that is filled into the recessed areas of a metal surface. Through multiple heating and filling stages, different colors and textures are achieved. The final pin surface has a distinct texture.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Design the pattern and create the mold. Soft enamel pins typically use metal molds to imprint the design onto the metal base, forming recessed areas.
Stamping: Use stamping equipment to press the design onto the metal substrate, creating deep recesses for the soft enamel filling.
Enamel Filling: Hand-fill the soft enamel paint into the recesses. Since the paint is soft, it will naturally smooth out during filling but may require multiple layers to ensure full color saturation.
Heating and Drying: Place the enamel-coated pin in an oven to heat and cure the enamel. This process usually requires multiple heating cycles to ensure all colors are fully cured.
Polishing and Inspection: After cooling, polish the surface of the pin to remove excess enamel and smooth the surface. Finally, inspect for any defects and make necessary corrections.
Plating and Attachment: Plate the pin as required (e.g., gold, silver) and attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism.
Best Uses: Soft enamel pins are suitable for various brand promotions, commemorative items, personal collections, and gifts.

B. Hard Enamel Pins
Craft Overview: Hard enamel pins (also known as cloisonné pins) are made by hand-filling hard enamel paint into metal, followed by multiple heating and polishing processes to achieve a smooth, durable surface.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Create the design and make the metal mold. The design of hard enamel pins requires raised details on the metal surface.
Stamping: Use the metal mold to press the design onto the substrate, forming recesses to hold the hard enamel paint.
Enamel Filling: Hand-fill the hard enamel paint into the metal recesses. Hard enamel is highly durable and the paint hardens upon drying.
Heating and Drying: The pin is subjected to high-temperature baking to harden the enamel paint. Multiple heating cycles are usually necessary to ensure complete hardening.
Polishing and Inspection: After cooling, polish the surface to make it smooth. The polishing process removes excess enamel and clarifies the design.
Plating and Attachment: Plate the pin to enhance its appearance and durability. Finally, attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism.
Best Uses: Hard enamel pins are commonly used for high-end brand promotions, corporate gifts, employee awards, and commemorative items.

C. Die Struck Pins
Craft Overview: Die struck pins are created by pressing the design directly into the metal substrate under high pressure, resulting in a design with depth and dimension, usually without additional paint or color filling.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Create the design and prepare the stamping mold. The mold needs to be precise to ensure clear design details.
Stamping: Use high pressure to imprint the design onto the metal substrate, creating a design with depth and dimensionality.
Cleaning and Refining: Clean the metal surface to remove excess metal left from the mold, ensuring the design is clear.
Plating: Plate the die struck pin (e.g., gold, silver) to enhance its appearance and durability.
Attachment: Attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism to allow for wear and display.
Best Uses: Die struck pins are ideal for company badges, club activities, commemorative items, and other situations where a simple yet refined design is required.

D. Offset Printed Pins
Craft Overview: Offset printed pins involve directly printing the design onto the metal surface and then applying a protective coating. This method is suitable for designs requiring complex patterns and multi-color printing.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Create the design and convert it into a digital file. Prepare the printing mold to transfer the design onto the metal substrate.
Printing: Use offset printing technology to print the design directly onto the metal substrate. This method allows for fine patterns and rich color layers.
Curing: Use baking or other curing techniques to dry and fix the printed design on the metal surface.
Protective Coating: Apply a transparent protective coating to safeguard the printed design and enhance durability.
Finishing and Attachment: Clean the edges of the pin and attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism.
Best Uses: Offset printed pins are suited for events requiring complex, multi-color designs, such as commercial promotions, event memorabilia, and custom gifts.

E. 3D Pins
Craft Overview: 3D pins use high-precision metal stamping technology to cast three-dimensional details directly into the metal, often requiring additional paint to highlight the 3D effect.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Create the design and make the 3D-effect mold as needed. The mold must be highly accurate to ensure the 3D effect is well-represented.
Stamping: Use high pressure to imprint the 3D details onto the metal substrate. This process creates complex three-dimensional effects.
Coating and Coloring: Paint the 3D details according to the design, usually using soft enamel or hard enamel paints.
Heating and Curing: Heat-treat the painted pin to cure the enamel and enhance durability.
Polishing and Inspection: Polish the pin’s surface to make it smooth and inspect for any defects.
Plating and Attachment: Apply plating to add shine and durability. Attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism.
Best Uses: 3D pins are ideal for designs requiring high detail and dimensional effects, such as custom commemorative items, corporate badges, and high-end gifts.

F. Semi Cloisonne Pins
Craft Overview: Semi Cloisonne Pins combine techniques from soft enamel and cloisonné, filling the metal substrate with semi cloisonné enamel to create a high-gloss pattern.
Production Steps:

Design and Molding: Create the design and prepare the metal mold based on the design requirements. The mold is used to form recesses on the metal.
Enamel Filling: Fill the recesses with semi cloisonné enamel. This enamel has a high gloss and color depth.
Heating and Curing: Heat the filled pin to ensure the enamel is fully cured.
Polishing and Refining: After cooling, polish the pin to remove excess enamel and smooth the surface.
Plating and Attachment: Plate the pin as needed to enhance its appearance and durability. Attach the pin backing and fastening mechanism.
Best Uses: Semi cloisonné pins are suitable for high-quality custom items requiring a bright appearance, such as premium brand promotions, commemorative items, and awards.

Summary
Understanding the various pin crafting techniques helps you choose the method best suited to your needs. Each technique offers distinct visual effects and production processes, making them suitable for different applications. Whether aiming for high-quality hard enamel details, complex offset prints, or intricate 3D designs, mastering these techniques ensures you can create unique and satisfying pins.