Lapel Pins, Coins and Medallions

Things to know about ordering pins

Protecting Your Coins with Epoxy

banner

Adding epoxy to your coin will create a protective coating that will protect the enamel and enhance the details in your coins by acting like a magnifying glass.
Coins with Epoxy


Posted: February 20th, 2008 under Corporate Coins, Military Coins, Things to know about ordering pins.
Comments: none

Pin Styles Made Easy

lapel-pins.gif
Hard Enamel Lapel Pins
Cloisonné Lapel Pins are made with a glass-like mixture. Colors are fired at 1,700 F for two to four minutes under an open flame and polished to give it the smooth hardened finish. Classic New Enamel Lapel Pins are similar to Cloisonné accept PMS color matching is possible. Each color is bordered with metal unless extra printing is used as a way to avoid metal in areas of a logo with lots of detail. Metal and colors are on the same level. This style pins has the highest perceived value.
Embossed Soft Enamel
Die Struck Similar to Hard Enamel Lapel Pins but the colors are harden without fire or heat. Colors are recessed and the metal is raised. Colors can be matched as needed.
Die Struck Pins and Sandblasted
Used mostly as recognition pins, this process is similar to Hard Enamel in the sense that the pins are struck. Color can be added in the recessed area. Sandblasted and carefully polished for two-tone look.
Offset Printed
For complex logos such as photos or gradations. This style pin is printed on an offset press as you would a 4 color process brochure but much smaller plates are used. This process allows high quality reproduction of logos. These pins are protected with a clear epoxy dome.
Screen Printed Pins
Screen printed process is ideal for multi-colored designs. Color-matching is available while providing the fine detail and close color on color registration. The design is protected with a clear epoxy dome.
Photo Etched Pins
An image of your design is transferred from a photographic negative onto the surface of the metal. Same principle as pictures taken by camera. Your design is then etched into the brass using an acid-reaction process. All the acids and other impurities are carefully rinsed off. The indentations are then filled with the enamel colors. Colors are inserted by hand, one at a time, using syringes. Pins are then cut out of the sheet according to your custom design. Non-colored (raised) sections of the pin are then plated to a shiny finish. An optional thin epoxy protective coating (dome) can then be applied to protect the colors.
Casting
An alternative to die-struck the cast processes begins with a cavity formed from steel ( a two-sided die ) where a melted metal is injected to create the item. Once hardened, the die is opened, allowing the item to be removed for and plating and polishing. A video of casted pins can be found on our website:
banner

�

Posted: February 20th, 2008 under Lapel Pins, Things to know about ordering pins.
Comments: none

Creating your first custom lapel pin

Your first pin creation can be a simple process. Inspiration can come from many sources including other pin designs.

  • The first thing to consider is to identify how the pins will be used, as this will allow us to suggest the correct pin style for your event.
    • For example a Years of Service pin would more than likely be a pin made with shiny gold or silver plating with sandblasting and engraved with years of service compared to a printed trading pin made with glitter ink and blinking lights.
  • The second step is to decide on the metal finish. Metal finishes are available in antique, satin, shiny as well brushed metal.
  • Step number three is to pick the size of your lapel pin. Sizes range from a very small pin that measure 1/2″ to extremely large pin that measures 2″ If your design is round we recommend 7/8″. Square pins are usually made 1″, rectangle pins 1 1/8″ and oval pins can be as large as 1 1/4″.
  • Step four is to send us your sketch or pin ideas and let us create a proof for your review. The proof process allows You and our design team to create your design and suggestions will made to metal finish, color placement and sizing and 2-D versus 3-D. This service is included with every order.
  • Step five is to go ahead with production, which starts as soon as you give us your proof and order approval. If time allows pre-production samples can also be created prior to full production as a final way to approve your pin design. Please let us know if you have a deadline and we will mark your order as a Rush Order.
  • Step six Pin delivery is normally 2 weeks after your proof was approved. If your order was a rush, special shipping arrangements will made so your pins arrive on time. Feel free to contact us and we look forward to working with You.

banner

Posted: February 16th, 2008 under Articles, Lapel Pins, Things to know about ordering pins.
Comments: none