Processes

[1]
Offset printing
This is a commonly used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. Sometimes your design is not compatible with the enamel process. The photodome process is a great alternative. The design is printed on vinyl and then affixed to a flat piece of metal.

[2]
Silk-screen printing
Different from offset printing, Silk-screen printing is used for solid colors. Sometimes your design is not compatible with the enamel process. The print process is a great alternative. The design is printed on vinyl and then affixed to a flat piece of metal (either gold or silver in color). Most clients use epoxy to cover the printing logo in order to protect the logo from fading.
We offer 3 different base metals for printed pins; either brass, stainless steel, or aluminum. Brass is the best and is the only choice if you want your lapel pin plated in different colors. Stainless steel is a durable choice but can not be plated. Finally aluminum is the most cost effective and lightest base metal but it can not be plated and has a brushed silver look.
☆Printed pins are an excellent choice if:
♦your original art has color gradients – (ex: color bleeds from blue to white) or
♦ your original art is too complicated for enamel filling process or
♦ you do not wish to have the thin metal lines separating the colors and text or
♦you need to have a quality pin in a short period of time

[3]
Die struck
(as known as stamped), Raised and recessed metal logo; No enamel colors; have clean lines and are quite elegant.

[4]
Soft enamel
Soft enamel is a stamped pin with enamel fill. Enamel is a fancy name for paint. Once the paint is applied to the pin it is air dried which causes the paint to settle ever so slightly. Unlike hard enamel, the paint is recessed and the metal borders are raised creating a dimensional or 3D look. If you rubbed your thumb across the pin you would feel the metal borders.

[5]
Synthetic enamel
(as known as Imitation Cloisonné), are top-of-the-line, high-quality lapel pins. The front side has a smooth surface and hard-polished look.

[6]
Die Cast
A dimensional model is made from your design. This model is then made into a mold. Hot zinc is poured into the mold. After cooling, the casting is barrel tumbled and either silver or gold plated. This process is ideal for cutout letters. Small detail cannot be obtained.