Lapel Pin Types
Lapel Pin types shown below are the various types of pins that are available, from Pinsncrests. Your final pin design, will define which process is the best fit for the manufacturing of your lapel pin. No matter whether you're looking for a school awards pin or a corporate branded pin, we have a solution for you.
Send us your design for a no obligation review, of the best process for your lapel pin design.
Lapel pins can be made using various manufacturing processes, but the most common methods include:
- Die Striking: This is the most popular method used to create lapel pins. It involves using a die (a metal plate with a design etched onto it) and a punch to stamp out the design from a sheet of metal. The metal is then polished and plated with the desired finish (e.g. gold, silver, bronze, etc.). Finally, any hard or soft enamel colors are added to the recessed areas using a special ink.
- Etching: This process is similar to die striking, but instead of stamping out the design, it is chemically etched into the metal. The metal is coated with a resist material (e.g. wax or photoresist) and exposed to a chemical solution that eats away at the uncoated areas. The remaining metal is then plated and filled with enamel.
- Casting: This method involves pouring molten metal into a mold to create the design. The mold is usually made of a silicone rubber material that is carved or 3D printed with the desired shape. Once the metal cools and solidifies, it is removed from the mold and finished with the desired plating and enamel colors.
- Printing: For designs that require high detail or multiple colors, lapel pins can be made using a printing process. The design is printed onto a special paper or film, and then transferred onto the metal using a heat press or adhesive. The metal is then cut to shape and finished with plating.
After the lapel pins are made, they are usually attached to a pin backing or clutch, which is used to fasten the pin to clothing or other items.
Hard Enamel
Hard enamel lapel pins are a type of lapel pin that is made using a process of filling recessed areas with enamel paint and then polishing the surface until it is smooth and level. This process results in a pin with a smooth, glossy finish, where the enamel is flush with the metal surface.
Here are the main characteristics of hard enamel lapel pins:
- Smooth and shiny surface: Hard enamel lapel pins have a smooth and glossy surface that is flush with the metal.
- More durable: Because the enamel is polished to be level with the metal surface, hard enamel pins are more durable than soft enamel pins, which can chip or scratch over time.
- Vibrant colors: The enamel paint used in hard enamel pins can be color-matched to any design, and the result is a vibrant and long-lasting color.
- Precise details: Because the enamel is polished to be flush with the metal, hard enamel pins can feature intricate details and small text.
- Higher cost: Hard enamel lapel pins are generally more expensive than other types of lapel pins, such as soft enamel or die struck pins.
Overall, hard enamel lapel pins are a premium option for anyone looking to create custom lapel pins with a high-quality finish and precise details. They are a popular choice for organizations and businesses looking for a high-end promotional item or commemorative keepsake.
Soft Enamel
Soft enamel lapel pins are a popular type of lapel pin that is made by filling recessed areas of a metal surface with enamel paint. The result is a pin with a textured, three-dimensional look, where the raised metal outlines the design and the recessed areas are filled with colored enamel.
Here are the main characteristics of soft enamel lapel pins:
- Raised metal edges: Soft enamel lapel pins have raised metal edges around each design element, which gives the pin a distinct, textured look.
- Colored enamel fills: The recessed areas of the pin are filled with enamel paint, which can be color-matched to any design.
- Slightly uneven surface: Because the enamel paint is not flush with the raised metal, the surface of a soft enamel lapel pin is slightly uneven, with a tactile feel.
- More affordable: Soft enamel pins are generally more affordable than other types of lapel pins, such as hard enamel pins or cloisonné pins.
- Widely used: Soft enamel lapel pins are commonly used for a variety of purposes, such as branding, promotional items, fundraising, and commemorative events.
Overall, soft enamel lapel pins are a versatile and cost-effective option for anyone looking to create custom lapel pins with a distinct look and feel.
Don't be confused by the word "soft enamel". It wont rub off on your clothes !
Photo Etched
Photo etched lapel pins are a type of lapel pin that is made using a chemical process to etch a design onto a metal surface. This process allows for very fine detail and intricate designs to be created, making photo etched lapel pins a popular choice for designs that require a high level of precision.
Here are the main characteristics of photo etched lapel pins:
- Fine detail: The photo etching process allows for very fine details and intricate designs to be etched onto the metal surface of the pin.
- Thin and lightweight: Because the metal is chemically etched rather than stamped or cast, photo etched lapel pins are thinner and lighter than other types of lapel pins.
- Smooth and even surface: The photo etching process results in a smooth and even surface on both sides of the pin.
- Multiple colors: Photo etched lapel pins can be color-filled with enamel paint to match any design.
- Affordable: Photo etched lapel pins are generally more affordable than other types of lapel pins, such as die struck or hard enamel pins.
Overall, photo etched lapel pins are a popular choice for intricate designs that require a high level of detail and precision. They are often used for promotional items, awards, and commemorative events.
Offset Printed
Printed lapel pins, also known as digital or offset printed lapel pins, are a type of lapel pin that is made using a digital printing process to transfer a design onto a metal surface. This process allows for full-color designs and photographs to be printed onto the surface of the pin, making printed lapel pins a popular choice for designs that require a high level of color and detail.
Here are the main characteristics of printed lapel pins:
- Full-color printing: The digital printing process used in printed lapel pins allows for full-color designs and photographs to be printed onto the surface of the pin.
- High level of detail: Printed lapel pins can feature intricate designs and small text with a high level of detail.
- Smooth surface: The printing process results in a smooth and even surface on both sides of the pin.
- Multiple finishes: Printed lapel pins can be finished with a variety of coatings, such as epoxy, to protect the design and give the pin a glossy finish.
- Affordable: Printed lapel pins are generally more affordable than other types of lapel pins, such as hard enamel or die struck pins.
Overall, printed lapel pins are a popular choice for designs that require full-color printing and a high level of detail. They are often used for promotional items, brand recognition, and commemorative events.
Die Cast
Die cast lapel pins are a type of lapel pin that is made using a metal casting process. The process involves creating a mold of the design, melting metal, and pouring it into the mold to create the pin. The result is a pin with a three-dimensional look, where the raised metal outlines the design and the recessed areas are filled with enamel paint.
Here are the main characteristics of die cast lapel pins:
- Raised metal edges: Die cast lapel pins have raised metal edges around each design element, which gives the pin a distinct, textured look.
- Colored enamel fills: The recessed areas of the pin are filled with enamel paint, which can be color-matched to any design.
- Three-dimensional look: Because the pin is created using a metal casting process, die cast lapel pins have a three-dimensional look that can give the pin depth and texture.
- Durable: Die cast lapel pins are generally more durable than other types of lapel pins, such as soft enamel or printed pins.
- Higher cost: Die cast lapel pins are generally more expensive than other types of lapel pins, such as soft enamel or printed pins, due to the complexity of the casting process.
Overall, die cast lapel pins are a premium option for anyone looking to create custom lapel pins with a high-quality, three-dimensional look. They are a popular choice for organizations and businesses looking for a high-end promotional item or commemorative keepsake.
Pin Fasteners
Standard Clutch
The most popular methods of attaching pins is the butterfly clutch. When you squeeze the butterfly wings it releases the pin from the post.
Rubber Clutch
Rubber clutches are a simple but effective substitute for the standard clutch. These are better suited when the clutch might rub against bare skin.
Magnetic Clasp
Magnetic pin backs are a great solution to prevent punctured shirts.
These are a great solution if the pin has to be removed and installed frequently.
Warning do not use if you have a pacemaker.
Locking
This is a locking fastener. Pulling upwards upwards on the button, releases its grip on the pin post.
Jewelry Clutch
Jewelry clutches provide an extra layer of loss protection.
Safety Clasp
Safety clasps are similar to a safety pin in design. A long pin prong tucks under a small hook or clasp to hold the pin in place.
Lapel Pin and Challenge Coin Edge Options
Check out our selection of presentation options for your completed pin.
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