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COLLECTORS' INFORMATION > PIN MANUFACTURING PROCESS

There are many different processes used in pin manufacture.  Here are just a few!

	CLOISSONE This process has been used by the Chinese for hundreds of years, in particular on pots and ornamental items.  The colour range is limited. Pins are made from a die and each color is injected into a recessed area or "canal." This is the most expensive process for pin manufacturing.		Price:	QTY:

	DIE CASTING WITH ANTIQUE SILVER PLATING		Price:	QTY:

	DIE STRUCK BRASS - SOFT ENAMEL  Each pin is struck from solid brass or copper and has a clean finish. The finish can be antique, sandblast or soft enamel. Useful for 3D pins or plain gold or silver pins.		Price:	QTY:

	EMBOSSED SOFT ENAMEL These pins have a three dimensional look. The colored enamel areas are recessed and the metal areas are slightly raised. Combine this process with fine grain sandblasting to create a truly unique design.		Price:	QTY:

	HARD ENAMEL CLOISSONE Also called Epola, Clois-Tech, Cloisonné II and Semi-Cloisonné.  Able to use PMS colour matching with this process.		Price:	QTY:

	PHOTO-DOMED Photo-dome pins are an excellent choice if your original art has color gradients or you don't want to have the thin metal lines separating the colors and text. These pins are created by printing your art on paper and then applying the paper to a thin metal pin. Epoxy is placed on top of the paper. The pin will be an exact reproduction of your art. The art is printed on vinyl, mylar or other substrates. These images are then put on the metal pins by hand. It's possible there may be a slight uneven edge on one or two sides but this is usually less than 1/64-inch and usually not noticeable.		Price:	QTY:

	PHOTO-ETCHED An exact image of your picture, photo or artwork is transferred onto metal. The image is etched into the design with acid. This method is cost effective for promotional pins, team trading pins or where cost is an issue. Because these pins are thinner than hard-enamel, soft-enamel and cloisonne,  a protective epoxy dome is placed on top of the pin which makes it thicker and therefore more "quality" looking.		Price:	QTY:

	PRINT-SCREENED Silkscreen is the perfect alternative when the enamel fill process is not compatible with the pin design. Each color ink is squeezed through a silk mesh directly onto the metal background. An epoxy dome is usually applied to the top of the pin to insure a durable glossy finish.		Price:	QTY:

	SOFT ENAMEL These pins are similar to Cloissone but the edges between the colors are not as smooth. The die is made similar to cloisonné. Soft enamel is used when cost is a factor or fine detail is not needed.		Price:	QTY:

	BACKING CARD Place your lapel pin on a backing card designed by you.  Adds prestige and doubles as an excellent "business card" for you.  Any size, shape or is available - limited only by your imagination.		Price:	QTY:

	DELIVERY OPTIONS 1.  Samples - usually 8 days from artwork sign-off 2.  Product - 20 days from sample approval		Price:	QTY:

	ARTWORK Usually provided as a jpg or pdf file.  Other formats can be accepted.  There is usually an upfront charge to have artwork produced or modified to meet factory standards.		Price:	QTY: