Overview
Custom enamel pins are a popular collectible, often used to express fandom, creativity, and individuality. This case study explores the production of the dratini pin, from initial concept to final product. The client envisioned a high-quality hard enamel pin featuring an elegant Dratini wrapped around cherry blossoms, evoking a soft, dreamy aesthetic. The final product successfully captured the delicate details, vibrant colors, and high-end finish, making it a standout piece in any collection.
Pin Design Details & Design Concept
Key specifications of this dratini pin included:
Since the design contained intricate details, the manufacturer had to ensure precision in metal outlining and enamel filling while maintaining color vibrancy and visual harmony.
Artwork Preparation & Approval
Before production, the manufacturer provided a digital proof that outlined:
- Color separations for accurate enamel filling
- Mold and metalwork specifications to ensure sharp definition
- Glitter and UV print placements for an enhanced visual effect
- Production notes to guide the craftsmen in achieving the best quality
The client reviewed and approved the proof, confirming that every detail matched their vision before manufacturing began.
Main Production Workflow
1. Mold Creation
Using the approved artwork, a 1.5mm-thick zinc alloy mold was created. This mold defined the raised metal outlines of the dratini pin.
2. Hard Enamel Filling & Glitter Application
The recessed areas of the metal base were carefully filled with hard enamel, ensuring smooth color application. The glitter effect was added to some dratini pins, giving the pins an extra sparkle. Each pin was then baked at high temperatures to cure the enamel, ensuring durability.
3. Wet Grinding & Polishing
Wet grinding could also effectively make the lines clearer. The dratini pins underwent multiple rounds of polishing to create a flawless, smooth surface. This step also removed any excess metal, refining the edges and ensuring a high-end finish.
4. Plating
The dratini pins were plated with gold metal, providing an elegant finish and preventing corrosion.
4. Printing for Details
Certain intricate elements, such as shading and floral accents, were applied using screen printing. UV printing was used for blush to achieve gradient effect.
5. Quality Control & Assembly
Each pin was carefully inspected for:
✔️ Even enamel filling with no gaps or air bubbles
✔️ Smooth, polished edges free from rough spots
✔️ Correct color matching to the approved Pantone shades
✔️ Secure attachment of rubber clutches
Once they passed inspection, the dratini pins were packaged in pvc bags and bubble bags to protect against scratches and damage during shipping.
Final Outcome & Client Feedback
The final product successfully transformed the Dratini-inspired design into a high-quality enamel pin, meeting and exceeding the client’s expectations. The gold plating, glitter accents, and UV printing worked together seamlessly, resulting in a polished, collectible piece.
The client was particularly pleased with:
✅ The glitter enamel, which added a subtle shimmer to the white and pink areas.
✅ The vibrant colors, precisely matched to the original artwork
✅ The high level of craftsmanship, with no visible defects or imperfections
Client Feedback:
“These pins turned out even better than we imagined! The colors are vivid, the details are incredibly sharp, and the glitter adds the perfect finishing touch. We’re beyond thrilled with the quality and will definitely order more in the future!”
Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of detailed planning, precision craftsmanship, and high-quality finishing techniques in enamel pin production. By incorporating gold plating, hard enamel, glitter, and UV printing, the manufacturer successfully created a premium, collector-worthy pin.
For artists and businesses looking to create custom enamel pins with special finishes, this case study serves as a valuable reference for achieving a high-end, visually stunning product that stands out in the market.