Design and Production Specifications
The DanHengIL enamel pin, commissioned by a dedicated client and manufactured by HIPINS, was a unique project that pushed the boundaries of precision enamel work. Measuring 4 inches tall, it is one of the larger-format pins we’ve produced, allowing for intricate storytelling within the design. The artwork features a detailed character composition surrounded by flowing elements, accented with advanced enamel techniques.
Key specifications included:
- Size: 4 inches
- Type: Hard enamel with complex gradient and print+pms
- Plating: Gold plating with raised metal lines
- Thickness: 2.0 mm
- Special Effects: Gradient sandblast, pearlescent swirls, stained glass with glitter, translucent enamel
- Printing: Both UV print and silkscreen print for detailed shading and character definition
- Attachment: Rubber clutches for secure wear
- Packaging: PVC bag with bubble wrap to ensure safe delivery
The complexity of this pin stemmed from its multiple specialty finishes. Gradient sandblast and stained glass enamel were layered with pearlescent powders, creating a dynamic and luminous surface. This required close monitoring during production to ensure none of the finishes overpowered one another.
Communication Process
What made this project stand out was the highly detailed client feedback and HIPINS’ responsive communication. Instead of a single round of approval, the process unfolded step by step, with each adjustment refining the look and feel of the final product.
The client provided three main feedback points during development:
- “I see! The sandblast still looks too green, can you make it more blue?” – The original sandblast finish leaned toward a greenish hue. Our production team revised the pigment ratio to shift the effect toward a cooler blue.
- “Can you make it so the green part of sandblast goes to these areas? And for the hair color, a bit lighter brown please.” – Placement of gradient finishes was fine-tuned, and the character’s hair color was adjusted for improved accuracy to the artwork.
- “For the green sandblast color, can you make more pale? The green hue is too strong. Additionally, the ‘black’ sandblast color looks strongly like gold. Is there any way to make it look less yellow?” – We carefully rebalanced the mix of sandblast powders, softening the green to a pale tone and correcting the black-to-gold misinterpretation by adjusting the finish’s metallic underlayer.
These exchanges reflected the collaborative partnership between client and manufacturer. Rather than treating feedback as obstacles, HIPINS used it to refine and perfect the visual storytelling of the enamel pin.
Post-Production and Client Feedback
Once the adjustments were finalized, HIPINS began mass production. The workflow involved multiple quality checks at every stage:
- Sandblast finish: Each section was tested under different lighting conditions to ensure the color shift aligned with the client’s requests.
- Hair tone: The lighter brown enamel was checked against the approved digital proof for consistency.
- Final assembly: Pins were inspected for glitter distribution, translucency balance, and print alignment.
The client’s response after receiving the final production sample was very positive. They acknowledged the effort put into revising the sandblast effects and appreciated how the final result captured the layered complexity of the artwork. The ability to translate subtle adjustments—like the pale sandblast green and less yellowish black—into physical enamel demonstrated HIPINS’ attention to detail.
Ultimately, the DanHengIL pin was celebrated not only as a collector’s item but also as proof of how collaborative problem-solving between client and factory can elevate custom merchandise to a higher standard.
FAQs
1. What is gradient sandblast enamel, and why was it used here?
Gradient sandblast enamel blends texture with color, creating a subtle, frosted effect that shifts with light. For DanHengIL, this technique gave depth to the background and enhanced the ethereal mood of the design.
2. How can small adjustments, like changing hair color or sandblast hue, impact production?
Even minor color adjustments require recalibration of pigments and sometimes mold alignment. These details can greatly affect the overall harmony of the piece, especially for large pins where every nuance is magnified.
3. What steps ensure specialty finishes don’t overpower one another?
HIPINS layers finishes with controlled sequencing: sandblast first, then enamel fills, followed by glitter and stained glass. This ensures each finish retains its distinct visual identity while contributing to the unified design.