At Hipins, we believe that great craftsmanship is not just about creating beautiful pins—it’s about creating lasting relationships. One of our long-term clients recently returned with a new challenge: a highly detailed, double-layered enamel pin featuring a fantasy character. This piece required a gold-plated finish, precision alignment between two separate components, and a laser-engraved backplate. The result? A collectible-quality pin that exceeded expectations and demonstrated once again why Hipins is the trusted name in premium pin production.
🔧 Design & Production Specifications
The pin features a prominent fantasy warrior figure—armored, fur-draped, and stoic. Every detail in his clothing, posture, and facial expression had to be captured precisely, which required a mix of advanced techniques:
- Structure: A two-piece pin construction (上下件 pin), including:
- Top Layer: 2.0mm thick metal (gold-plated), cut to shape for the full-body character.
- Base Layer: 2.5mm thick gold-plated metal with background illustration.
- Components perfectly interlocked and soldered to maintain balance and alignment.
- Plating: Gold finish on both upper and lower layers, applied with uniform coverage and protective coating.
- Color Work:
- Hard enamel used for the main character, with deep tones like black 4, cool gray, and warm browns.
- Gradient pearl effect in the base (black 2-5625 Pearl, not stirred) for a mysterious, otherworldly touch.
- UV print applied to enhance facial features, armor texture, and fine shadows.
- Printing:
- Silkscreen print used for precision color matching in tight spaces.
- Multiple black and gray tones layered for shading depth and realism.
- Back Design:
- Laser engraving with limited-edition numbering (e.g., LE 35).
- Custom brand logo and celestial elements to match the fantasy theme.
- Equipped with dual rubber clutches for secure wear.
This pin measures approximately 73.3mm in height and 3.5 inches in length, giving it a dramatic, standout presence ideal for collectors and fans.
💬 Communication Process: From Concept to Masterpiece
The client came to us with a reference illustration and a clear vision: a layered fantasy pin with elevated craftsmanship. From the beginning, our project team collaborated closely with the client on the following:
- Artwork Breakdown:
We reviewed the original artwork and translated it into manufacturable layers, marking out UV zones, enamel fills, gradient zones, and cutout areas.
- Material Consultation:
We recommended gold plating to match the regal tone of the character and ensure compatibility with the layered design.
- Layer Assembly Planning:
To ensure perfect fitment of the top and bottom pieces, we adjusted mold tolerances to within ±0.05mm—tight enough to lock cleanly without looseness.
- Backside Customization:
The client requested something more than a basic logo. We designed a celestial-style engraving with moon and star elements, tied to the pin’s lore.
- Digital Proofing:
Before sampling, we sent detailed vector files and rendered mockups for client confirmation. No revisions were needed—the client approved in full.
🏭 Post-Production: Quality in Every Step
Production was completed in three phases:
- Mold Fabrication and Plating:
Mold files were CNC-cut, and both top and base metals were plated in gold. The pin sections were thoroughly polished to prevent plating blemishes.
- Color Application and UV Printing:
Enamel and pearl layers were hand-filled, cured, and sanded to an even level. UV printing followed, with close inspection to align critical details like eyes, belt, and background pattern.
- Laser Engraving and Assembly:
Each backing was laser-etched with edition numbers and logo before the top figure was soldered in position. Final polishing ensured a smooth finish throughout.
🌟 Client Feedback: “This One’s a Masterpiece”
Upon receiving the sample, the client responded with a short but impactful review:
“This one’s a masterpiece. You’ve outdone yourselves again.”
They particularly praised:
- The stability and precision of the layered construction
- The balance between hard enamel texture and printed detail
- The creative use of the back engraving to tell a story
The pin was immediately approved for batch production, and the client has since placed pre-orders through their distribution channels.
🔄 Lessons & Value for Future Clients
This project proved that even the most intricate ideas can become successful pins with the right manufacturer. Key takeaways include:
- Layered Pin Designs unlock more visual storytelling.
- Combining Enamel + UV Print brings illustrations to life with extra dimension.
- Laser-Engraved Backs can carry branding, edition marks, and lore elements—all in one.
- Mature Communication Process avoids rounds of revision and saves production time.
Q1: Can I do multi-layer pins with Hipins?
Yes, we can produce layered (上下件) pins with precision alignment. Let us know your concept and we’ll advise structure and plating combinations.
Q2: Will laser engraving fade over time?
No, we use deep laser engraving for durability. It remains legible and sharp for years.
Q3: How detailed can UV printing get?
Extremely detailed. We can print facial features, shadow gradients, textures, and even tiny symbols at high resolution.
Q4: Can I request custom shapes or back engravings?
Absolutely. We offer full customization including irregular shapes, mold cut-outs, and personalized engravings.