Overview
This custom pin case study explores the design and production process of a high-quality hard enamel lapel pin featuring an elegant, royal-themed character. The custom pin project involved intricate metalwork, vibrant enamel colors, and gold plating, resulting in a premium collectible pin. From concept to final product, each step was meticulously planned to meet the client’s expectations for a polished, durable, and visually stunning accessory.
Pin Design Details
The hard enamel pin design details included:
- A gold-plated metal base to enhance the luxurious feel.
- A detailed crown and costume accents that would stand out with fine metalwork.
- A combination of deep blue and white enamel colors for a striking contrast.
- Precise color application using Pantone shades to maintain design accuracy.
- A durable hard enamel finish for a smooth, polished surface.
- A custom size of 44.5mm, ensuring a noticeable yet wearable pin.
- Two rubber clutches on the back for secure attachment.
- Protective packaging using pvc bags and bubble bags to ensure the pins arrived in perfect condition.
Design & Some Production Processes
1. Digital Artwork & Color Proofing
The first step was translating the client’s concept into a detailed digital illustration. The design featured a character with white flowing hair, a royal blue outfit, and a golden crown adorned with small decorative elements. To achieve a visually appealing and accurate finish, the team carefully selected Pantone colors:
- Gold Metal Plating for the crown, decorative trims, and border.
- Pantone 7673, 7500, 7444, and 2925 for the various shades of blue.
- Pantone White 2727 and 551 for highlights and details.
- Special Effects: Pearlescent and glitter accents to enhance the depth of the colors.
2. Mold Creation
Once the design was approved, the team proceeded with the molding process. A 2.0mm zinc alloy mold was created to capture the fine details of the character’s expression, crown, and intricate outfit.
3. Hard Enamel Filling & Baking
The next step involved filling the recessed areas of the metal base with vibrant enamel colors. Each color was carefully added according to the predefined Pantone specifications, ensuring an even and smooth application. The enamel was then baked at high temperatures to achieve a hardened, scratch-resistant finish.
This process ensured that the final product had rich, saturated hues with a smooth surface.
4. Wet Grinding, Polishing & Plating
Wet grinding can make the metal lines on the pin visible.
To achieve a flawless appearance, the pins were subjected to multiple rounds of polishing. This removed any excess enamel or imperfections, resulting in a smooth, glass-like surface.
These custom pins underwent the gold plating process. This step added a shiny, elegant finish to the metal areas, further enhancing the regal aesthetic.
5. Quality Control & Inspection
Before packaging, each pin underwent a strict quality inspection to check for:
- Enamel consistency (no color bleeding or missing areas).
- Gold plating uniformity (no tarnishes or rough edges).
- Smooth and polished finish (ensuring a premium feel).
Any defective pins were removed from the batch to maintain high-quality standards.
6. Secure Packaging & Delivery
To ensure safe delivery, each pin was individually packed in PVC bags with bubble wrap. This protected them from potential scratches or damage during transit. The final product was then shipped to the client, meeting the agreed-upon deadline.
Final Product & Client Feedback
The finished enamel pin was a perfect representation of the original concept, with vibrant colors, detailed metalwork, and a luxurious gold finish. The combination of deep blue enamel, pearlescent effects, and polished metal created a visually striking collectible piece.
Client Feedback:
“We are incredibly pleased with the final result! The colors are exactly as we imagined, and the gold finish gives it a luxurious touch. The attention to detail is impressive, and our customers love the intricate design. We will definitely order again!”
Conclusion
This custom pin project showcases the craftsmanship, precision, and quality control involved in creating custom enamel pins. By utilizing hard enamel techniques, precise color application, and gold plating, we were able to bring the client’s vision to life with exceptional accuracy.
Whether you’re looking for custom character pins, event merchandise, or corporate branding solutions, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality enamel pins that stand out.
Interested in Custom Enamel Pins?
Contact us today to discuss your project and let us help you create stunning, collectible enamel pins tailored to your needs!