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Archive for the ‘Pin Types’ Category

Are “Pin Badges” the same as Custom Lapel Pins?

09-01-11

The answer is “yes”.  Recently I was designing some volunteer pins and was surprised when the customer referred to their enamel die struck pins as “pin badges”.  I have never heard lapel pins referred to as pin badges.  We have created many mini badges for fire and police departments and of course manufacturing lapel pins is our specialty.  Apparantly the term pin badge is very popular in Europe.  I recently received a goggle alert about lapel pins.   The article was interesting and referred to custom pins as pin badges.

“Friday is Badge Day and people are encouraged to buy a pin and support the charity that helps more than 100,000 widows of deceased veterans who have died on active service or since leaving the armed forces.”

After reading the article it was evident that the article about using lapel pins as a fundraiser was from an English newspaper.

So if you are ready to order your own custom pin badges just give us a “ring”.

What are full relief or 3D lapel pins?

06-13-11

3D or full-relief lapel pins are a very economical method to promote your image. Sometimes simply referred to as 3D pins. These are much thicker to obtain the 3D effect. Like most other badges they can be produced in metal only or with the addition of enamel. The enamel is usually supplied without an epoxy coating ( like transparent varnish ) so that it does not screen the 3D effect. The enamel can be matched to the Pantone range of colors which we use to match your logo color to the pin color.  They can be supplied in almost any size or shape. Attachments can be a military clutch, safety pin , magnetic backing or adhesive backing. This process is great for animal, people, and buildings.

If we think your design would look better as a full releif or 3D lapel pin we will let you know.

Antique gold plated full relief/3D lapel pin.

Benefits of Hard Enamel Pins.

06-13-11

Our Hard Enamel Pin Badges are made using vitreous materials which basically means our badge enamel can withstand extreme circumstances so in turn have a very long life span and will not deteriorate. The Enamel Pin Badges are then hand fired in a furnace and highly polished for a gleaming finish in a plating of your choice (Gold, Silver, Chrome or many Antique Finishes).

This pin is actually two pins stacked in the hard enamel process.

At PinCrafters we can produce Enamel Pin Badges to any design, shape or size to meet your specifications and coupled with our in-house design team we can take your initial ideas and turn them into a reality with a very fast turnaround.

Smaller pin badges can also be made into Cufflinks and zipper pulls, and larger pins can be made into Key Fobs or Keyrings, using the same die.

All products can also be produced in 10k or 14k or  sterling silver for special occasions or presentations.

What exactly are “Challenge Coins”?

04-25-11

Consider challenge coins and medallions when you’re looking to build pride and motivation, or recognize outstanding achievement among employees.

We produce these emblems using the same high-quality processes as our hard and soft enamel pins.

Challenge coins – traditionally used by the military – today serve many purposes such as boosting morale and teamwork, or marketing your brand or product.

Coins and medallions are usually larger than lapel pins. Coins often have designs on both sides; medallions only on one side. Medallions can be strung on colorful ribbons for award ceremonies or presentations.

Why are they called Challenge Coins?

The tradition of a challenge is the most common way to ensure that members are carrying their unit’s coin. The rules of a challenge are not always formalized for a unit, and may vary between organizations. The challenge only applies to those members that have been given a coin formally by their unit. This may lead to some controversy when challenges are initiated between members of different organizations and is not recommended. The tradition of the coin challenge is meant to be a source of morale in a unit, and forcing the challenge can cause a reverse effect.

The challenge, which can be made at any time, begins with the challenger drawing his/her coin, and slapping or placing the coin on the table or bar. In noisy environments, continuously rapping the challenge coin on a surface may initiate the challenge. (Accidentally dropping a challenge coin is considered to be a deliberate challenge to all present.) Everyone being challenged must immediately produce the coin for their organization and anyone failing to do so must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and everyone else who has their challenge coin. However, should everyone challenged be able to produce their coin, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for the group.

While most holders of challenge coins usually carry them in their pockets or in some other readily accessible place on their persons, most versions of the rules permit a challenged person “a step and a reach” (particularly useful if one is challenged in the shower, a tradition in the Navy).

Variants of the rules include the following. If you are able to steal a challenge coin, everyone in the group must buy you a drink. During a challenge, everyone in the group must buy you a drink if you are the holder of the highest ranking coin. Some units provide strict time limits to respond to a challenge.

 

Of course any organization or group can use challenge coins for a variety of purposes.  PinCrafters offers these custom made coins at the lowest prices and highest quality.  Call us today!

A nice sample of 1 side of a challenge coin.

 

 

Have a deadline? Get your lapel pins in 5 days!

04-22-11

If you’re on tight deadline and need pins fast – we’re here to help! Our experienced designers and salespeople will help design your custom pin and deliver it in 5 business days or less.

Flash Lapel Pin Diagram

Flash Photo Lapel Pins are an efficient process, with quality results

We use a state-of-the-art manufacturing process, giving you many shapes to choose from.

To make your pin, we digitally print a high-resolution image of your logo or design onto the metal itself, or onto a thin photographic film. It is then affixed to a brass or stainless steel lapel pin base. An epoxy or lacquer coating magnifies and protects your design.

One of many shapes to choose from.

Why make pins in a precious metal such as Sterling Silver or Gold?

04-14-11

A lasting symbol of beauty and prestige, our precious metal lapel pins bring a special touch to your organization or event.

Precious Metal Lapel Pin Diagram

These elegant pins represent your commitment to quality and excellence. They are a perfect way to express pride in your business or organization.

Precious metal lapel pins are available in sterling silver, 10 karat gold-filled, 10 karat gold or 14 karat gold. We offer pins to suit your purpose and budget.

Options include a variety of metal finishes, enamel colors, genuine or synthetic stones and engraving. Genuine diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires or synthetic stones can be added. Plastic gift boxes are included.

Precious metal lapel pins

  • Available in 10 karat and 14 karat gold, sterling silver and gold-filled
  • Enamel and alternative finishes, plus a variety of gem stones available

    3D Antique Gold Precious Metal Pin with Genuine Emerald

What are Die Struck Lapel Pins?

04-11-11

These distinctive metal-on-metal pins bring a touch of class to your organization or event.

Die Struck Lapel Pin Diagram

Die struck lapel pins use only metal and no color – with a two-tone finish that gives any design an elegant look.

They are often used to recognize years of service, and are popular among fraternities, sororities, universities, associations and government offices.

The pins are available in gold, silver, nickel, bronze and copper, and can be produced with antique finishes for added beauty.

Attractive packaging options such as velvet gift boxes, customized cards or elegant jewelry bags further enhance the look of your pin.

This is a sample of a custom antique gold die struck lapel pin.

What is a Soft Enamel Lapel Pin?

04-11-11

A 3D look and feel, with a textured surface. Metal areas are raised; colors are recessed.

A pin known for its high quality and affordability, soft enamel lapel pins have a  3D look and feel, with a textured surface. Metal areas are raised; colors are recessed.  Soft enamel lapel pins are perfect for product branding, Corporate identity and many other uses.

Soft Enamel Lapel Pin Diagram

With a jewelry-like appearance, soft enamel lapel pins feature solid colors outlined by metal. The metal areas are raised, giving the pin an embossed look and feel.

Soft enamel pins are the best option when you need high quality at a lower cost.  They are the most popular pin for team trading, and are collected and traded by sports teams of all ages.

A nice sample of a soft enamel lapel pin.

Fire and Law Enforcement Badges

04-06-11



A great way to duplicate your departments badge or patch.

These pins are a great fit for law enforcement personnel, emergency workers, military groups and other organizations.Attractive packaging options such as plastic or velvet gift boxes, customized cards or elegant jewelry bags further enhance the look of your pin.  We know that your badge or patch must be a beautiful replica in order to reflect the pride that you feel in it. By allowing you to see their own custom badges before they purchase them, we know that you will be completely satisfied when your custom badge arrives. Because we understand what your badge means, we also know that only the highest quality metals and dies, combined with expert craftsmanship, will suffice when it comes to the making of your custom badges.

What are “Hard Enamel” or “Cloisonne” lapel pins?

04-06-11

Great sample of Hard Enamel Lapel Pin with a sandblasted background

The highest quality lapel pins available, hard enamel pins are fired to very high temperatures for a smooth, polished finish.

Hard Enamel Lapel Pin Diagram

These pins are beautiful pieces of jewelry, perfect for when you need to reward employees, launch a new product or brand your company’s image.

Hard enamel lapel pins feature solid colors, outlined with metal – making them a good fit for designs with separated colors. Hundreds of colors are available, and Pantone colors are easily matched.

Attractive packaging options such as velvet gift boxes, customized cards or elegant jewelry bags further enhance the look of your pin.