Why are hard enamel pins more expensive?

Custom enamel pins are a popular option for companies, organizations, and individuals looking to create a one-of-a-kind and eye-catching product. However, not all enamel pins are created equal, and custom pin prices can vary greatly depending on the type of enamel used. This blog will explain why custom hard enamel pins are more expensive than custom soft enamel pins and why you might prefer one over the other.

What is the difference between hard and soft enamel pins?

The two most common types of custom enamel pins are hard enamel pins and soft enamel pins. Filling a metal die-struck pin with hard, durable, and smooth enamel produces hard enamel pins.

After that, the enamel is baked to achieve a glossy and smooth finish. Hard enamel pins are well-known for their long lifespan and high-quality appearance.

In contrast, soft enamel pins are created by filling a metal die-struck pin with a softer and more pliable enamel. After that, the enamel is baked and polished to create a slightly raised surface that gives the pin a more textured appearance. Soft enamel pins are a less expensive option that is popular due to their versatility and affordability.

Why Are Hard Enamel Pins Expensive?

1. Manufacturing Methodology

The hard enamel pin manufacturing process is more complex and time-consuming than the soft enamel pin manufacturing process.

Hard enamel pins necessitate several steps, including die-striking, enamel filling, baking, and polishing, which raises the production cost. Furthermore, the baking process for hard enamel pins must be precise to yield a high-quality result.

2. Longevity

Hard enamel pins are well-known for their toughness and longevity. As a result, they are a popular choice for organizations and businesses looking to create long-lasting products. However, because of their increased durability, hard enamel pins are more expensive than soft enamel pins.

3. Physical appearance

Hard enamel pins have a high-quality, glossy appearance that many customers find appealing. The smooth and even enamel surface is less prone to chipping or fading than soft enamel pins, making them a better long-term investment.

Why Should You Use Soft Enamel Pins?

1. Cost-effectiveness

Soft enamel pins are much less expensive than hard enamel pins, making them an excellent choice for individuals or organizations on a tight budget.

2. Adaptability

The surface of soft enamel pins is slightly raised and can be textured and colored in a variety of ways. As a result, they are a versatile option for creating one-of-a-kind and eye-catching designs.

3. Ease of Production

Soft enamel pins are manufactured in a faster and less complex manner than hard enamel pins, making them a popular choice for customers who require their pins quickly.

Both hard enamel and soft enamel pins have advantages and disadvantages.

Hard enamel pins are more expensive than soft enamel pins due to their durability and high-quality appearance. Soft enamel pins are less expensive and more versatile than hard enamel pins, but they are less durable and may not last as long. When deciding between hard and soft enamel pins, keep your budget in mind, as well as the intended use of the pins and the overall look and feel you want to achieve.

What machines are used in the production of enamel pins?

Enamel pins are becoming increasingly popular as a form of self-expression, and the manufacturing process entails several steps, including design, molding, filling, baking, and polishing. The machine used to create the mold is one of the most important tools used in the enamel pin-making process. In this blog, we'll look at the various types of machines used in enamel pin production and how they fit into the overall process.

1. Machine Punching

The mold for the enamel pin is made using a punching machine. This machine shapes the pin with a series of punches and dies, cutting out the design and leaving a deep, engraved impression. A skilled operator will typically operate the punching machine, using a variety of tools and techniques to ensure the mold is accurate and the design is perfectly replicated.

2. Stamping Machine

This machine is used to make the pin's metal base, which is typically made of brass or iron. The metal is stamped into the desired shape and size, and a die is used to engrave the design into the metal. This machine is typically operated by a skilled operator who ensures that the metal base is perfectly cut and engraved to match the mold's design.

3. Machine for Injection Molding

The metal base is now ready to be filled with enamel after it has been stamped. This is typically accomplished by using an injection molding machine to fill the mold with the enamel material. The machine fills the mold with high pressure, ensuring that the enamel is evenly distributed and the design is accurately replicated.

4. Oven for baking

After injecting the enamel into the mold, the material must be baked to harden. This is accomplished with the help of a baking oven, which is designed to evenly distribute heat and bake the enamel to the proper temperature. The oven is usually set to a specific temperature and time, and the pins are baked until the enamel has hardened completely.

5. Machine for Polishing

The pins are polished after the enamel has been baked and hardened to give them a smooth and glossy finish. A polishing machine is typically used for this, which uses abrasive materials and pressure to polish the surface of the pins. The machine can be set to produce a variety of finishes, ranging from matte to highly polished shine.

Each machine is critical in ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality and accurately reflects the original mold design. Understanding the role of each machine in the process is critical for producing high-quality enamel pins, whether you're a seasoned enamel pin maker or just starting.