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How much does it cost to
have a
custom coin or lapel pin made?
That will depend on exactly what you want to order. 1st we
have to determine the quantity, the size, how intricate your artwork is
going to be and what material they will be made from. After making
these decisions we will be able to quote exactly how much they will cost.
When do I have to pay for my
order?
In most cases payment is required in advance unless credit
arrangements have been established in advance.
Can I pay with my credit card?
Yes, credit card payments can be accepted through Paypal. Just let us know upfront
that you wish to pay using your credit card and we will send a payment
link when you place your order.
How much is shipping?
Depending on the size and weight of the order shipping and handling
charges will be calculated for UPS ground unless otherwise requested.
What is a
Cloisonné lapel pin?
Cloisonné lapel pins have the greatest perceived value with a jewelry-like
finish. It is said that cloisonné can be preserved for 100 years without
fading because it is derived from mineral ore. This ancient art that was
developed over a thousand years ago in China requires meticulous
handcrafted details. The custom designed pins are formed to a copper
bronze surface, then hand-filled with colored cloisonné paste. The pins
are then kiln-fired at 800 degrees centigrade. More color is added and the
pins are fired again. These steps ensure that bleeding of colors do not
occur. After firing, each pin is hand-polished and plated to give a hard
and smooth enamel finish which is resistant to scratching. Cloisonné is
best suited for making military badges, car badges, and athletic medals.
They are also ideal for recognitions, achievement awards and important
events.
What is a
Soft Enamel lapel pin?
The soft enamel is the most popular type of custom made lapel pins because
it offers brilliant colors and fine raised metal detailing. Soft enamel
pins are die struck from a copper bronze surface, then hand-filled with
softer enamel on the recessed areas of customized pins. The pins are
kiln-baked at 160 degrees centigrade to seal the colors. Once done, the
custom designed pins are individually hand-polished and plated for a very
distinguished look. Fine metal detailing and high-quality finishing bring
out your designs boldly and shapely. This type of pin is an outstanding
product at a very affordable price. They are excellent choice for events
and product promotions. Another option with die struck soft enamel is to
apply an epoxy dome for protecting soft enamel colors.
What is a Die
Struck lapel pin?
Die Struck are often used as promotional giveaways because they are
the least expensive out of the die struck group. Yet Iron has a slight
disadvantage compared to copper since it is a harder metal; therefore,
when being struck by the die, iron pins typically have less sharp images.
The appearance of this process is almost the same as die struck soft
enamel, however, you can still tell the difference from observing the
metal lines. Iron soft enamel is electroplated by rolling machine, with no
polishing after hand-enameled. Using bronze and nickel plating instead of
gold and silver respectively. A clear epoxy coating can be applied for
extra durability on request.
What is a Die
Struck without color lapel pin?
After being struck with the die, the pins can then either be left in that
state to give an attractive relief look with highly polished or recess
areas or different matt finishes can be applied. Matt finishes for this
style includes sandblasting, foggy painting, two-tone (gold & nickel) and
antique finishes. Fine detailing and high-quality finishing gives these
pins a jewelry-like appearance and high-perceived value without the high
cost. Satin plating is available for an elegant look. Further optional
enhancement includes inlaying colorful gemstones.
What is a Photo
Etched Soft Enamel lapel pin?
Same principle as pictures taken by camera, photo etched soft enamel is
manufactured by taking an image of your design and transferring it from
film onto the surface of a sheet of metal. Your design is then etched into
the bronze or stainless or aluminum using an acid etching process. Then
all of the acids and other impurities are carefully cleaned from the
surface. The indentations created by the acid etching process are then
filled with the enamel colors. Each color is applied by hand, one at a
time, using different sized syringes. The sheet of metal is then fired at
160 degrees centigrade for 15 minutes. The lapel pins are then cut from
the metal sheet according to your custom design. Non-colored (raised)
sections of the pins are then plated and brushed to a shiny finish. An
optional epoxy protective coating (dome) can then be applied to protect
the color enamels from being scratched or damaged.
Compared to pins of cloisonné and die struck soft enamel, the advantage to
photo etched pins are the process is less expensive and lighter in weight,
but still have a high-perceived value. Have you seen or collected
baseball-trading pins before? This type of product is best suited for
oversized or Jumbo pins since the thickness of the metal sheet is 0.8mm.
The Photo-etched process also offers great detail, flexibility in design
and a wide selection of colors. This allows your imagination to run
creatively for an elaborate lapel pin design. Two things to consider about
when you design your pins, this process is not suited for designs that
require multiple levels or need sharp external shape because its border
usually has 0.8mm - 1mm wide.
What are Silk
Screened lapel pin?
This process allows special logos and designs to be used without the need
for fine gold or silver metal lines around each color. We provide both
silkscreen printing and offset printing for presenting complicated colors
and gradual colors. The silkscreen process offers the best solution for
your pin when intricate designs require precise, color-on-color detailing.
The offset printing process offers full-color reproduction with
outstanding details and accuracy. Once your logo or design has been
printed onto the sheet of metal, then fired in a kiln (at 160 degrees
centigrade for 15 minutes). The lapel pins are then cut from the sheet of
metal according to your custom design. A clear epoxy is usually added to
protect enamel from being scratched or damaged. The process of printed
pins is less labor intensive and therefore less expensive to produce. They
are excellent choice for large quantity premiums or promotions.
What size pin do I need to
order?
The size of your pin will most likely be determined by your graphics.
If you have a lot of detailed graphics the pin will have to be larger in order to
accommodate the detail. If the pin has less you can go as small as
3/4" and still have nice detail.
Return to Index
What is the minimum
order for coins and pins?
Usually the minimum quantity is 100 lapel pins and 100 coins.
Although there is always special consideration given to special
circumstances to meet the customers needs. Although the more you order the lower the price. 50 coins
is about as low in quantity as a person would want to go because of the cost
per each coin.
Do I have to pay for a die charge?
Usually under most normal circumstances a setup fee is
necessary to create your design. Unless you are ordering lapel
pin. We provide the 2D die charge free of charge. The cost of setting up the job and
making a mold all depends on
how much work involved in its creation. If it is a 3D design it usually
requires more work to produce therefore the cost a little more.
Can I have the
die after the order is processed?
All dies are maintained on file at our factory for a minimum
of two years.
How many colors can my pin
or coin contain?
Depending on the size you can specify as many colors as you like.
There is a .15 each charge for more than 4 colors. Most orders are quoted
for 4 colors.
How long will it take for me to
take delivery of my order.
In most cases 4 to 6 weeks from the time the order
is submitted and your artwork has meet your approval. Rush orders
are available in some circumstances. Call or email to find out exact
details.
I don't have any artwork. Can you help me?
Yes, we offer full service custom design graphic
services. Our service is FREE with your order. In most cases your
order must be submitted to CNF Interactive before your artwork will be
drafted for approval. We will work with you until you have exactly
what you are looking for.
Can you make a sample before I
place my
order?
In most cases the artwork will not begin until after
the order is placed. However the artwork is designed and sent to you
for your approval before any production begins. Upon request a
photograph of your lapel pin or coin can be emailed to you before the
entire order is produced. But if there is a mistake in the die based
on the approved artwork a new setup charge will apply to remake the coin.
If the customer insist on receiving a sample before production is run.
The order must be placed in advance with an additional $45.00 handling fee
associated with receiving a spec sample first. In most cases the
photograph is sufficient for a customer and saves them a redundant $45.00
charge.
Do you print business cards
and stationary?
Yes we do design and print full color business cards, brochures and
stationary as a special service to our customers. Contact us for
specific quotes.
How do I describe which colors
to use in my project?
THE PMS Chart of Pantone matching system as it is also called will
offer you every color imaginable. If you will click on the PMS chart
link to the left of this page in the list of hyper links it will take to
to the color chart so that you may select your colors. Be advised
that there may be a slight variance in shade due to monitor quality.
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