Custom Die Struck Pins

Process

Die struck antique pins are one of the most popular styles due to the consistent quality of the finish. The pins will age extremely and look vintage from day one. 

Our team can help recommend how to set up your art file, but in short, the raised areas will be lighter relative to the darker areas will which have the darker antique build up. This process creates a really nice contrast which will make text easier to read + highlight some of the smaller details in a design.

Works well with popular plating options like antique gold/silver, but can can also be used for rose gold, copper, black nickel etc. 

Benefits over Sand Blast Polish

• Works better for legibility of small text
• Less prone to fingerprints long term given it's distressed look from the start

Process

Finishing pins with a sandblast + polish look is an excellent way to give your design a premium fill. With the help of our team, we can make sure you design is set up for success so the right parts are being polished and the right parts are being sandblasted.

The process creates contrast in a design where the raised parts of the pin are shiny and polished whereas the recessed parts of the pin are textured and sandblasted. This is a popular style for:

• Award pins
• Employee recognition pins
• Years of service pins

Pros and cons versus antique 

• More premium look
• Some of the details can get washed out 
• Small text is tough to read
• Fingerprints show up on the pins 

Process

Our USA made die struck pins can be done in a shiny (sand blast polish) or vintage (antique) look. The biggest challenge with this style is that any custom shape (aka not a circle, square or rectangle) will carry a set up fee of +$500. This can make production at lower qtys cost-prohibitive because the set up charge brings the overall per price up. Additionally, any custom shape requires a longer lead time to create the mold. 

When the design is right (stock shape) + the timing of the project isn't a rush, this is definitely a step up from the imported options we offer. The finishes have a much more premium feel and our skilled US craftsmen can really elevate a logo or design with higher end base metals. The polished edges can create a much more elevated look.

Benefits over Made in China

• Supports American manufacturing
• Higher end finishes available
• Longer lasting final product

Process

Sterling silver pins combine all the best qualities of our USA die struck pins but also include a more premium base metal. Using genuine 925 certified sterling silver, these pins are best suited for high-end programs, employee rewards or special occasions.

The classic look for a sterling silver pin is to do sandblast + polishing with no color, however, we can do antique or add enamel (requires extra quote) if you prefer a different look. Typically our customers will package their sterling silver pins in a velvet gift box to enhance the presentation. 

Use Cases

• Employee recognition
• Years of service
• Donor pins