What Materials Are Used in This Lapel Pin?

This lapel pin is made from die-struck metal — typically iron, zinc alloy, or brass that is stamped under high pressure to create the raised metal dividers and recessed enamel cavities. The metal surface is electroplated with a polished silver / nickel finish, and the recessed areas are filled with hard enamel in bright lime green. The back has a brass pin post soldered on, paired with a locking butterfly clutch for secure attachment.

Physical Properties

Durability Highlights

Die-struck construction — The metal is stamped under high pressure to create sharp, precise shapes and raised dividers. This gives a clean, professional finish that die-cast or printed pins can not achieve.

Hard enamel fill — The green enamel is vitreous glass-based enamel fired at high temperature (≈800°C), creating a smooth, glass-hard surface that resists scratches, UV fading, and chemical wear.

Flush surface — Because hard enamel is polished flat, the surface is completely smooth with no recessed areas where dirt can accumulate. This also wears better over time than soft enamel.

Soldered pin post — The brass pin post is hand-soldered onto the back face, creating a strong mechanical bond that will not separate under normal use. Each post is individually tested for pull strength.

Polished silver plating — The nickel/silver plating includes a clear lacquer topcoat that resists tarnishing and oxidation, maintaining the bright mirror finish even with regular handling.

Butterfly clutch — The locking military-style butterfly clutch provides a secure grip on the fabric. The two wings press inward to lock, preventing the pin from falling off.

We can customize every aspect of this lapel pin — from shape and size to metal finish, enamel colour, plating, back stamping, and packaging. Whether you need a police department badge, a corporate logo pin, or a fashion accessory, our factory can produce it to your exact specification.

1. Size Options

2. Metal & Finish Customization

3. Enamel & Color Options

4. Artwork Requirements & MOQ

5. Back Side Customization

Back stamping (indented text): Add a small text or logo stamp on the back of the pin — e.g., company name, patent number, serial number — +2 working days

Laser engraving (on back): Black laser engraving on the back surface for detailed text, QR codes, or serial numbers — +2 working days

Custom clutch / backing card: Order butterfly clutches with your logo embossed on the clutch itself — +7 working days, MOQ 500

6. Packaging Customization

Bulk packaging: 100–200 pcs per polybag, packed in inner box + master carton (standard, included)

Individual polybag: Each pin sealed in its own clear polybag — +1 working day

Velvet pouch: Individual soft drawstring pouch for each pin — +2 working days

Presentation box: Leatherette or velvet-covered hinged display box with foam insert — +5 working days

Backing card + blister: Retail-ready blister card with hang hole and barcode — +5 working days

Gift box set: Custom printed gift box with foam insert, lid printing, and ribbon closure — +7 working days

Display board: Acrylic or velvet display board holding 10–50 pins — +7 working days

Packaging Options

Shipping Options & Delivery Estimates

Lead Time Summary

Die / mold creation: 7–10 working days (steel engraving + stamping die + heat treat)

Sample order (new custom die + enamel): 12–15 working days

Sample order (stock shape, custom enamel): 5–7 working days

Bulk order (100–500 pcs): 10–14 working days after sample confirmation

Bulk order (500–2,000 pcs): 15–20 working days

Bulk order (2,000–5,000 pcs): 20–25 working days

Bulk order (5,000+ pcs): 25–30 working days

1. What is the minimum order quantity for a custom lapel pin?

For a completely new custom design requiring a new steel die, the MOQ is 100 pieces per design. If you want to use an existing stock die shape (e.g., our standard shield shape) but customize the enamel colours and plating, the MOQ is 200 pieces. For plain polished metal pins without enamel, the MOQ is 50 pieces.

2. How long does it take to get a sample?

For a new custom die design, the steel die engraving takes 7–10 working days, followed by sample striking in 3–5 working days. International shipping via DHL/FedEx takes 3–7 working days. Total from artwork approval to sample in hand: roughly 13–22 working days.

3. What is the difference between hard enamel and soft enamel?

Hard enamel (also called cloisonné) is a vitreous glass-based enamel that is baked at high temperature (≈800°C) and then polished flat. The surface is completely smooth — the enamel sits flush with the metal dividers. Soft enamel is a resin-based epoxy that is baked at lower temperature and is not polished flat — the enamel sits slightly recessed below the metal dividers. Hard enamel is more scratch-resistant and has a premium feel; soft enamel has a textured surface and is more cost-effective. For this shield pin, we recommend hard enamel.

4. Can I get the pin with a different clasp?

Yes. We offer several clasp options: butterfly clutch (standard — two locking wings), military clasp (single locking bar — preferred for law enforcement/military for extra security), magnetic back (two small neodymium magnets — no fabric puncture, good for delicate fabrics), rubber clutch (simple push-on rubber back — most economical), tie tack ball chain, and safety pin style. All clasp options are available free of charge.

5. Can I get the pin with rhinestones / crystals?

Yes. We can add Swarovski-style cubic zirconia or glass rhinestones to the design. Rhinestones are hand-set into the metal with precision prongs. Each rhinestone adds approximately +0.03–0.05 per stone. Minimum for rhinestone pins: 200 pieces.

6. What file format do you need for artwork?

We need vector artwork — AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, CDR (CorelDRAW), or PDF formats. Raster images (JPG, PNG, GIF) are not suitable because they become pixelated when scaled for die creation. If you only have a logo in raster format, we can vectorize it for a small design fee.

7. Can I order just one colour instead of multiple colours?

Yes. Single-colour enamel pins are available and economical. For a one-colour pin (e.g., solid green enamel with silver metal), the setup is simpler and the cost may be lower. The minimum line width between metal dividers is still 0.2 mm.

8. How is the pin attached to fabric?

The pin post pierces through the fabric. The butterfly clutch slides onto the post from behind and the two wings lock together to secure the pin. For thicker fabrics (denim, leather), the standard 6–8 mm post length works fine. For very thick items (motorcycle jackets, backpacks), we can provide a longer 10–12 mm post.

9. Will the plating tarnish over time?

The silver/nickel plating includes a clear lacquer protective topcoat. With normal wear — occasional contact with skin oils, humidity, and cleaning with a soft dry cloth — the plating will maintain its bright finish for 2–5 years. For extended life, store the pin in a dry place when not worn and avoid contact with chemicals (perfume, cleaning agents, chlorine).

10. Do you offer custom shape pins or only shields?

We can create any custom shape — circles, stars, crests, letters, numbers, logos, mascots, animals, flags, or completely unique shapes. Any shape that can be drawn in vector format can be turned into a die-struck pin. Send us your artwork and we will create a free 3D mockup for your approval.

11. Can I get the pin with a clutch that has my logo?

Yes. Custom butterfly clutches with your logo or text embossed on them are available. The MOQ for custom clutches is 500 pieces, lead time +7 working days. This adds a subtle but memorable branding touch.