Offset Printed Pins
Offset Printing Pin
An offset printing pin is die struck from brass or iron, then printed with full-colour artwork using an offset process, and sealed under a clear epoxy coating or hard enamel.
Overview
Product Overview
An offset printing pin is die struck from brass or iron, then printed with full-colour artwork using an offset process, and sealed under a clear epoxy coating or hard enamel. This method reproduces gradients, photographs and complex logos that hand-filled enamel cannot match. The epoxy layer protects the print from scratching and fading, making the pin suitable for promotional events and detailed brand marks. Minimum order is 100 pieces per design, and mass production generally runs 10-15 days after artwork and sample approval.
Why It Works
Key Benefits
- Reproduces full-colour gradients and photographic detail without needing separate metal lines for each colour
- Epoxy coating provides a smooth, domed surface that protects the printed layer from wear
- Allows for complex artwork with many colours at a lower cost than multi-stage enamel filling
- Die struck base ensures the pin has a rigid, durable structure for daily use
- Suitable for small text and fine logo details that would be lost in soft enamel recesses
Where It Is Used
Application Scenarios
Promotional giveaways featuring detailed logos or photographic mascots
Event badges where specific artwork colours must match brand guidelines exactly
Charity awareness pins with complex graphics or gradients
Corporate recognition items requiring fine text or intricate line work
Trading pins for conventions where detailed artwork drives collector interest
Fit
Who It Is For And What It Fixes
Who It Is For
- Marketing managers ordering promotional items with complex brand artwork
- Event organisers producing badges for conferences and festivals
- Non-profit fundraisers creating awareness pins with detailed imagery
- Promotional product distributors quoting clients who need full-colour detail
Problems It Solves
- Enamel cannot reproduce smooth colour gradients or photographic images
- Soft enamel requires metal lines between colours, limiting design freedom
- Printed pins without protection scratch and fade quickly on uniforms
- Complex logos lose definition when simplified to fit enamel constraints
Construction
Technical Features
- Die struck from a steel mould cut to the buyer's vector artwork
- Offset printing applies full-colour ink directly onto the metal surface
- Clear epoxy resin is applied over the print to seal and protect it
- The epoxy cures to a hard, domed finish that resists scratching
- Attachment welded or glued to the back before final inspection
Data
Specifications
| Minimum Order | 100 pieces per design |
|---|---|
| Base Metal | Brass or iron |
| Printing Method | Offset printing with epoxy coating |
| Plating Options | Gold, silver, nickel, black nickel, antique finishes |
| Attachment Options | Butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, safety pin, magnet |
| Artwork Formats | Adobe Illustrator preferred; JPG, PNG or PDF accepted |
| Sample Lead Time | 3-5 days |
| Production Lead Time | 10-15 days |
Making It
Materials And Manufacturing
Materials
- Brass for a smoother printing surface and finer detail resolution
- Iron for larger promotional runs where cost efficiency is prioritised
- Offset inks matched to the buyer's supplied colour references
- Clear epoxy resin for a protective, high-gloss finish
- Plating in gold, silver, nickel, black nickel or an antique finish
Manufacturing Process
- Artwork review and vector clean-up for print
- Steel die cutting
- Die striking
- Trimming and edge finishing
- Plating the metal base
- Offset printing the colour design
- Applying the epoxy coating
- Curing the epoxy
- Attachment welding
- Inspection and packing
Control
Quality And Customization
Quality Control
- Artwork proof approved by the buyer before the die is cut
- Pre-production sample approved before mass production starts
- Colour accuracy checked against the approved artwork file
- Epoxy coverage inspected for bubbles, dust or uneven doming
- Each piece inspected for plating marks and attachment strength before packing
Customization Options
- Any shape cut from the buyer's own vector artwork
- Size chosen to suit the design, quoted per piece at the agreed dimension
- Choice of plating finish for the metal border or background
- Backstamp, edge numbering and serial numbering for limited series
- Individual poly bags, velvet pouches, backing cards or presentation boxes
- Attachment changed to magnet or safety pin where a clutch is not suitable
Trade-offs
Compared With Other Options
| Hard enamel pin | Offset printing handles gradients and photos; hard enamel is more durable but limited to flat colours |
|---|---|
| Soft enamel pin | Offset printing provides a smooth surface for fine detail; soft enamel has a textured recessed surface |
| Die struck pin with no colour | Plain die struck is the most durable; offset printing adds colour but the epoxy layer can scratch over time |
| Embroidered patch | A patch is soft and sewn on; an offset pin is rigid and displays photographic detail |
Practical Notes
Use Guide
- Supply high-resolution artwork with clear colour specifications for accurate printing
- Avoid extremely fine lines that may not resolve well through the offset process
- Approve the pre-production sample to confirm colour and epoxy finish
- Choose a rubber or locking clutch for pins worn on soft fabric
- Store spare stock in poly bags to prevent the epoxy from sticking to other surfaces
See Also
Related Products
Hard Enamel Pins
Silkscreen Lapel Pin
Handles fine detail, small text and gradients that enamel cannot reproduce
View Product →
Hard Enamel Pins
Transparent Color Pin
Clear epoxy coating protects the enamel color from everyday handling and display wear
View Product →
Die Struck Pins And Metal Gifts
Custom Necklace
Worn by people who will not put a pin through a garment they care about
View Product →Frequently Asked Questions
What is your minimum order for an offset printing pin?
100 pieces per design. The die is cut once for that design, so repeat orders of the same artwork reuse it.
How long does an offset printing pin order take?
Samples generally take 3-5 days and mass production generally takes 10-15 days after you approve the sample. Rush orders are accepted against an expedited fee.
What artwork do you need for offset printing?
Adobe Illustrator vector files are best. JPG, PNG and PDF are also accepted, though a raster file may need to be redrawn before the die can be cut.
Can offset printing match my brand colours?
Yes. We use offset printing to reproduce your specified colours, including gradients and complex shades that enamel cannot achieve.
Is the epoxy coating durable?
The epoxy coating seals the print and provides a hard, glossy surface. It protects against minor scratches and fading, though it is not as impact-resistant as solid metal.
How are the pins shipped?
By FedEx, UPS or DHL, with the carrier chosen to suit the destination and the deadline.
Get A Price For Offset Printing Pin
Send the artwork and the quantity and we will price offset printing pin against your design. Minimum 100 pieces.