Creating custom pins, from the initial idea to the finished product, usually follows six core steps.
❶ Requirements Discussion & Confirmation
Clearly define your needs with your pin manufacturer before production begins:
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Purpose & budget: Are the pins designed for fan campaigns, brand marketing, corporate gifts, or event souvenirs?
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Pin type: Hard enamel pins, soft enamel pin maker, baked paint pins, printed pins, or other custom pin processes?
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Shape, size & material: Standard round pins or unique custom shapes? What size and metal material will be used?
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Quantity & lead time: How many custom pins are required, and what is the expected delivery date?
— Requirements confirmed!
❷ Design Submission & Vector Artwork
Prepare your artwork for manufacturing:
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Design reference: Provide images, sketches, sample photos, or a clear written description of your pin design idea.
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Vector artwork preparation: This step is essential. Factory designers convert your design into AI, CDR, or other vector formats suitable for custom pin production.
Without approved vector artwork, tooling cannot be created. After confirmation, the project moves forward.
— Vector artwork approved!
❸ Tooling / Die Creation
Using the approved vector files, CNC engraving machines carve the pin design into hardened steel dies. These dies form the foundation of your custom pins.
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Tooling fee: A one-time die or mold cost applies (often offset or refunded with bulk pin orders).
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Tooling exclusivity: Each unique custom pin design requires its own dedicated tooling.
— Tooling completed!
❹ Sample Pins Approval
Before mass production, the pin factory produces sample pins (usually 3–5 pieces) for your review.
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Purpose: Verify colour accuracy, plating finish, materials, and small details on the actual pins.
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Importance: Strongly recommended. This is the final opportunity to request changes before bulk production starts.
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Sample fee: Typically charged, but commonly deducted from the final order.
— Samples approved!
❺ Mass Production of Custom Pins
Once samples are approved, full-scale production begins and usually includes:
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Stamping / die striking: Pressing the pin shape and artwork from metal sheets.
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Plating: Applying finishes such as gold, silver, nickel, or antique effects.
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Colour filling: Depending on the selected pin process:
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Enamel / soft enamel: Filling recessed areas with enamel or resin.
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Baked paint: Applying paint and curing it through heat.
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Printed pins: Printing artwork directly onto the pin surface when required.
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Polishing & buffing: Smoothing and refining the pin surface.
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Protective coating: Helping prevent oxidation and maintain appearance over time.
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Back attachment assembly: Soldering pin posts, butterfly clutches, magnets, or other fittings.
— Pins produced!
❻ Quality Control & Shipment
Finished pins go through full inspection or random sampling to ensure quality consistency. They are then packaged as requested (OPP bags, bubble bags, backing cards, etc.) and shipped out.
— Quality checked — ready to ship!
Process Overview
Your idea → requirements discussion → vector artwork approval → tooling → sample approval → mass production → quality control & shipment
Practical Tips
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Cost planning: Remember to include design fees, tooling costs, and sample charges in your total custom pin budget.
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Production timeline: The full process typically takes 10–20 working days, depending on design complexity and order quantity.
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Choose a professional pin manufacturer: An experienced factory will communicate clearly at every stage and help deliver high-quality custom anime pins.