How about Pearl Effect Enamel Lapel Pins
The pearlescent Pearl Effect Enamel Lapel Pins .Achieves a unique pearlescent effect through special surface treatment technology. Its production process combines a variety of traditional badge crafts and adds a pearlescent coating step.
Core Steps of the Pearlescent Process Design and Mold Making
1. Design Draft: It is essential to clearly define the area intended to display the pearlescent effect, typically selecting a large surface or the main pattern section. During the design phase, consideration must be given to the compatibility between pearlescent pigments and base colors to prevent color clashes.
2. Mold Engraving: Utilize a precision carving mechanism to create molds, ensuring that pattern lines are crisp and clear, thereby enabling even adhesion of subsequent coatings.
3. Basic Surface Treatment
1) Polishing and Plating: The metal blank (such as copper or zinc alloy) is polished to eliminate burrs and enhance smoothness. Electroplating (e.g., gold or silver plating) is then applied to enrich the metallic texture.
2) Base Color Treatment: Apply the base color (e.g., white or light paint) in areas designated for the pearlescent effect, providing a highly reflective foundation for the pearlescent coating.
4. Pearl Coating Process
- Spray/Print Pearlescent Paint: Using screen printing or spray technology, evenly apply paint containing mica or synthetic pearlescent powder onto the badge's surface. To improve adhesion and gloss, pearlescent pigments should be blended with transparent resins.
- Multi-layer Superposition: For an intensified pearlescent effect, two to three layers can be sprayed successively, ensuring each layer is fully dried before proceeding to the next.
5. Curing and Protective Layer
- High-Temperature Baking/UV Curing: Through baking (approximately 120-150°C) or UV curing technology, stabilize the pearlescent coating and produce a glossy finish.
- Drop Protection (Boli): Cover the pearlescent layer with a transparent resin (e.g., epoxy) to increase wear resistance and UV protection while enhancing gloss. This step may slightly reduce the tactile concavity and convexity of the metal but ensures long-lasting luster.
Applicable Process Combinations
1. Pearlescent processes are frequently integrated with soft enamel, printing, or hard enamel techniques. For instance, pearlescent paint can be applied into the recesses of soft enamel pins, or a pearlescent coating can be overlaid onto the surface of printed pins. Complex designs should be simplified to prevent uneven application of the pearlescent coating caused by excessive detail.
2. Material Selection
Metal Base: Commonly used materials include zinc alloy, copper, and stainless steel. Zinc alloy is cost-effective and easy to mold, making it suitable for intricate designs. Copper provides a finer metallic texture.
- **Pigment Type**: High-temperature resistant pearlescent pigments (e.g., mica-based pigments) must be selected to prevent discoloration or flaking during the baking process.
3. Cost and Durability
The pearlescent process incurs 30%-50% higher costs compared to standard soft enamel pins due to additional coating and curing steps.
Protective layers, such as resin coatings, enhance durability but may exhibit slight yellowing under prolonged UV exposure.
Application Scenarios and Advantages
High-end Commemorative Medals and Pins: The pearlescent effect elevates the collectible value, making it ideal for corporate awards or commemorative events.
Fashion Accessories: The soft luster combined with metallic textures is often utilized in clothing badges or brand logos.
Advantages: Offers rich color depth, excellent wear resistance, and customizable effects through pigment particle size adjustments, achieving either matte or highlight finishes.
