Glossary


Jewelry Cast:	This is the process by which most fine jewelry is made. It can be used to produce two-dimensional items such as lapel pins, as well as, more complicated 3-D items like custom shaped rings, pendants, etc… The selected metal, i.e. brass, sterling silver or gold, is injected into a cast that has been created using a "loss-wax" process to produce the shape of the item. Then, if required, the items can be plated to complete the process.

Hard Enamel:	In the industry of promotional products, this is the high-end pin, referred to as "Cloisonné". It is a die-struck process with the use of special colors containing glass particles. The finished item is hard baked using an open flame and buffed to give it the smooth hardened quality it provides. The best alternative for a customer looking for high quality, without paying precious metal prices. * Cloisonné "PLUS+", a process similar to "Cloisonné", allows PMS color matching, so you get the highest quality and your choice of colors!

Soft Enamel:	Similar to "Hard-Enamel", other than the colors used are standard epoxy and are allowed to dry and harden naturally. This process does however permit the customer to color-match using the Pantone Matching System ( PMS), and is normally less expensive than hard enamel.

Die Struck / Polish:	This process starts in similar fashion to "Hard-Enamel", but is usually a term used to define items without any epoxy colors added. It calls for a little more attention in the striking process, as most pins in this category have large areas to be sandblasted and carefully hand polished.

Offset Printed:	For complicated color and shading, the design is usually created using offset printing and process colors. This allows high quality reproduction of complicated originals in high-end magazine quality of printing. For durability, the design is normally protected with a clear epoxy dome.

Screen Print:	For simpler, multi-colored designs, where you do not wish to see the colors separated by fine metal borders, the "screen" printed process is ideal. Using this process allows specific color-matching while providing the fine detail and close color registration quite often required to reproduce many corporate logos. A clear epoxy dome is sometimes applied for additional durability.

Spin Cast:	Using centrifugal-casting and a rubber mould, items are created without incurring the substantial die-charges associated with metal die-cast or die-struck processes. Two or three-dimensional products can be created at very affordable prices even in low quantities. Casting is done in a base metal to minimize cost, or in Fine Pewter to provide a high-end product suited to 'Recognition and Award' programs, as well as 'Costume Jewelry' industry. PMS color matching is available, and quick turnarounds are common.

Die Striking:	A classic process of manufacturing, when the event or promotion call for something extra special. The process begins as a craftsman creates your design in a soft piece of steel that is then hardened. Then this "die" is used to strike the softer metal, normally brass in this industry, to transfer your design to the material, which is then finished in a selection of bright and antique colors. High quality finish, suited to "Special Events" where the cost of the steel die and set-ups can be justified.

Die-Casting:	An alternative to die-struck and spin-cast processes, especially where volume is substantial or additional durability is a requirement in the product. The design is crafted into steel to form a cavity in the middle of a two-sided die, where molten metal, usually zinc, is injected to create the item. Once formed, the die is opened, allowing the item to be removed for finishing in a variety of plating colors. Best used in cases of high volume to take advantage of the slightly faster production process and reduced costs associated with zinc material.