There are 12 types of pins:
- Soft Enamel Pin
- Hard Enamel Pin
- Glitter Lapel Pin
- Offset Printing Epoxy Pin
- Die-Struck Pin
- 3D/Cut Out Pin
- Spinning Pin
- Rhinestone Pin
- Hinged Pin
- Sandblast Pin
- Glow in the Dark Pin
- Tinplate Button Pin
It is not easy to distinguish them only from the name and picture, but you can distinguish them from the characteristics and usage scenarios, so that you can make better choices when customizing.
Soft Enamel Pin
Characteristic
The metal lines are a bit more raised,and the enamel colors are recessed areas.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Promotions and Branding | Corporate giveaways、Brand promotions |
| Merchandise | Band and artist merchandise、Sports team memorabilia |
| Awards and Recognition | Employee rewards、 Event participation mementos |
| Collectibles | Limited edition pins、Trading pins |
| Fundraising | Charity campaigns、School projects |
| Personal Expression | Fashion accessories、Identity symbols |
| Events and Celebrations | Birthday party favors · Festival memorabilia |
| Commemorative Items | Special event mementos · Anniversary memorabilia |
| Tourist Souvenirs | Tourist attraction souvenirs · City souvenirs |
| Conferences and Events | Conference badges · Event pins |
| Sports and Competitions | Participation mementos · Sports event pins |
| Public Awareness | Health awareness campaigns · Charity awareness campaigns |
Hard Enamel Pin
Characteristic
The pins with enamel colors are firstly heated and then polished, The final products have smooth surfaces.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Corporate Gifts | Executive gifts · Appreciation awards |
| Luxury Merchandise | Premium band merchandise · High-end artist merchandise |
| High-Value Awards | Long-service awards · Employee of the month |
| Prestige Collectibles | High-quality limited editions · Prestige trading pins |
| Elite Fundraising | Exclusive charity campaigns · High-value fundraising events |
| Sophisticated Accessories | Designer fashion accessories · Elegant identity symbols |
| VIP Events | Exclusive wedding favors · Commemorative gala pins |
| Formal Commemorative Items | Corporate anniversary memorabilia · Major event mementos |
| Recognition in Education | Distinguished academic awards · Honor society pins |
| Elite Clubs | Membership pins · Collector-grade hobbyist pins |
| Upscale Tourist Souvenirs | High-end attraction souvenirs · Museum-quality keepsakes |
| Prestigious Sports Events | Championship pins · High-profile sports event memorabilia |
Glitter Lapel Pin
Characteristic
Similar to soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins, but they feature added glitter for a sparkling effect. Compared to soft enamel, they have the same raised metal lines but with an added glitter shine; compared to hard enamel, they provide a smooth surface with a glittery finish.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Festive Events | Holiday celebrations · Christmas party favors · New Year’s Eve accessories |
| Fashion Statements | Trendy accessories · Statement pieces · Pop culture fashion |
| Cosplay and Costumes | Costume embellishments · Cosplay accessories · Fantasy and themed events |
| Children’s Parties | Birthday party favors · Kids’ event gifts · Fun character designs |
| Promotional Campaigns | Eye-catching promotional items · Brand launches · Product promotions |
| Entertainment Industry | Movie premieres · Theater productions · Music festival merchandise |
| Novelty Items | Fun souvenirs · Whimsical gifts · Collectible novelties |
| School Events | Prom decorations · School spirit items · Graduation party favors |
| Themed Collections | Seasonal series · Pop culture collections · Limited edition glitter pins |
| Carnivals and Fairs | Carnival prizes · Fair souvenirs · Festival mementos |
| Special Occasions | Valentine’s Day gifts · Halloween accessories · Special date keepsakes |
| Art and Craft Projects | DIY embellishments · Creative projects · Scrapbooking accessories |
Offset Printing Epoxy Pin
Characteristic
Offset printing epoxy pins have detailed, colorful designs printed directly on the pin. They are covered with a clear, protective layer that makes them smooth and shiny.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Art and Photography | High-quality art reproductions · Fine photography prints · Gallery souvenirs |
| Complex Designs | Intricate pattern pins · Detailed illustrations · Realistic image pins |
| Personalized Gifts | Custom family photo pins · Personal artwork pins · Special photo gifts |
| Cultural Memorabilia | Historic building replicas · Museum souvenirs · Cultural heritage pins |
| Corporate Identity | Detailed company logo pins · Refined corporate culture pins · Promotional material pins |
| Educational Keepsakes | School emblems and academic pins · University logo pins · School memorabilia |
| Conferences and Expos | Detailed conference badges · Expo pins · Trade show promotional pins |
| Books and Publications | Book cover pins · Illustration pins for catalogs · Publication promotions |
| Comics and Illustrations | Comic and illustration pins · Anime character pins · Detailed cartoon designs |
| Landmarks and Attractions | Tourist attraction illustration pins · City landmark pins · Iconic site replicas |
| Sports Pins | Sports celebrity portrait pins · Event detail pins · Sports logo pins |
| Movies and Television | Movie still pins · TV show pins · Entertainment promotion pins |
Die-Struck Pin
Characteristic
Die-struck pins are metal pins with designs pressed or stamped into them, creating a detailed, raised pattern. They are usually made from a single metal, often without color, giving them a classic, elegant look, though some may have small areas of color.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Corporate Recognition | Recog |
| Executive Gifts | High-quality gifts for executives · VIP client gifts |
| Service Awards | Commemorating years of service · Dedication awards |
| Association Membership | Identifying members of exclusive clubs · Asso |
| Event Mementos | Memorable keepsakes for conferences · Exhibitions |
| Charity Fundraising | Incentivizing donations · Gifts for charity donors |
| School and University Emblems | Representing school pride · Academic achievement pins |
| Military and Government Pins | Commemorating service · Government recognition |
| Fashion Accessories | Stylish lapel pins · Bag decorations |
| Cultural and Heritage Pins | Promoting cultural heritage · Historical event pins |
| Traditional Celebrations | Wedding gifts · Festival commemorations |
| Industry Standards | Certification badges · Industry standard recognition |
3D/Cut Out Pin
Characteristic
3D pins feature a design that pops out, much like a small sculpture, giving them a lifelike three-dimensional look. They are crafted with great detail and have a depth that makes the design stand out visually and to the touch.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Corporate Gifts | Gifts for executives or VIP clients · Commemorative company items |
| Event Souvenirs | Keepsakes for conferences or exhibitions · Special event memorabilia |
| Anniversary Commemorations | Celebrating company or organizational anniversaries · Historical events |
| High-End Collectibles | Limited edition pins · Specially designed collectibles |
| Brand Promotions | Premium promotional items · New product launch souvenirs |
| Sports Events | Commemorating major sports events · Championship pins |
| Cultural Heritage | Celebrating cultural and historical heritage · Traditional craftsmanship |
| Luxury Fashion | High-end fashion accessories · Designer special editions |
| Tourist Souvenirs | 3D pins of famous landmarks · Travel destination keepsakes |
| Movies and Entertainment | Movie merchandise · Entertainment event memorabilia |
| Military and Government | Military service commemorative pins · Government recognition pins |
| Personalized Gifts | Custom 3D pins for individuals or families · Personalized special occasion gifts |
Spinning Pin
Characteristic
Spinning pins have a part that can spin around, making them fun and interactive. Like soft enamel and hard enamel pins, they can have colorful designs and are made of metal.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Interactive Promotions | Engaging promotional items · Boosting brand awareness through interaction |
| Event Giveaways | Fun souvenirs for fairs and festivals · Interactive event memorabilia |
| Gaming and Toys | Game-related pins · Collectible toy accessories |
| Corporate Team Building | Motivational items for team events · Fun corporate gifts |
| Fan Merchandise | Unique fan club items · Interactive collectibles for enthusiasts |
| Educational Tools | Learning aids for children · Interactive educational giveaways |
| Stress Relievers | Fun fidget items · Interactive stress relief accessories |
| Weddings and Celebrations | Wedding souvenirs · Festival and special event keepsakes |
| Environmental Campaigns | Eco-friendly promotional items · Interactive pins to raise environmental awareness |
| Charity Fundraising | Interactive pins for charity events · Keepsakes for fundraising campaigns |
Rhinestone Pin
Characteristic
Small, shiny stones are attached to the metal pin, making it sparkle and catch the light. Unlike regular pins, these have rhinestones for added sparkle.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Fashion Accessories | Glamorous brooches for dresses · Sparkling lapel pins for jackets |
| Weddings and Bridal Wear | Elegant bridal hair accessories · Decorative pins for wedding dresses |
| Evening Wear | Adding sparkle to evening gowns · Enhancing formal wear |
| Pageants and Competitions | Crowning achievements · Pageant sashes and outfits |
| Event Souvenirs | Special event keepsakes · Memorable gifts for attendees |
| Custom Jewelry | Personalized jewelry pieces · Custom-designed brooches |
| Corporate Gifts | Elegant gifts for clients · Sparkling awards for employees |
| Cultural and Traditional | Enhancing traditional attire · Adding flair to cultural costumes |
| Prom and Homecoming | Decorative pins for prom dresses · Sparkling accessories for homecoming |
| Holiday and Seasonal | Festive holiday-themed pins · Seasonal decorations |
Hinged Pin
Characteristic
A hinged pin has two parts connected by a small hinge, allowing one part to open and close like a tiny door. This feature makes the pin interactive and adds an element of surprise.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Secret Compartments | Hiding messages or small items inside the pin, like notes or tiny charms |
| Interactive Designs | Pins with movable parts that add fun and interactivity, such as spinning or flipping elements |
| Dual-Sided Pins | Showcasing two different designs or messages, reversible for versatility |
| Transformative Art | Pins that change appearance, displaying artistic transformations |
| Novelty and Fun | Unique and fun mechanisms that attract collectors |
| Educational Tools | Pins with movable parts used as teaching aids to help understand concepts |
| Memory and Keepsake | Pins that hold personal messages or photos, serving as special keepsakes |
| Event Giveaways | Interactive souvenirs for events, enhancing participant experience |
| Games and Toys | Pins designed with playful features for children and adults |
| Corporate Promotions | Used in promotional activities to attract attention and increase brand awareness through interactive design |
Sandblast Pin
Characteristic
A sandblast pin has a textured surface created by blasting it with fine sand, giving it a matte and slightly rough finish. This makes parts of the pin look different from the shiny, smooth areas, adding contrast to the design.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Bicycle Frame Magnetic Badges | Decorative and functional badges for bicycle frames |
| Industrial Markings | Durable and clear markings for machinery and equipment |
| Architectural Models | Detailed and textured elements for scale models of buildings |
| Corporate Recognition | Unique and durable employee recognition awards |
| Outdoor Signage | Weather-resistant signs and markers for outdoor use |
| High-End Merchandise | Premium product labels and brand tags |
| Craft and DIY Projects | Customizable and textured components for handmade crafts and DIY projects |
| Memorabilia and Collectibles | Specially designed memorabilia and collectible pins |
| Cultural and Traditional Souvenirs | Commemorative pins for cultural and traditional events |
Glow in the Dark Pin
Characteristic
A glow-in-the-dark pin absorbs light and then glows in the dark, making it visible in low light or no light conditions. Unlike regular pins, these have a special material that allows them to glow. Like other pins, they can be made of metal and have colorful designs.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Night Events | Enhancing visibility at concerts, festivals, and parties |
| Safety Gear | Improving visibility on safety vests, helmets, and backpacks |
| Children’s Accessories | Fun and safe glow-in-the-dark pins for kids’ clothes and bags |
| Themed Parties | Decorations and giveaways for glow-in-the-dark themed parties |
| Camping and Outdoors | Increasing visibility in tents, backpacks, and outdoor gear |
| Halloween | Adding a spooky glow to costumes and trick-or-treat bags |
| Promotional Items | Eye-catching promotional pins for brands and events |
| Emergency Kits | Easy-to-find items in emergency or first aid kits |
| Novelty Gifts | Unique and fun gift items for various occasions |
| Hat Decorations | Enhancing visibility and decoration on hats |
Tinplate Button Pin
Characteristic
A tinplate button pin is a round pin made from thin metal, usually with a colorful design printed on paper and covered with a clear plastic layer. It’s lightweight and often used for fun, casual wear or as promotional items.
Usage scenarios
| Category | Scenarios |
| Political Campaigns | Promoting presidential and other election campaigns |
| Promotional Events | Brand promotions and marketing campaigns |
| Fundraising | Raising money for charitable causes and non-profits |
| Conferences and Conventions | Badges for attendees, speakers, and staff |
| Sports Events | Supporting teams and athletes, fan memorabilia |
| Awareness Campaigns | Raising awareness for social and health causes |
| Concerts and Festivals | Souvenirs and promotional items for music and cultural events |
| School Activities | Club memberships, event promotions, and student council elections |
| Personal Expression | Custom designs to express individual interests and opinions |
| Commemorative Events | Mementos for special events like reunions, anniversaries, and celebrations |
| Retail and Merchandise | Novelty items and souvenirs sold in stores and online |
| Trade Shows | Marketing and branding materials for exhibitors |
The above is a description of the characteristics and specific usage scenarios of the 12 types of pins. If you want to know the prices and production processes of these pins, please visit my other articles.
