Supplying artwork for lapel pin manufacturing requires careful preparation to ensure accurate production.
Here are the key issues to check:
1. Die Struck Technique
It is a lower-resolution process compared to printing techniques, which limits the level of intricate detail that can be achieved. To ensure clarity and legibility, key design elements and lettering should be no smaller than 3mm.
Ensure the artwork is legible and detailed at the final pin size (typically 2 to 3cm)
Fine details may get lost, so simplify if necessary.

2. Correct File Format
Preferred formats: Vector files like .PDF, .EPS, or CDR
Why: Vectors scale without losing quality and allow manufacturers to easily separate colors and create molds.

3. Line Thickness and Spacing
Minimum line thickness: Generally 0.3mm
Minimum spacing between elements: Also about 0.3mm
Lines too thin may not fill properly or may bleed.

4. Color Specifications
Use solid (spot) Pantone colors, not gradients or transparency.
Why: Enamel pins are colored using filled enamel, which can’t replicate gradients.

5. Plating and Finish
Clearly state preferred metal finish (e.g., gold, silver, black nickel, antique brass).
Some finishes may affect how colors appear.

6. 3D or Molded Elements (if applicable)
If the pin includes 3D parts or raised/etched textures, note this in the design and provide side views if possible.

Standard Artwork Submission Rules:

Vector-based artwork is always preferred 

Images should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi ( TIF, JPG file).

All colours modes should be converted to CMYK or Pantone depending on your graphics design.

Digital artwork will be output as RGB. However, any colors that need to match a specified color need to be called out as a Pantone solid coated number.

File Delivery:
Email (files smaller than 5MB)
For large files use a file sharing service such as WeTransfer or Dropbox
Please ensure share links do not require a login/ password.
We require a JPG of the final artwork to ensure that the final digital output matches your EPS or PDF supplied file.
Send artwork early to avoid production delays

NOTE: Digital proof shall not be considered as the guarantee of colour accuracy.

Vector vs. Bitmap:
Images come in one of two formats: vector or bitmap (raster). Bitmap images are made of pixels, which will lose resolution and blur when scaled, making them unsuitable for clear printing at lower resolutions. In contrast, vector graphics are composed of mathematical paths, making them perfectly scalable without any loss of resolution.

A vector logo can be used on anything from a small business card to a large billboard without losing detail. This is why we prefer vectorised images. Most raster/bitmap images can be vectorized by our graphic designer, although this may result in slight changes to the artwork. The only exception is photographic images, which are printed using a halftone technique (explained further below).

Note: photographs cannot be vectorized.

What is DPI?
DPI stands for “Dots Per Inch,” which refers to the number of dots printed in an image per inch. More dots mean more detail and a clearer image. This resolution makes it easier for our artist to convert your image to vector or print it as is on your product.

Spot Colors:
Spot colors are the most commonly used technique in screen, pad printing and laser etching (engraving), producing clean, crisp edges. Each of these spot colors must be handled individually during the printing process.
Customised Balloons are a good example of spot colour printing process.