Photo Etched Pins: The Art of Precision

Photo Etched Pins

PCM Photo Etched Pins Photochemical machining, or photo etching, is a chemical milling process. In fact, it allows for the creation of intricate designs with extremely fine detail. This process can produce highly detailed pieces of artwork with very fine accuracy. Moreover, it’s especially useful for logos or illustrations with thin lines and small features. Photo etching is a cost-saving method compared to stamping, punching, laser, or water jet cutting. As a result, it’s a popular choice for those seeking precision and affordability. Additionally, this technique allows for greater flexibility in custom shapes and design complexity without increasing costs.

A soft enamel pin with the text Easton Elite 8U 2015 features two crossed black bats and a baseball, set against a background resembling a state outline. Designed with red, black, and white accents, it captures the spirit of youthful sportsmanship.

A vibrant baseball-themed *soft enamel pin* featuring The Game, Manalapan, and Braves text. It showcases a field layout with marked positions, dates, and events below, complemented by decorative blue elements at the bottom.

A soft enamel pin showcasing the words East Side Cyclones alongside a baseball, two bats, and three bowling pins. The design is set against an outline of a state with 2016 in vibrant red.

A soft enamel pin featuring a blue bulls head adorned with baseball stitching, encircled by baseballs and bats. The text proudly displays 2015 NTX BULLS, accompanied by a number sequence around the border, capturing the spirit of the game.

A soft enamel pin showcasing Winter Park Diamond Force and Cooperstown text. It features crossed bats, a baseball field, stadium lights, and a roaring panther in the center, all in a striking orange and black color scheme.

A soft enamel pin showcasing the text Dallas Patriots with a crossed bat and ball design. The year 2015 crowns the top, encircled by a series of numbers. The letters DP stand out in vibrant orange, making this pin a must-have for collectors.

This soft enamel pin showcases the blue devil mascot with Westfield New Jersey Blue Devils emblazoned. Two crossed bats set the backdrop, while a baseball field design proudly lists player names and numbers. The year 2015 crowns the top, making it a memorable keepsake.

This soft enamel pin showcases a cartoon character in a baseball uniform, complete with bat and glove. The text proudly displays New Hampshire Diamond Devils 2016 with Nashua and a star beneath, capturing the spirit of the game.

This soft enamel pin showcases a baseball-themed design with a palmetto tree, where baseballs replace the fronds, under a crescent moon—symbolizing South Carolina. It reads CAROLINA REDS with 2016 emblazoned and features 14 numbered baseballs around the border.

A gold and silver championship ring showcases Cooperstown 2015 with orange and white enamel. Adorned with images of a baseball, palm trees, and Carolina Reds in red and blue, it mirrors the vibrant appeal of soft enamel pins.

This soft enamel pin, shaped like California, showcases an elephant head with the Titans Baseball text and the California Republic flag. Numbers elegantly circle the outline for added detail.

This process is described with the following steps:

The pin material, usually brass or copper, has a film image transferred to it
Photoresist, a light sensitive material, is coated around your design project.
UV light then hardens the photoresist.
The unprotected parts then have a solution of acid applied to them.
The design quickly corrodes and wears away.
We clean off the remaining acids and impurities to produce a precisely crafted final product.
We fill the acid-etched cavities with enamel colors one at a time using a precise syringe application.
We oven-fire the product to harden the enamel and ensure a durable, long-lasting finish.
We then cut the product into individual pins and polish each one for a smooth, professional finish.

At this point you have the option to add an epoxy coating to prevent against wear and tear.

Benefits of Photo Etched Pins

Photo Etched Pins are perfect for highly complex designs (without shadows or gradients). In fact, they allow for intricate line work and sharp detail with ease. They also come with a wide range of available color selections, making customization simple and flexible. Moreover, these pins weigh less than other types of pins because they are made thinner. As a result, this can be a benefit for larger pin designs that require comfort and ease of wear. Additionally, the lightweight structure helps reduce shipping costs for bulk orders. Alternatively, if you wish to add shadows or gradients to your design, we suggest looking into offset printed pins. Offset printing offers more flexibility for full-color and photo-like artwork, making it ideal for detailed visual effects.

If Photo Etched Pins are the right pins for you, then we invite you to send us your design! We offer free quotes for all of our products.

We look forward to creating your perfect Photo Etched Pin. Contact us for a FREE Quote!

Easy Quote Form

Please fill out all required fields.
We ask that you give as much detail as possible in an effort to help our designers to better envision your idea.
For last minute orders, we recommend Photo Etched or Silk Screen pins, as these are produced much more quickly than other options.

Soft Enamel fillings add to production time, so please be aware that this can affect your receiving date.

Photo Etched Pins