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Currently, many designers opt to incorporate more printed details onto enamel pins to achieve intricate designs that traditional enamel filling cannot replicate. When customizing enamel pins from a pin factory, they aim for vibrant colors and fine text. Printing enables gradients, tiny details, and greater creative freedom while preserving a polished and high-quality appearance. There are two distinct printing techniques employed in pin production. Let's delve into their differences to determine which aligns best with your design requirements!
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is a popular technique for creating designs on various materials, including metal, fabric, and plastic. The process entails pressing ink through a mesh screen, with non-design areas blocked. This ensures that ink passes through only the screen sections that form the design, resulting in a clean and vibrant print. It is commonly used for custom items such as enamel pins, medals, bags, and t-shirts. Silk screen printing can utilize one or multiple ink colors, making it suitable for small and large quantities. The durability of screen printing and the brightness of its colors make it an excellent choice for producing long-lasting, high-quality products.
What is UV printing?
UV printing, also known as digital printing, is now available for all enamel pin badges and keyrings. UV (Ultra Violet) Printing is a transformative inkjet print method that is instantly dried using UV light. It can be printed onto virtually any shape and surface.
When to Choose Each?
1. Surface Requirements
Screen printing：
A flat and smooth surface is required, such as that found on hard enamel pins or the raised metal parts of soft enamel pins. To print on soft enamel pins, epoxy must be applied first to create a smooth surface.
UV Printing：
It can print on slightly textured or uneven surfaces. It can also print gradient designs, such as those found on 3D pins and soft enamel pins.
2. Color Requirements
Screen printing：
It can print over 10 colors, but only solid colors, not gradients. However, the more colors used, the more expensive it becomes.
UV Printing：
It can print any complex patterns and gradient colors, but manual color adjustment is not possible. The printed result will match the design exactly, so it's best to adjust the colors in the design as closely as possible to the desired outcome to minimize color variation.
3. Durability & Appearance
Screen printing：
Screen printing on enamel is thinner than UV printing but is generally quite durable. If used normally, it will not easily peel off, provided it is not scratched with sharp objects. However, the color may fade over time.
UV Printing：
Thicker than screen printing, it is not easy to crash off. Applying an epoxy coating can enhance its durability and resistance to scratches. However, currently, no pin designer is doing this.
4. Cost & Production Efficiency
Screen printing：
The cost of screen printing primarily depends on the number of colors used and the quantity of items to be printed. On average, most pin factories charge between $10 and $30 for single-color silkscreening. More setup time is required, and the plate fee for one color is equivalent to that of UV printing. However, if there are more than two colors, the cost becomes higher.
UV Printing：
The cost does not increase with the addition of color; on average, most pin factories charge around $20-$30 per design. Faster production is possible as it does not require screens or stencils, nor does it need drying time.
Which One Is Right for You?
Screen printing：
If you prioritize high-quality colors and have a limited number of colors, silk screen printing is a great choice.
UV Printing：
If your design has over 3 colors and Budget constraints and your pin design has gradient colors, then it is better to choose UV printing.
Conclusion
Screen printing and UV printing are two commonly used printing techniques in the production of lapel pins. Screen printing is suitable for smooth surfaces, such as hard enamel pins and raised metal. It can print multiple colors but only solid colors, and the cost increases with the number of colors. UV printing can handle irregular surfaces and is suitable for gradient colors and complex patterns, but color adjustments must be completed in the design stage. The ink layer of screen printing is thinner, and has good durability but is prone to fading; the ink layer of UV printing is thicker and is not easy to fall off. The cost of screen printing rises with the increase of colors, while the cost of UV printing is fixed and the production efficiency is higher.
We have been able to make our pins stand out and attract more customers. To take your designs to the next level, consider incorporating printing into your enamel pin-making process.
If you've got some pins with many tiny details, you want to Get A Quote, and we'll advise you on the best processes to bring your badges to life. They are NO MOQ. We offer unlimited free artwork modifications.