The badge making process is generally divided into stamping, die-casting, hydraulic, corrosion, etc., among which stamping and die-casting are more common. Color treatment The coloring process is divided into enamel (cloisonne), imitation enamel, baking varnish, glue, printing, etc. The materials of badges are generally divided into zinc alloy, copper, stainless steel, iron, sterling silver, pure gold and other alloy materials.
Stamping badges: Generally, the materials used for stamping badges are copper, iron, aluminum, etc., so they are also called metal badges. The most common is copper badges, because copper is softer, and the pressed lines are the clearest, followed by iron badges. The corresponding price of copper is also relatively expensive.
Die-cast badges: Die-cast badges are usually made of zinc alloy materials. Because of the low melting point of zinc alloy materials, they can be injected into the mold after heating, which can make complex and difficult embossed hollow badges.
How to distinguish between zinc alloy and copper badges
Zinc alloy: lightweight, beveled and smooth
Copper: There are punch marks on the cut edge, and the same volume is heavier than the zinc alloy
Generally zinc alloy fittings are riveted, copper fittings are soldered and silver
Enamel badges: Enamel badges, also known as cloisonne badges, belong to the most high-end badge craftsmanship. The material is mainly red copper, colored with enamel powder. The characteristics of making enamel badges are to be colored first and then polished and electroplated with a grindstone, so it feels smooth and flat. The colors are dark and single, and can be preserved forever, but the enamel is fragile and cannot be hit or dropped by gravity. Enamel badges are commonly used in military medals, medals, medals, license plates and car logos.
Imitation enamel badges: The production process is basically the same as that of enamel badges, but instead of enamel powder, resin paint, also called color paste pigment, is used for coloring. The color is brighter and glossier than enamel. The surface of the product is flat to the touch, and the substrate can be made of copper, iron, zinc alloy, etc.
How to distinguish between enamel and imitation enamel: Real enamel has a ceramic texture, less color selection, and a hard surface. Acupuncture does not leave marks on the surface, but it breaks easily. The material of imitation enamel is soft and can be pierced into the fake enamel layer with a needle.
Paint craft badge: obvious concave and convex, bright color, clear metal lines. The concave part is filled with baking paint, and the protruding part of the metal line needs to be electroplated. The materials are generally copper, zinc alloy, iron, etc. Among them, the price of iron and zinc alloy is cheap, so there are more common paint badges. The production process is electroplating first, then coloring and baking, which is the opposite of the production process of enamel.
The lacquered badge protects the surface from scratches in order to keep it for a long time. A layer of transparent protective resin can be placed on its surface, that is, Polly, which we often call “epoxy”. After the resin is applied, the badge does not have the texture of metal bumps. But Polly is also easy to be scratched, and after being exposed to ultraviolet rays, Polly will turn yellow after a long time.
Printing badges: usually two ways: screen printing and lithographic printing. It is also generally called an Epoxy badge, because the final process of the badge is to add a layer of transparent protective resin (Poly) to the surface of the badge. The materials used are mainly stainless steel and bronze, and the thickness is generally 0.8mm. The surface is not electroplated, but natural color or wire drawing is used.
Screen-printed badges are primarily aimed at simple graphics and fewer colors. The lithographic printing is aimed at complex patterns and more colors, especially graphics with gradient colors.
Post time: Aug-10-2022