Making lapel / metal enamel pins advice

Jewelry Lab
1

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried making pins before?
I have been thinking of how to make my own customs pins. The cheat way I could see is to use a CNC on Aluminum. But I would like to try and make a reusable cast for zinc.
I have never done a jewelry project before. If anyone has advice or comments, I would appreciate it.

2

I would also love to know how to do it because going through an overseas manu is expensive and not really ensuring they won’t sell their own versions of your work.

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IMG_20240531_231735507~2581×836 122 KB

Not quite the same as a pin but this was a test at engraving a Zippo lighter
for member John Cody today! I engrave all metals, bricks, stone, glass, plastic acrylic, wood, challenge coins, medals, jewelry, rings, carbide? I might have some knowledge you can use?

4

I hadn’t even considered etching. I was hoping to use zinc metal for its price and the fact it oxidizes slowly. And as far as I understandmost metal etchera use ferric chloride which is not a good combo with zinc.

5

Is there an area at the maker space to etch? If not i might need to pick your brain to get your advice on my plan.
After doing more research this the the path I think is best to test out.