Raised metal. Recessed color.
Form the metal → polish → plate → fill with paint → bake → inspect and pack.
The baked color sits below the raised metal outlines, giving the surface a textured feel.
*PROCESS INTRODUCTION
HOW MEDALS
ARE MADE.
From artwork and metal forming to finishing, ribbon assembly and packing for presentation.
Explore the process*MEDALSTHE SAME FOUNDATIONS.
THE SAME FOUNDATIONS.
A DIFFERENT FINAL DETAIL.
The core production process follows the coin workflow. Medal ribbons are attached during packaging.
Artwork & proof
Start with a sketch, logo, written idea or a combination of references. We confirm the shape, material, thickness, quantity and plating in the quote. After the price is approved, we prepare vector artwork and send a JPG or PDF proof for approval.
CNC mold engraving
Once the artwork is approved, a CNC machine engraves the mold. Tooling can carry either a flat 2D design or sculpted 3D relief. Existing molds can be reused for repeat orders without a new mold fee.
Metal forming
The approved design is formed by die striking or zinc-alloy die casting. Die-struck pieces are pressed from metal blanks and punched into individual shapes; die-cast pieces are formed by injecting molten zinc alloy into a mold and allowing it to cool.
Polishing
The raw pieces are polished to remove burrs and smooth the metal surface before the next finishing stages.
Plating
The polished metal is surface-treated to create the requested metal color. The chosen plating and finish follow the approved specification.
Color filling & baking
For soft enamel, color is applied after plating. The filled pieces are baked to set the paint; the color remains recessed below the raised metal lines.
Inspection, ribbon assembly & packaging
After inspection, the woven ribbon is attached to the medal during packing so the finished piece can be worn around the neck. Packaging follows the order specification.
Shipping
Packed orders are sent by international courier, such as UPS, FedEx or DHL, according to the shipping arrangement for the order.
*MADE TO WEAR
FINISHED WITH A RIBBON.
A woven ribbon completes the medal for presentation and wear.
The woven ribbon is fitted during packing. Confirm the ribbon and packaging details alongside the medal artwork.
Explore metal forming methods*COLOR & SURFACESOFT ENAMEL.
SOFT ENAMEL.
HARD ENAMEL.
The finishing sequence changes both the surface and the feel.
Color and metal on one level.
Form the metal → fill with enamel → grind the surface flat → polish → plate → inspect and pack.
Color is added before grinding, polishing and plating. The filled surface ends up level with the metal outlines.
These are different finishing sequences. The standard soft-enamel sequence does not describe hard-enamel finishing.
*KEEP EXPLORING
OTHER PROCESS GUIDES.
01
Coin Production Process
Follow a custom coin from the first artwork proof through tooling, metal forming, finishing and delivery.
02
Pin Production Process
The same metal-making foundations as coins, with a welded pin post and butterfly clutch for wearing.
04
UV Printing on 3D Relief
Print multicolor artwork onto sculpted metal relief, where flowing liquid paint cannot hold the same pattern cleanly.
MATERIALS & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Compare base metals, enamel, plating and patch materials with illustrated examples.
Explore materialsDESIGN YOUR MEDALS.
Browse 240 original layouts, add lettering and clip art, or upload your logo.
Open Medals Studio*LET’S CREATE SOMETHINGA SMALL OBJECT.
A SMALL OBJECT.
A BIG STORY.
Tell us what you have in mind. Your team, your event, your milestone — made into something worth keeping.
