Buyer process template

Custom Medal Manufacturing Processes & Finishes

Compare how custom medals are made using die casting, die striking, 2D or 3D relief, cut-outs, enamel, UV printing, plating, ribbon assembly and packaging.

Which custom medal manufacturing process should you choose?

Use die casting for custom shapes and deeper relief, die striking for flatter crisp metal detail, enamel for separated solid colors and UV printing for gradients or photographic artwork. Add plating, texture, ribbon and packaging only after the base construction is confirmed on the digital proof.

Specification template

Use this table to choose the medal process before quotation

One medal can combine several processes. Use the table as a discussion template, then let the factory confirm feasibility from the artwork and target size.

Process	Best used for	Visible result	Confirm in artwork / RFQ	Budget / schedule consideration
Die Casting	Custom shapes, dimensional structures and medium-to-deep relief	Solid metal body with shaped edges and raised detail	Size, thickness, front/back relief and loop position	One new mold per design; confirm relief and outline before tooling.
2D Relief	Logos, text, borders and clearly separated graphic levels	Flat raised and recessed planes	Raised, recessed and flat areas	A useful starting point for a simpler standard specification.
3D Relief	Faces, animals, architecture and sculpted forms	Gradual height transitions and dimensional texture	Highest point, side profile and areas that must remain readable	Extra sculpting and tooling review; quote the sample schedule separately.
Openwork / Cut-Out	Designs that use negative space for contrast or reduced visual weight	True openings through the metal	Minimum bridges, edge strength and ribbon connection	Bridge strength and loop position affect feasibility and tooling.
Enamel Color	Separated solid colors with metal borders	Recessed texture or a polished smooth face	Pantone colors, metal line width and soft vs hard enamel	Soft enamel is the reference-price route; polished hard enamel needs a separate quote.
UV Printing	Gradients, photographs and very fine full-color detail	Direct printed color on a compatible surface	Print area, white underbase, artwork resolution and protective finish	Prepare print-ready artwork and approve the color method.
Plating	Gold, silver, nickel, copper, antique, matte and two-tone appearance	Overall metal color and surface character	Finish name, polished/matte areas and two-tone boundaries	One standard plating is simpler than selective or mixed finishes.
Ribbon & Packaging	Event identity, retail presentation and distribution	Printed or woven ribbon plus selected presentation	Ribbon width/length, printing, connection, individual packing and box	Plain ribbon and polybag are the reference; custom printing and boxes cost extra.

Send for review:Vector artwork or clear high-resolution image · quantity · size · finish · ribbon or attachment · packaging · delivery country and required dateRequest a process recommendation

Choose a starting specification

Ask for the right process comparison

Standard soft enamel

Start with a 60 mm, one-sided design, one plating and a plain ribbon for a comparable budget.

Quote a standard medal

Sculpted 3D or cut-out

Send your reference, target dimensions and side-profile requirements for tooling review.

Review 3D feasibility

Full-color graphics

Share the original artwork so printing can be compared with enamel at your chosen size.

Compare color options

Color and surface

Enamel, printing and protective resin

These options affect texture, detail reproduction and the way color sits against the metal or plastic surface.

Soft Enamel

Color is filled below raised metal lines, leaving a tactile recessed surface. It suits vivid color separation and designs where visible metal borders are part of the look.

Imitation Hard Enamel

Color is filled and polished close to the metal lines for a smooth face. It is often selected for a refined, jewelry-like presentation.

Printing & Epoxy Dome

Printing supports gradients, fine details and complex artwork. A clear epoxy dome can add surface protection and a rounded glossy appearance where suitable.

Factory process boards

Compare production examples before choosing the route

The examples below show how casting, enamel, dimensional relief, openwork and UV printing change the final visual result.

English process board showing die casting and color enamel custom medal examples — **Die Casting & Enamel**Use casting for dimensional metal forms, then add separated solid colors where the artwork requires them.

English process board comparing 3D embossed relief and openwork custom medals — **3D Relief & Openwork**Use sculpted transitions for dimensional subjects or true cut-outs when negative space is part of the design.

English UV digital printing process board with full-color custom medal examples — **UV Digital Printing**Use direct printing when gradients, photographs or fine multi-color details cannot be separated into enamel areas.

Form and depth

2D and 3D relief

Relief depth should be selected according to the design rather than used as a blanket premium feature.

2D Relief

Uses clearly defined raised and recessed levels. It works well for text, logos, borders and graphic shapes that need clean separation.

Three-dimensional sculpted relief on a custom coin

3D Relief

Uses gradual height transitions for faces, figures, animals, architecture and sculpted forms. Fine text usually remains 2D for clarity.

Metal finish

Plating and surface appearance

Common directions include polished gold, silver and nickel, gunmetal, antique brass, antique copper, matte surfaces and selected two-tone finishes. Availability depends on the base material and product.

English chart comparing 15 gold silver nickel copper antique matte gunmetal and two-tone medal plating finishes — **Plating selection reference**Confirm the finish name and whether the visible surface should be bright, matte, antique or two-tone. Screen appearance is a guide; production approval should use the agreed sample or finish standard.

Polished & Satin Finishes

Bright polished plating creates strong highlights, while satin or brushed directions create a softer reflected surface.

Antique Finishes

Darkened recesses increase contrast and emphasize relief. Antique finishes are often used for heritage, sports and commemorative designs.

Attachments

Backings, keyrings, ribbons and packaging

The attachment must match the product weight, use, presentation and target market.

English medal ribbon options chart showing sewn screen-printed and heat-transfer ribbons plus ring hook and sewn loop attachments — **Ribbon & connection options**Confirm ribbon construction, print method, width, length and connection hardware.

English chart comparing clear boxes polybag velvet box and presentation packaging for custom medals — **Packaging options**Select packaging from distribution method, presentation level, available dimensions and shipping protection.

Pin & Badge Backings

Butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, safety pin, brooch pin, magnet, adhesive backing and other confirmed options.

Medal Ribbons

Ribbon width, material, color, printing, loop structure and connection method are confirmed with the medal design.

Backing cards gift boxes and packaging options

Presentation Packaging

Individual polybags, backing cards, velvet boxes, paper boxes and custom retail packaging may be discussed.

Process buyer guides

Turn the artwork into a quote-ready process brief

Use these four guides to resolve the highest-impact forming, color and surface decisions before requesting a quotation.

View all buying guides

Forming

Die Cast vs Die Struck Medals

Compare custom outlines, relief, thickness, material and tooling.

Compare forming processes

Enamel

Soft Enamel vs Hard Enamel Medals

Choose a tactile recessed surface or a smoother polished face.

Compare enamel finishes

Full Color

UV Printed Medals vs Enamel

Decide how to reproduce gradients, photos, sponsor logos and solid colors.

Compare color processes

Metal Finish

Custom Medal Plating Finishes

Compare gold, silver, antique, black nickel, matte and dual-tone directions.

Choose a plating finish

Process selection FAQ

Three questions to resolve before approving the artwork

Which process is best for a custom medal?

The best process depends on artwork detail, required depth, color method, surface appearance, product use, quantity and budget. Send the artwork for review before the route is confirmed.

When should I use UV printing instead of enamel?

UV printing is useful for gradients, photographs and very fine full-color detail that conventional enamel cannot reproduce. Enamel is better when separated solid colors and tactile metal borders are part of the design.

Can one medal combine several processes?

Yes. A suitable design may combine relief, enamel, printing, plating, openwork and a custom ribbon. Feasibility is confirmed from the artwork and dimensions.

Send your artwork for a process recommendation

Include the quantity, target size, product use, preferred relief, colors, plating, ribbon, packaging, destination and required date. We will confirm the practical route before quotation.

Send Artwork for Review See the Production Line