AnbolyMedal

Custom Medal Production Process

A high‑quality custom medal goes through the following 8 essential stages from design to delivery:


Tooling / Die Making (Foundation of Quality)

This step determines the final sharpness and consistency of every medal.

1. Artwork Approval & Design Confirmation
Customers provide vector artwork (AI, CDR, EPS) or clear hand‑drawn sketches. Our designers then produce 2D technical drawings and 3D renderings based on the specified dimensions, thickness, materials, and colors. Revisions are made until both parties sign off on the final design.

2. Die/Mold Engraving
Our experienced toolmakers engrave male and female dies on high‑hardness steel (e.g., P20, S136) using CNC machines or hand‑engraving techniques. Intricate patterns – such as portraits, micro‑text, and multi‑layer logos – demand higher precision and slower machining speeds, typically taking 5–7 working days.

3. Test Stamping & Adjustments
Test stampings are performed on soft metal samples (lead or aluminum) to verify detail clarity and edge sharpness. If any areas show blurring or underfill, the dies are fine‑tuned and re‑tested until perfect results are achieved. Approved dies are then preserved for future reorders.

Transform the die into tangible medals, then add color, luster, and protective coatings.

  • Forming Methods – Choose according to material:

    • Striking – For brass, copper, stainless steel. A metal blank is pressed under high tonnage to imprint the design. Ideal for flat or low‑relief patterns; fast and cost‑effective.

    • Die‑Casting – For zinc alloy. Molten zinc is injected into the die cavity, then cooled and ejected. Enables intricate 3D shapes, sharp edges, and thick dimensions.

  • Trimming & Polishing – Remove burrs and flash by punching or hand clipping, then grind and polish with wheels or vibratory tumblers to achieve a smooth base for plating.

  • Electroplating – Immerse polished blanks into plating tanks to deposit a thin metal layer. Common finishes:

    • Gold plating – bright yellow, luxurious

    • Silver plating – white, elegant

    • Nickel plating – greyish, durable and corrosion‑resistant

    • Antique bronze – vintage, nostalgic
      Plating improves shine and prevents tarnishing.

  • Coloring & Curing – Fill recessed areas with color:

    • Soft Enamel – Epoxy resin paint is baked at ~150°C, leaving a textured, tactile surface with vivid colors – moderate cost.

    • Hard Enamel – High‑temperature vitreous enamel fired at over 800°C, then ground and polished to a flat, mirror‑like, scratch‑resistant finish – premium quality.
      For tiny text or gradients, screen‑printing or pad‑printing may be used.

Step 2: Forming & Surface Finishing (From Blank to Semi‑Finished Medal)
Step 3: Assembly, Quality Control & Packaging (Ready for Delivery)

Step 3: Assembly, Quality Control & Packaging (Ready for Delivery)

  • Accessory Assembly – Attach ribbons, pins, or lanyards securely. Ribbon colors, stripe patterns, and woven labels are fully customizable; pin types include butterfly clutches, safety pins, or magnetic clasps based on usage.

  • Comprehensive Inspection – Each medal is visually checked under bright light for:

    • Scratches, pinholes, uneven plating

    • Accurate color, no bleeding or missing fill

    • Clear and correctly positioned artwork

    • Firm attachments without looseness
      Batch sampling includes dimensional checks and adhesion tests (e.g., tape pull test) to ensure consistency.

  • Packaging & Shipping – Passed medals are individually wrapped in soft film or bubble pouches to prevent scratching. If requested, they are placed in velvet boxes or clear display cases. Finally, they are packed into cartons with cushioning materials, labeled, and shipped by courier or sea freight. We provide tracking and can send pre‑shipment photos for final confirmation.

 

Customize your medal today – make every achievement unforgettable.

Every medal tells a story of dedication, triumph, and memory. From the first sketch to the final polish, we pour care into every detail – because your achievement deserves nothing less. We’re grateful to be part of your journey. Whether you have a clear design or just a spark of an idea, we’re here to bring it to life.. Let’s create something unforgettable – together

92%

Of satisfied client