What is the medal making process?

Understanding what the medal making process involves reveals the intricate craftsmanship behind these prestigious awards that honor achievements across sports, military service, and academic excellence.

Design and Planning Phase

The medal manufacturing process begins with detailed design work, where artists create digital renderings or hand-drawn sketches. Designers consider elements like size, shape, ribbon attachment points, and symbolic imagery that reflects the award's purpose. This phase typically involves client approval and multiple revisions to ensure the final design meets specifications.

Die Creation and Tooling

Once the design is finalized, skilled toolmakers create steel dies using computer-controlled engraving machines or traditional hand-engraving techniques. The dies feature raised and recessed areas that will form the medal's three-dimensional details. High-quality dies are essential for producing crisp, detailed impressions that will last through thousands of strikes.

Metal Preparation and Striking

Metal blanks, commonly made from brass, bronze, zinc alloy, or precious metals, are cut to precise dimensions and cleaned thoroughly. The striking process involves placing the blank between upper and lower dies in a hydraulic press, applying tremendous pressure (often 100+ tons) to impress the design into the metal. Multiple strikes may be necessary for complex designs.

Finishing and Quality Control

After striking, medals undergo various finishing processes including edge polishing, surface treatments, and plating with gold, silver, or other metals. Antique finishes, sandblasting, or laser engraving may add special effects. Each medal is inspected for defects, proper dimensions, and design clarity.

Final Assembly

The final step involves attaching ribbons, chains, or mounting hardware. Medals are often packaged in presentation boxes or protective cases, ready for award ceremonies.

Modern medal manufacturing combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology to create lasting symbols of achievement. If you're considering custom medals for your organization or event, understanding these production steps can help you make informed decisions about materials, timelines, and design complexity.