Custom medals are struck award pieces made to your artwork for sports events, anniversaries, military commendations, and recognition celebrations. Metal Memories Co. has manufactured them in-house since 1984, producing enamel, relief, and specialty medal styles on a single factory-direct line.
Materials & Options
Medals are struck from two metals, and the choice shapes weight, detail, and price.
- Copper – dense and fine-grained, the standard base for strong 3D relief and enamel-filled designs; it takes both cloisonné and soft enamel cleanly
- Aluminum alloy – light and economical, the usual choice for high-volume sports events and giveaways where medals are handed out in quantity
Because both metals are struck under pressure, design detail transfers directly from the die to the surface, which is what makes crisp lettering and deep relief possible. Color selection follows the artwork: cloisonné mineral enamel for hard durable color, imitation hard enamel for a polished flush surface, soft enamel for dimensional color, or a fully uncolored metal finish. Acrylic is also used in the range for medals that carry full-color printed artwork.
Manufacturing Processes
Four coloring routes cover the medal range; all are completed in our own factory.
Cloisonné. Mineral enamel is set into the struck design and finished level with the metal lines, giving a hard, smooth, durable color surface suited to awards that are handled and kept for years.
Stamped imitation hard enamel. The struck medal is filled and polished so color sits flush with the relief, producing a cloisonné-style surface at a more accessible price point.
Soft enamel. Color sits in the recesses below the raised metal lines, keeping the design dimensional and tactile—an effective look for bold emblems and text.
Without coloring. The medal is left as all-metal relief, with the design carried entirely by raised and recessed surfaces—a traditional finish for military commendations.
Ribbon assembly, printing, and specialty fittings are completed on the same line before final QC.
Popular Styles
Eight styles cover most medal programs:
- Medals with ribbon drape for standard award presentation
- Strong 3D relief designs for emblems, mascots, and figures struck deep into the metal
- Medals with printing for gradients, fine text, and photographic detail
- Cut-out and diamond setting styles with openwork metal and set stones
- Puzzle medals whose pieces connect into a full design
- Spinner medals with a rotating center element
- Bottle-opener medals that double as a functional keepsake
- Acrylic medals carrying full-color printed artwork in a lightweight format
Sports events usually combine ribbon drape with strong relief; anniversaries and commendations often add printing or diamond setting. Send your artwork and we will suggest a style with a costed quotation.
How to Order Custom Medals
Ordering custom medals from Metal Memories Co. runs in five steps:
- Submit inquiry – send artwork, event date, and quantity through our quote form or WhatsApp.
- Free design & quote – our designers prepare production-ready artwork and confirm pricing; every inquiry receives a reply within 24 hours.
- Sampling – approve a physical sample before the full run.
- Production – your order runs on our in-house striking line.
- QC & shipping – every medal is inspected, then packed and shipped ahead of your event.
Ribbon choices, packing, and delivery scheduling are confirmed during the quotation stage—see How to Order.
FAQ
What is the minimum order quantity for custom medals?
Medal MOQs depend on style and finish—cloisonné, soft enamel, and acrylic medals are each quoted with their own setup requirements. Your confirmed [MOQ] is stated in the quotation accompanying your free design.
How far in advance should I order for an event?
Plan around a lead time of [LEAD TIME] from sample approval. Because striking, coloring, printing, and ribbon assembly all happen in our factory, we can schedule production against your event date directly.
Can medals include moving parts or functional features?
Yes. Spinner medals carry a rotating center element, and bottle-opener medals add a working opener to the award. Both are sampled as physical pieces before production.
Which finish works for military commendation medals?
Uncolored all-metal relief is a traditional choice for military commendations, while cloisonné and imitation hard enamel suit full-color emblems. Send the artwork and we will quote both routes for comparison.
Request a Quote
Ready to order custom medals? Send your artwork and event date through our quote form to receive pricing and a free design proof—replies within 24 hours. Prefer chat? Message us on WhatsApp. Metal Memories Co., factory direct since 1984.