medals

The most common materials are Zinc Alloy, Iron, and Brass. Zinc Alloy is the industry standard for 3D designs because of its high fluidity and ability to capture intricate details. Iron is a cost-effective choice for thin, 2D medals but is prone to rusting if not properly plated. Brass is the premium option, offering the highest weight and durability, typically reserved for high-end military or academic honors.

You can choose between Soft Enamel, Hard Enamel (Cloisonné), and Offset Printing. Soft Enamel provides a textured, recessed feel and is the most popular for sports events. Hard Enamel offers a smooth, flat surface and superior scratch resistance, making it ideal for premium corporate awards. For complex logos with gradients or photographic details, Offset Printing with an epoxy coating is the best technical solution.

Medals must comply with chemical safety regulations such as CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) in the US and REACH in the EU. It is critical to ensure the metal base and plating are Lead-Free and Nickel-Free to prevent skin irritation. Always request SGS or Intertek test reports from your supplier to verify that the phthalate content in the neck ribbons meets safety benchmarks.

High-quality medals should have a uniform electroplating layer without bubbles, pits, or dark spots. Common finishes include Shiny Gold, Antique Silver, and Black Nickel. For long-term durability, ask the supplier if they apply a protective lacquer coating to prevent oxidation. Antique finishes are excellent for hiding minor surface scratches and providing a prestigious, aged look.

Ribbons are usually made of Polyester or Nylon. You should specify the width (typically 25mm to 38mm) and the attachment method, such as a V-sewn fold or a jump ring with a lobster claw. For high-visibility branding, Sublimation (Heat Transfer) printing allows for full-color, edge-to-edge designs that will not fade or peel over time.

When ordering custom medals featuring logos, ensure you have the legal right to use the artwork. Professional suppliers on Made-in-China.com will often ask for an Authorization Letter. Avoid using trademarked symbols (like Olympic rings) without permission, as customs may seize the shipment during inspection.

Medal production typically takes 15-20 days, plus shipping. Since event dates are fixed, always negotiate a 'Must-Arrive-By' date in the contract. It is wise to include a penalty clause for delays and choose Air Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) for the final leg to ensure the goods arrive at least 7 days before the event.

Utilize the Secured Trading services provided by Made-in-China.com to protect your payment. Never pay the full amount upfront; a standard industry practice is a 30% deposit and 70% balance after inspection but before shipment. Request a pre-production sample or at least high-resolution video inspection of the finished bulk lot.

Medals are dense and heavy, which significantly impacts freight costs. For orders over 100kg, consider Sea Freight or Railway Express to save up to 60% on costs, provided you have a 45-60 day lead time. Ensure the supplier uses double-walled corrugated cartons and individual polybag packaging to prevent the medals from scratching each other during transit.