How to choose the appropriate medal material？

Customized metal medal material analysis: comparison of six metal characteristics, weight, and price. Choosing the right material will bring more honor.

In scenes such as event awards, corporate recognition, campus honors, and cultural and creative commemorations, metal medals are the core carriers of honor and memory. The material directly determines the texture, weight, durability, and cost of the medal. This article systematically analyzes the characteristics, advantages, weight, and price differences of six commonly used materials: zinc alloy, copper, brass, iron, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy, providing professional references for customized selection.

1, Zinc alloy: the mainstream choice, with both details and cost-effectiveness

Zinc alloy has a low melting point and good fluidity, making it the preferred choice for complex relief, three-dimensional text, and hollow shapes in die-casting. Its smooth surface is easy to use for electroplating, baking paint, enamel, aging, and other processes, and can highly restore the texture of gold, silver, and copper.

• Features: stable molding, clear details, oxidation resistance, and not easily deformed;

• Weight: Moderate density, weighing about 30-80 grams per piece, with a solid and non pressing feel;

• Price: Medium to low price range, 1.3 - 6.6 dollars per piece, mold cost friendly;

• Applicable: Enterprise awards, campus competitions, cultural and creative commemorative events, mass customization.

2, Pure copper: thick and heavy texture, preferred for high-end commemorative purposes

Copper is warm and elegant in color, suitable for high-end crafts such as enamel, relief carving, and fine carving. The finished customized medals product is retro and high-end, with a strong sense of collection. After anti-oxidation treatment for the metal medals, it can be stored for a long time.

• Features: Good extensibility, thick texture, high grade;

• Weight: Heavy, weighing 50-200 grams per piece, with a stable grip;

• Price: Medium to high price range, 1.8 - 15.6 dollars per piece;

• Applicable: professional events, high-end awards, anniversary celebrations, and collectible level medals.

3, Brass: wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, with excellent texture and durability

Brass is a copper zinc alloy with higher hardness than pure copper. It is more wear-resistant, less prone to scratches, and has stronger corrosion resistance. Its luster is brighter and more durable, making custom event medals suitable for long-term wear and display.

• Features: Moderate hardness, corrosion resistance, bright color, strong process adaptability;

• Weight: Heavy and heavy, weighing 50-180 grams per piece;

• Price: Medium to high price range, 1.9 - 18.9 dollars per piece;

• Applicable: high-end events, government and enterprise honors, long-term display medals.

4, Iron: Economical and cost-effective, selected in large quantities

Iron material is easy to obtain and has the lowest cost, suitable for stamping simple shapes. After electroplating/painting, sports medals can meet basic award requirements and has outstanding cost-effectiveness.

• Features: High hardness, low cost, requiring rust prevention treatment;

• Weight: Heavy, weighing 40-150 grams per piece;

• Price: Low price, 0.5 - 2.5 dollars per piece;

• Applicable: Temporary events, campus popularization, large-scale low-cost awards.

5, Stainless steel: sturdy and corrosion-resistant, the choice for outdoor use and durability

Mainly made of 304 stainless steel, with high hardness, no rust, no deformation, scratch resistance, matte/brushed texture, modern and simple, suitable for humid environments and long-term use.

• Features: Super corrosion-resistant, sturdy and durable, easy to clean, low maintenance cost;

• Weight: Medium to heavy, 35-90 grams per piece;

• Price: Medium to low price range, ranging from 1.8 to 7.5 dollars per piece;

• Applicable: Outdoor events, sports medals, long-term wear, industrial style commemorative.

6, Aluminum alloy: lightweight and fashionable, modern and minimalist preferred

Aluminum alloy medals has low density and the lightest weight. After anodizing, the color is uniform and the texture is high-end. It is not easy to fade and is suitable for lightweight and minimalist design.

• Features: ultra light, corrosion-resistant, fast molding, strong modernity;

• Weight: The lightest, weighing 15-50 grams per piece;

• Price: Low price range, 0.7 to 4.5 dollars per piece;

• Applicable: Youth events, lightweight metal medals, cultural and creative gifts, minimalist customization.

7, Quick Overview and Selection Suggestions for Six Major Materials

Material Core Advantage Weight Price Range Recommended Scenarios

Zinc alloy has strong details, complete processes, high cost-effectiveness, suitable for general batches of 0.8 - 6.8 dollars, and complex shapes

Pure copper is thick and high-end, with a strong sense of collection. It costs 1.3 16.8 dollars for high-end commemorative and professional events

Brass is wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and has a long-lasting luster. It costs 1.6 - 19.5 dollars for high-end awards and long-term display

Iron has extremely low cost and is easy to stamping, with a weight of 0.3 - 2.6 dollars. It is low-cost and can be produced in large quantities

Stainless steel rust resistant, sturdy, and durable for outdoor use, priced between 1.4 - 7.26 dollars. Suitable for outdoor, sports, and durable use

Aluminum alloy ultra light fashion, simple modern light 0.9 - 3.8 dollars lightweight, simple, cultural and creative

Selection core: Pursuing details and cost-effectiveness, choosing zinc alloy; Choose copper/brass for high-end collections; Strictly control the budget and select iron; Choose stainless steel for outdoor durability; Choose aluminum alloy for lightweight and minimalist design. By combining budget, design, usage scenarios, and preservation requirements, one can customize an honor customized medal that combines texture and practicality.