Bij het zoeken naar iemand die aangepaste medailles kan maken, is het gebruik van de juiste terminologie belangrijk. Het antwoord is eenvoudig:

Een persoon die medailles ontwerpt en maakt, wordt een genoemd medaillewinnaar¹. In commerciële en industriële contexten wordt het werk echter doorgaans uitgevoerd door een fabrikant van aangepaste medailles², die het gehele proces van ontwerp tot uiteindelijke oplevering begeleidt.

Traditioneel verwijst de term ‘medaillewinnaar’ naar een solokunstenaar die in een studio werkt en met de hand medailles beeldhouwt en giet. Hoewel dit nog steeds bestaat, is bij de moderne productie van hoogwaardige, op maat gemaakte medailles meestal een gecoördineerd team van professionals betrokken. Fabrikanten zoals INIMAKER® werken bijvoorbeeld met geïntegreerde teams die bestaan ​​uit ontwerpers, ingenieurs en metaalbewerkers. Dit is vooral relevant in sectoren als defensie, waar klanten mogelijk gedetailleerde documentatie, conformiteitscertificeringen en traceerbaarheid van materiaal nodig hebben – diensten die een soloartiest niet kan bieden.

Today’s medal manufacturing process is comprehensive. It blends art with industrial precision, and full-service manufacturers manage the project from concept to final delivery. The production process can generally be broken into three main phases:

1. Design and Engineering

This stage translates an idea into a digital prototype. Designers work with clients to develop detailed 2D and 3D models using design software. These digital proofs allow for review and revisions before any physical work begins.

Once approved, engineers create a steel mold based on the final design. This mold must meet exact specifications to ensure every medal produced is consistent and defect-free.

2. Production

De production phase³ involves casting the medals using materials such as zinc alloy, brass, or even recycled metals. The metal is melted and injected into the mold, then cooled, polished, and electroplated in finishes like gold, silver, or antique bronze.

Coloring is typically done using soft enamel techniques. For instance, manufacturers may use proprietary technologies like “ColorLock⁴,” which ensures the colors remain vibrant for over a decade.

3. Quality Control and Logistics

Every medal goes through a multi-step inspection process. Quality assurance teams verify material integrity, dimensional accuracy, and coating consistency.

Once approved, the logistics team⁵ handles the final packaging and international shipping. Many manufacturers work with carriers like DHL and FedEx and also manage the necessary customs paperwork to ensure timely delivery.

Who Creates Medals?

Medal production is not a one-person operation. It involves a multidisciplinary team. Below are the key roles typically involved in a modern medal project:

Project Manager

Serves as the client’s primary point of contact. They gather requirements, provide updates, and ensure communication flows smoothly between the client and the production team. Effective project managers can adapt to the needs of various clients—whether the client values technical precision or personalized service.

Designer and Mold Engineer

Designers take client ideas—whether rough sketches or logos—and transform them into precise digital renderings. These visual proofs help clients visualize the final product.

Mold engineers then translate those digital designs into physical molds. This stage demands precision, as any flaws in the mold will affect every medal produced.

Production Team

This group includes skilled technicians who manage the casting, plating, coloring, and finishing of the medals. Each task contributes to both functionality and appearance.

Here’s a table showing how specific production techniques match client needs:

Quality Assurance and Logistics

The QA team verifies that each medal meets the approved design and quality standards. This includes visual checks, measurement validation, and durability testing.

Logistics personnel then manage the packaging and global shipping, including documentation. Some manufacturers offer eco-friendly or custom packaging options to align with specific brand or sustainability goals.

Conclusie

While a "medaillewinnaar¹" refers to the artist traditionally associated with medal creation, a "manufacturer" refers to the modern, team-based approach required for complex, high-volume, or specialized medal projects. From concept to shipping, today’s medal production relies on coordinated efforts among designers, engineers, technicians, and logistics experts to meet precise client requirements and deliver high-quality results.