A zinc alloy medal is one of the most popular types of medals today. It is strong, beautiful, and affordable. This has enabled it to be popular in sports, schools, companies, and events across the globe. Zinc alloy medals are preferred by many people and are very affordable, looking elegant at the same time.
When we discuss the medals, we imagine the awards that are associated with value and respect. The zinc alloy medal is just what is required. It glows, is durable, and can be programmed to any form. This paper describes the definition of a zinc alloy medal, its importance, and usage.
What is a Zinc Alloy Medal?
について 亜鉛合金 medal is produced through the combination of zinc with other metals. Such a blend causes it to be more powerful than pure zinc. The metal can be easily shaped into small details. This is the reason why textures and sharp lines of zinc alloy medals are often beautiful.
Zinc alloy is light in weight, unlike other heavy metals. This is the reason why athletes and students prefer to use it over long periods of time during ceremonies. Simultaneously, it is tough enough to avoid being scratched and damaged.
Manufacturing Process of Zinc Alloy Medals
Making a zinc alloy medal is a combination of technology and art. Every medal goes through several scrutinizing steps. This is done to guarantee durability, beauty, and perfection.
Designing the Medal
A process starts with a design. Professional designers employ the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) application to make digital art. The design comprises shape, logo, text, and details. This step is necessary since all the information of the computer file will be present in the final medal.
In some cases, the 2D designs suffice. However, 3D models are made where the awards are intricate. These models assist manufacturers in visualizing the appearance that the medal shall have after it has been manufactured.
Making the Mold
When the design is prepared, a mold is prepared. The mould is commonly of hard steel. It is as though a stamp stamps or casts the design on the medal.
The design is engraved on this mold. Machines of high precision cut each line and curve. Sharpness of the final medal depends on the quality of the mold. An effective mould can easily be used repeatedly in order to produce in bulk.
Melting the Zinc Alloy
Melting of the zinc alloy is the next step. Large furnaces are used to heat the alloy to a liquid state. The temperature is typically more than 400 °C.
On melting, the alloy becomes smooth and pliable to shape. This fluid nature enables it to be pumped into the minutest of moulds.
Casting the Medal
The hot zinc alloy is cast into the mold. As pressure is increased, the liquid is distributed to all corners of the mold. This process is referred to as die-casting.
After filling its mold, the mold is cooled. The metal is solidified and acquires the same shape as the design. The medal is then taken out of the mold after cooling down. This is referred to as a raw casting at this stage.
Trimming and Polishing
Raw medals may contain more edges, referred to as burrs. Special machines are used to trim them off. This is followed by polishing of the surface to get rid of roughness.
Polishing may be either by hand or by machine. The step provides the medal with a smooth and shiny bottom. It removes the silver to be plated or coloured.
Plating and Finishing
The medal is now taken to the finishing stage. It has different finishes that may be used according to a client’s choice. Some medals are plated with either silver or gold. Other ones can be antique bronze or nickel-finished.
Here, enamel coloring is also added. Bright colors are filled in the analyzed spots. The enamel gets strong and glossy after the heating process. A matte texture can also be done through sandblasting.
Quality Check
All medals are inspected in terms of defectiveness. Scratches and off-color, as well as plating mistakes, are filled in. This makes sure that it does not send imperfect medals to the customers.
Ribbon and Assembly
The last process is the addition of ribbons. The ribbons are taken to suit the theme of the medal. Plain ribbons are used in some medals, whereas others have logos and are printed on plain ribbons.
The medal is finished as soon as it is attached. It is then loaded in the form of pouches, boxes, or plastic bags, based on the order.
大量生産
The whole process is efficient and quick. When the mold is prepared, thousands of medals can be made in a short time. This has resulted in zinc alloy medals being affordable when used in large events such as marathons, school events, or business events.
Why Choose Zinc Alloy Medals?
The most important factor that makes people use zinc alloy medals is their ability to combine quality and price. They appear as costly medals but are less costly to produce. Event planners save cash and retain awards of high value.
The other reason is flexibility. Zinc alloy is capable of assuming any design. It can be used in simple flat medals and in complicated 3D shapes. Zinc alloy will prove to be the best material to use in case you would like custom zinc medals with logos, names, or special designs.
Zinc alloy medals are also special with regard to their durability. They do not rust quickly. When well-maintained, they will be shiny for years. This implies that a winner is allowed to carry a lifetime memory of the medal.
Materials Zinc Alloy Medals
Zinc alloy is the major material. It is a zinc alloy with traces of other metals such as aluminum, copper, and magnesium. This mixture causes the metal to be powerful and malleable.
Zinc is a source of strength and lightness. Aluminum is also used to give it a shine and a smooth look. Copper enhances finish and durability. Magnesium renders the medal wear-resistant. These metals form an ideal combination of beauty and power.
That is why zinc alloy medals are able to get complicated forms and delicate details without breaking.
Types of Zinc Alloy Medals
Die-Cast Zinc Alloy Medals
The die-cast medals are manufactured by pouring the molten zinc alloy into a mold. The process provides perfection and sharp edges. The medals are prevalent in sports and schools.
2D Zinc Alloy Medals
These are flat and lined up medals. They are less complex, classy, and affordable.
3D Zinc Alloy Medals
There are raised and recessed areas in these medals. They have a natural three-dimensional appearance. They are custom awards that are often used within companies.
Antique Zinc Alloy Medals
These are antique gold, silver, or bronze finished medals. They possess an old-fashioned appearance that gives them value and status.
Colored Zinc Alloy Medals
These medals are painted with bright colors using enamel paint. They are popular with sports events and schools because of their good looks.
Plated Zinc Alloy Medals
These are medals gilt with gold, silver, or nickel. The plating increases lustre and strength.
Comparison to Other Medal Materials
Zinc Alloy vs Brass
Medals have been created using brass for a long time. It consists of a combination of copper and zinc and is strong and has a golden luster. Brasses are solid and luxurious to touch. They are usually selected to win military awards and high-level honors.
However, brass is costly. Its copper content is high and therefore costly, particularly when it comes in bulk. The prices of brass medals are too prohibitive when it comes to such events as school contests or sports championships.
After plating, the zinc alloy medals are virtually identical to the brass medals. They may be completed in gold, silver, or antique finishes. The contrast in looks is hardly palpable. Zinc alloy is, however, much less expensive to make. This makes it the wiser choice when thousands of medals are needed.
Concisely, the premium awards are made using brass, and the zinc alloy provides the same appearance at a reduced cost.
Zinc Alloy vs Iron
Another traditional material of medals is iron. It is tough and strong. Iron is a metal that is solid and may last a lifetime. They are also cheaper than the brass, and they are therefore a mid-range option.
Iron has the major disadvantage of weight. Iron medals are too heavy to be carried during the long events and are, in any case, uncomfortable. They are quite hard to carry for children and athletes.
Iron is also prone to rust if it is not coated. Moisture may destroy iron medals in due course.
These issues are addressed using zinc alloy medals. They weigh less than iron, are easy to wear, and are more resistant to corrosion. The reason why zinc alloy medals are favored by the event organizers is the fact that they fit perfectly in terms of durability and comfort.
Zinc Alloy vs Aluminum
Aluminum medals are desired where the event is budget-friendly. They are quite portable and simple to manufacture. Aluminum also does not rust and is thus appropriate for long-term storage.
But aluminum has limits. It is liquid and not able to retain fineries. Complicated logos, 3D designs, or clean lines tend to appear bland on aluminum medals. They can bend or scratch better than the zinc alloy medals.
Zinc alloy, however, has more strength. It can be engraved deeply and sharply. Zinc medals customized using enamel or 3D molds appear much professional compared to aluminum medals. In the cases where design is important, zinc alloy is more preferable.
Zinc Alloy vs Stainless Steel
Medals made of stainless steel are precious but not common. Stainless steel is hard, smooth, and non-rustable. Mostly, it is applied to luxury goods and durable goods. Stainless steel medals appear contemporary and upscale.
Stainless steel is, however, very difficult to mold. It is hard and expensive to make small details or to form anything unique. Its manufacturing period is longer, and the cost per medal is significantly higher compared to zinc alloy.
Zinc alloy is more adaptable for making. It can be shaped into 3D or 2D. It also receives various finishes such as gold, silver, or antique bronze. The alloy of zinc can be made more appropriate for mass production due to this flexibility.
Stainless steel is suitable for special, single-time awards. Zinc alloy is ideal when design diversity is required, and when cost-effectiveness is a consideration in a mass event.
Fashions in Custom Zinc Alloy Medals
The current tendencies are characterized by the increase in unique designs. 3D custom zinc medals are getting more popular as sports and corporate prizes.
Enamel in a glow-in-the-dark is also in fashion. It gives medals to the children, adding fun and creativity.
Custom packaging is yet another trend. Medals are now available with velvet cases or printed cases, which makes them more high-end.
Uses of Zinc Alloy Medals
Zinc metal alloy finds its applications in a wide range of areas. They are given to the winners of football, cricket, or racing events in sports. They are used in schools for students who are the best and in competitions. Custom zinc medals are given to employees as a reward in companies.
Even badges of military type are commonly of zinc alloy. The substance is dense yet lightweight and hence convenient. Zinc alloy and medals are also gifts available in souvenir shops. They are very popular among tourists who keep them as a remembrance of places and events.
Finishing and Styles
The variety of finishes is one of the best characteristics of zinc alloy medals. Gold plating can be done to give a royal appearance. Silver plating provides a clean and modern outlook. Vintage bronze is used to provide the vintage feel.
Other medals are made with enamel colors to differentiate the design. Sandblasting is also used by others for a rugged feel. The various finishes provide another value and mood. That is why the organizers of the events can correlate the medals with the topic of their ceremony.
Custom Zinc Alloy Medals
Personalized zinc medals are very popular nowadays. They allow you to design medals that are a representation of your brand, school, or event. The shape, size, and color can be selected. You may include ribbons, engraving, or even 3D logos.
As an example, a company can present a zinc medal with the company logo to the employee of the year. A school can make a medal that has its emblem on it in a debate competition. These minor facts make the medal more intimate and significant.
Benefits Compared to Other Medals
Zinc alloy medals are less expensive than brass medals, yet they appear fashionable. They weigh less than the iron medals, hence can be easily worn by people. Zinc alloy medals can be detailed in comparison with aluminum medals.
This is a balance that makes them stick out. Organizers can make savings and offer awards that are very high-end. Zinc alloy is always a good choice when it comes to bulk orders.
Flexibility is also another massive merit. Zinc alloy is moldable into 3D and 2D. It endorses enamel coloring, antique finishes, and gold or silver plating. This presents organizers of events with numerous designs.
Zinc alloy is also a more resistant material to rust compared to iron, and preserves the shine longer than aluminum. It is durable, beautiful, and affordable to schools, sports clubs, and companies. That is why zinc alloy medals are still the best in the current medal production business.
Care and Maintenance
In order to maintain a zinc alloy medal in good condition, it should be stored in a dry place. Wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dust. Strong chemicals should not be used as they will destroy the plating.
To have your medals shine through thick and thin in years, put them in a display box. This not only protects them but also makes them look beautiful on shelves.
The Reason why Zinc Alloy is the best
Zinc alloy medals are the most viable in the present market. These unite style, longevity, and affordability. They are employed in schools, companies, sports clubs, and international events.
The custom zinc medals are increasing in demand annually. There are many individuals seeking to have medals that identify them. This can be done using zinc alloy without a cost increment. This is the reason why it is the most reliable material in the manufacturing of the medals.
Recycling and the Environmental Impact
Zinc alloy is recyclable. The old medals can be melted and used in the production of new products. This helps to waste less and be sustainable.
There are new eco-friendly processes of manufacturing medals by manufacturers. A lot of companies put their efforts into the minimization of chemical usage in plating. Zinc alloy is a greener metal when compared to others because of its recyclability.
Zinc Alloy Medals are used in popular events
In numerous events, zinc alloy medals are popular. The most frequent ones are sports tournaments. Zinc alloy medals are commonly given out in football, cricket, running, and swimming events.
They are also used in schools in terms of academic performance and extracurricular activities. Zinc alloy medals are commonly awarded in science fairs, debates, and art contests.
Another sphere is corporate events. Excellence, teamwork, or long service are also some of the reasons why companies give employees awards. They are even used in annual achievements by the clubs and societies.
Zinc alloy is lightweight, and it is customizable, so it can be used in almost any occasion.
Zinc Alloy Medallions Customization
The personalization of the medals is a crucial feature in contemporary medal design. A medal can be altered in terms of shape, size, or thickness. Engraving or embossing may be done on logos, text, and images.
Medals are distinguished by enamel colours. Ribbons may be in line with the theme of the event. Even boxes may be customized to velvet cases or printed cases.
All these choices ensure that no two medals are the same. Organizers also prefer custom zinc medals because they want to make a lasting impression.
Zinc Alloy Medal Manufacturing Future
Zinc alloy medals have a bright future. Technology will also enhance the quality of designs. 3D printing and laser engraving will make the custom medals cheaper and quicker to create.
Plating that is eco-friendly will also increase in demand. Other event organizers will request a green medal.
With the globalization of events, the quantity of medals will be required. Zinc alloy will remain a leader due to its cost, design, and durability balance.
結論
The zinc alloy medal is not just any piece of metal. It is a symbol of success, self-pride, and honor. It is cheap and durable with an adaptable design, hence it fits every type of award.
In sports and education, in business, and in souvenirs, zinc alloy medals are useful everywhere. They are still polished, solid, and stylish over the years. Zinc alloy can also be customized using logos, colors, and 3D images, and each medal is unique. It is easy to carry, wear, and is environmentally friendly since worn-out medals can be recycled. Zinc alloy would be the most suitable metal to choose in case you need quality, style, as well as affordable medals.
よくあるご質問
What is a zinc alloy medal composed of?
It is composed of zinc blended with other metals to enhance strength and flexibility.
Can zinc alloy medals be durable?
Yes. They have a long life and do not rust or wear out.
Are zinc alloy medals customizable?
Yes. Any design, logo, or finish can be selected.
Are zinc alloy medals costly?
No. They are cheap as opposed to brass or copper medals.
What finishes do you have?
Common finishes include gold, silver, bronze, enamel, and antique, along with textured finishes.