While the production and application of medals vary depending on materials, processes, and occasions, the overall process follows a systematic path from design establishment and process execution to finished product management and use. Only by strictly adhering to technical specifications and operational guidelines at each stage can the medals meet the expected standards in form, texture, and symbolic meaning, and maintain their due solemnity and integrity during awarding and collection.
In the design and preparation stage, the process begins with needs analysis and scheme determination. The operator needs to communicate with the organizer or design team to clarify the medal's purpose, grade, theme, quantity, and budget range, and select the material type and process route accordingly. Then, the shape and patterns are drawn, and the proportions and visual effects are verified through 3D modeling or hand-drawn templates. The focus at this stage is to ensure the feasibility of the design, that is, the selected structure can match the established molding process, avoiding difficulties in subsequent processing or cost overruns due to overly complex shapes.
In the molding and production stage, the operational methods vary depending on the type of process. When using the casting method, a prototype mold and a refractory mold must first be made. The dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the wax or silicone mold must be controlled. Then, the metal must be accurately weighed and melted, maintaining stable melting temperature and pouring speed to prevent porosity and cold shut defects. After demolding, riser removal, burr grinding, and preliminary shaping should be performed sequentially. When using the stamping method, a high-precision mold must be made according to the medal design. The press pressure and stroke must be adjusted to ensure that the contour and relief are formed in one go with neat edges. CNC cutting operations require importing accurate 3D data during the programming stage, setting reasonable cutting paths, speeds, and feed rates, and real-time monitoring of tool wear and workpiece fixation during processing to prevent vibration or displacement from affecting accuracy. Laser engraving and etching operations require calibrating the beam or etching solution parameters to ensure clear lines, uniform depth, and no damage to the substrate.
The surface decoration and treatment processes emphasize process integration and quality control. For enamel filling, the decorative area must first be cleaned and glazed, controlling the glaze thickness and uniformity, before firing in a kiln to the specified temperature and time. After removal from the kiln, it should be slowly cooled to prevent cracking. For baking or spraying, adjust the spray gun air pressure and distance to ensure a uniform coating and adequate adhesion, followed by curing. Electroplating and oxidation operations require appropriate electrolytes and current densities to ensure consistent color and a dense film. Polishing, brushing, or sandblasting should be performed with force applied in a predetermined direction to achieve a harmonious and uniform surface texture. In multi-process combinations, the sequence of steps should be rationally arranged to avoid residues from previous processes affecting subsequent adhesion or causing irreversible damage.
Quality inspection is a crucial aspect of the operating procedures, requiring full-process control from raw material inspection to final product inspection. For metal materials, verify the composition and physical properties. For semi-finished products, check dimensional tolerances, embossing clarity, and surface defects. For finished products, conduct sampling or full inspection of appearance, color, and the firmness of magnetic attachments or hanging rings. If necessary, simulate actual usage environments for abrasion resistance, weather resistance, and drop tests to ensure the medals maintain stable quality under normal storage and display conditions.
In the use and storage of medals, the operating procedures emphasize proper wearing and secure storage. When awarding medals, the consistency between the medal and the award information should be verified to avoid mismatches. Before use, the hanging rings or ribbon buckles should be checked for structural integrity to prevent breakage due to aging or improper stress. For long-term storage, medals should be placed in a dry, dark environment with suitable temperature and humidity. A desiccant box or protective oil layer can be used to slow oxidation. During display, avoid friction or heavy pressure from hard objects to maintain the integrity of the surface texture and plating. Medals with minor damage should be professionally repaired by qualified personnel to avoid secondary damage caused by improper handling.
In general, the operation of medals constitutes a closed-loop system consisting of design preparation, molding and production, surface treatment, quality inspection, and use and storage. Each step is independent yet closely connected, requiring operators to possess both craftsmanship skills and a sense of responsibility, balancing artistic effect and engineering reliability in precise execution. Only in this way can the medal, with its proper form and texture, convey irreplaceable honor and memory in every award and gaze.
