Medal – a thought preserved in metal

Striking a commemorative medal

Proces tłoczenia medalu okolicznościowego

Plaster

Before we actually start to make a medal, first we need to prepare a preliminary design and, then, to create a plaster model in our art room. Everything is handmade by our medallist.

Master dies

The plaster image is laser scanned so that we receive a 3D computer scan. Based on this scan, we make medal obverse and reverse production master dies.

First strike

Then, the punched blank is placed on a numismatic press where it is pressed under the pressure of tens of tons.

Annealing

After the first strike, the medal is annealed in a special furnace at a temperature of 800-900 degrees.

Second strike

Thanks to this process, metal is softened which allows us to give it the second strike, continued until the entire image is fully pressed into the hot material.

Image

Depending on how complex a given design is and how deep the relief is, this press is activated to strike each piece as many times as required to achieve the desired finish of the detailed image.

Open technique

In most cases, medals are pressed using the so-called open technique. Under a lot of pressure, metal "spills" all over, forming asymmetrical edges.

Processing

To smooth the edges, they are rounded off with a metal milling machine which allows to get rid of excessive metal. In the event of processing orders which require providing a specific weight and shape of a product, we use special rings preventing metal spilling.

Grinding

Then, the goods are precisely ground so that their surface is perfectly smooth.

Plating

After the appropriate treatment, the surface of the medal is refined by silvering, gilding, oxidation or patinating.

Washing

Next, the product takes a "chemical bath" where the metal covering the medal is oxidized.

Drying

Now, the plated product must be dried.

Polishing

Processed in this way, the medal is hand polished with utmost precision. The photo shows a distinctive metal refining method called oxidation.

Finished product

Prepared in this way, the medal is now delivered to our individual or institutional customer.