| Base material | Zinc alloy, brass, or iron | Zinc alloy is commonly used for shaped, dimensional designs. Brass and iron are often used for stamped or struck designs. | Choose according to artwork detail, desired relief, weight, and production method. |
| Die-casting | Typically used with zinc alloy | Molten alloy is injected into a reusable metal mold to create raised and recessed details, including shaped edges and three-dimensional relief. | Suitable for sculpted soccer balls, player silhouettes, and layered design elements. |
| Stamped or struck construction | Often selected for brass or iron | A die presses the design into sheet metal. The method works well for flatter profiles and clearly defined raised or recessed areas. | Confirm that fine artwork lines and lettering suit the chosen metal thickness and relief. |
| Medal size and thickness | Commonly customized; many designs fall around 50–75 mm across and 2–5 mm thick | Final dimensions depend on the design, material, relief, and intended weight. These figures are typical design ranges, not fixed standards. | Approve a dimensioned artwork proof or sample before full production. |
| Surface plating | Gold-tone, silver-tone, nickel-tone, copper-tone, or antique-effect finishes | Plating and surface treatments change the medal’s appearance. The final color can vary by finish, base material, and production process. | Check finish samples under suitable lighting and specify the required appearance clearly. |
| Color filling | Soft enamel, hard enamel, or printed color | Enamel colors are placed in recessed areas separated by metal borders. Printed color can be considered for artwork with gradients or fine color detail. | Review color references, small text, and border definition on an approved proof or sample. |
| Edge and surface treatment | Smooth, polished, textured, or rope-style edge | Edge details and surface texture can be incorporated into the mold or die design, depending on the selected production method. | Inspect the perimeter for sharp burrs and check that texture is consistent with the approved design. |
| Ribbon attachment | Metal loop with neck ribbon; ribbon colors and printed graphics can be customized | The loop position and opening should be designed to match the ribbon attachment and medal orientation. | Check attachment security, ribbon alignment, and the medal’s front-facing position. |
| Quality inspection | Artwork, dimensions, surface, color, and assembly | A practical inspection can compare finished pieces with the approved proof or sample and check for visible defects, inconsistent finishes, and assembly issues. | Define acceptance criteria and sample approval requirements before production begins. |