Die-struck and cast are the two main production methods for metal medals. A die-struck medal is stamped from metal under enormous pressure using a hardened die, producing crisp detail and a dense, refined feel. A cast medal is made by pouring molten metal into a mould, allowing more sculptural, three-dimensional and complex shapes. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the design, the desired feel and the quantity.
Planning medals for a race or event? See our custom marathon medals.
At Fabit in Antwerp, we advise on this choice for every medal commission rather than defaulting to whatever is cheapest. We deliver worldwide, respond to every enquiry within 24 hours, and help you match the production method to what your award needs to achieve.
How die-struck medals are made
Die-struck medals begin with a hardened steel die engraved with the design. A metal blank is placed under a press and struck with tremendous force, which pushes the metal into the fine detail of the die. The result is a medal with sharp, precise relief, clean lettering and a smooth, dense surface. The striking process compresses the metal, which is part of why die-struck medals have such a satisfying weight and quality feel.
How cast medals are made
Cast medals are produced by creating a mould and pouring molten metal into it. Once cooled, the medal is removed, cleaned and finished. Casting allows shapes and depths that striking cannot easily achieve: pronounced three-dimensionality, undercuts, open areas and sculptural forms. The surface has a slightly softer, more textured character than a struck medal, which can be exactly the look a sculptural design calls for.
Strengths of die-struck
- Exceptional sharpness and fine detail, ideal for logos, crests and small text.
- A dense, premium weight and smooth surface.
- Excellent consistency across large runs.
- Clean surfaces that take polished, plated and enamel finishes beautifully.
Die-struck is often the right answer for classic podium medals, finisher medals at volume, and any design where crisp detail and a refined feel are the priority.
Strengths of casting
Casting excels where the medal is more of a sculpture than a disc. It handles bold three-dimensional forms, unusual silhouettes, cut-outs and pronounced depth that would be impossible to strike. For an MVP award, a signature finisher medal with a dramatic shape, or a piece where the design is the star, casting opens creative possibilities die-striking cannot match. It can also be more economical for very deep or complex shapes.
How to choose between them
The decision comes down to a few questions we work through with every client. How fine and precise is the detail? Die-struck favours sharpness. How sculptural and three-dimensional is the form? Casting favours depth. How large is the run, and how consistent must every piece be? Die-struck excels at volume consistency. What feel do you want in the hand? Both can feel premium, but in different ways. Rather than pushing one method, we recommend the route that serves the specific design, which is central to our advisory approach.
Finish interacts with method
The production method affects how finishes read. The smooth surface of a die-struck medal takes a bright polished plating and crisp enamel edges superbly. The textured surface of a cast medal suits antique and satin finishes that emphasise its sculptural character. We consider method and finish together so the two reinforce each other. You can explore finish options on our materialenpagina.
Common misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that cast means cheap and struck means premium, or vice versa. Neither is true. Both can be executed at a premium standard, and both can be done badly. Quality comes from the tooling, the metal, the finishing and the care taken, not from the method alone. Another misconception is that you must choose one for the entire project. In practice, a set of awards can mix methods, using die-struck for volume medals and casting for a sculptural top-tier trophy.
Cost and quantity considerations
Cost behaves differently for the two methods, and understanding this helps you plan. Both die-struck and cast medals require tooling, which is a one-off setup cost, so the unit price falls as quantities rise. For large runs of a detailed, relatively flat medal, die-struck is usually the most economical route as well as the highest quality. For smaller quantities of a deep, sculptural piece, casting can be more cost-effective because the tooling suits complex geometry. There is no single rule, which is why we assess each project on its own terms and recommend the route that gives you the best result for your quantity and budget rather than steering you toward whichever is easiest to produce.
We also plan the practical detail regardless of method. Lead times are agreed well ahead of the event, quantities include a margin for late entries and replacements, and personalisation data is collected cleanly so engraving is accurate. Our 24-hour response commitment keeps decisions moving, and for international events, worldwide delivery from our Antwerp base is built into the timeline.
Matching method to the tier of award
Within a single event, different tiers often suit different methods. High-volume finisher or participation medals typically favour die-striking for consistent quality at scale, while a one-off MVP award or a sculptural top-tier trophy may call for casting. Rather than forcing the whole programme into one method, we choose per piece so each award is produced the best way for its role. This mixed approach, planned holistically across the programme, is a core part of how we deliver both quality and value from concept to finished set.
Why organisers rely on Fabit’s guidance
Organisers rely on Fabit because we explain these trade-offs clearly and recommend the method that serves the award, not the one that is easiest to produce. From our Antwerp studio we advise before we quote, respond within 24 hours, and deliver worldwide. Our experience across events at the level of the Durbuy GT Tour and the Global Champions Tour means we have produced both die-struck and cast pieces at the highest standard. See examples in our case gallery.
To discuss the right method for your medal, start in our design studio or explore our custom trophy service.
Veelgestelde vragen
Is die-struck better than cast?
Neither is universally better. Die-struck excels at sharp detail and volume consistency, casting excels at sculptural three-dimensional forms. The right choice depends on the design.
Which method is more premium?
Both can be premium. Quality comes from tooling, metal and finishing, not from the method itself.
Can one project use both methods?
Yes. A set can combine die-struck volume medals with a cast sculptural centrepiece.
Do you produce both die-struck and cast medals?
Yes. We produce both to a premium standard from Antwerp and deliver worldwide.
Related terms
