Blank medals and ribbons

Types of Blank Medals and Ribbons

Medals have long been awarded in most popular physical contests, with victors receiving medals as trophies and losers getting medals of participation, especially in tournaments where individual performance is measured. However, in modern times, medals have also been incorporated into several other activities that do not require competition.

Here are the most common types of blank medals and ribbons:

• Sports medals

  Custom sports medals are generally designed with motifs representing a kind of sport and may feature the date of the event and the name of the winner (this may be engraved on the medal). Sports medals are mainly produced in different types of metals, such as gold, silver, and bronze, and are commonly awarded in games in various competitions for winners and participants.

• Academic medals

  School or educational institution medals signify achievements in various academic activities like science fairs, artistic contests, or inter-school quiz competitions. They mostly have themes of academic pursuits, including books, test tubes, or scholars, and they bear inscriptions like 'Best Student' or 'Academic Excellence.'

• Service medals

  Uniform medals are used in the military to honor and award personnel. This type of medal may have designs that cut across certain branches of the military, such as insignia or emblems. Service medals typically represent the rank of a soldier, a milestone, or an honor of dedication. However, blank military medals can be customized, and soldiers use these medals to memorialize fallen comrades or recreate medals for film or theater performances.

• Civic medals

  Civic medals are often awarded by councils, local authorities, or charitable institutions to honor distinguished services within the community. Typical imagery includes heraldry, community symbols, or historical references, with inscriptions such as 'Citizen of the Year' or 'For Meritorious Service.' This medal usually has no competition aspect and is solely aimed at recognizing and appreciating individuals who make positive contributions to society.

• Memorial or commemorative medals

  Commemorative medals are usually designed to mark particular events or anniversaries, such as a notable historical figure's birthday, the founding of an institution, or major historical events. They are primarily associated with historical events and are produced in various designs and imagery representing the event being commemorated. Commemorative medals also served the purpose of helping users learn about history.

• Company awards medals

  Companies also award medals to their employees for various reasons, including achieving goals, best customer service ratings, or being the employee of the month. These medals are typically branded with corporate logos, slogans, or values. In cases where they are blank, they can be designed or are kept flexible to allow customization to fit wide ranges of awards or recognition themes.

Design of Blank Medals and Ribbons

Medals can be designed to convey various things, including awards in competitions and recognitions for exemplary services and even commemorative reasons. The materials used to make medals considerably vary, as do the designs that convene with the occasion for which they are intended.

Here are some design features on medals with ribbons:

• Shape and size

  Most medals are round, but many come in different forms, like star-shaped awards or heart-shaped commemorative medals. Traditionally, sports medals are designed to be larger as a practical means of showcasing the achievement. However, recent trends result in medals not necessarily being large but complex in shape, such as interlocking segments or 3D designs.

• Material

  Medals may also be made of different materials, including metal, acrylic, resin, wood, and alloy materials. Such a choice of material is normally contingent upon the medal's purpose. For instance, ordinary day wear or custom medals may be made from less expensive metal or wood, while medals of honor and achievement may be costly and traditionally be in gold or silver. Even so, with advancements in technology, medals are now synonymous with modern materials like acrylic, which allows for more intricate designs but is considerably less in weight.

• Imagery and symbolism

  The medal's design incorporates several images and symbols, including event-specific ones, institutional logos, or representations of service to the community. Sports medals may depict athletes in actions, while academic medals may use symbols like owls or torches to portray learning or scholarship. Military medals, on the other hand, may physically and symbolically represent emblems or motifs associated with particular military ranks or divisions. Common symbols used for civic awards include laurels, pigeons, or local authority emblems.

• Inscriptions

  The majority of medals have written text, which may comprise the title of the medal, the name of the person to whom the award is given, and the date or the event. Inscriptions can also be academic, such as 'Academic Excellence,' which is a generic expression, or a more serious military medal. In many instances, medals provided for sale have blank spaces purposely left for easy inscriptions.

• Ribbon design

  The ribbon design is a critical component of the overall format of the medal. Ribbons look different in terms of width, color, and patterns. Most medals are characterized by conventionally designed ribbons that are often draped over the neck or the medal grasped in the palm. Sports medals are normally made of materials that are comfortable to wear, such as cotton or nylon. In schools, academic medals come with ribbons made of cotton or nylon and are comfortably attachable to blazers or sashes. In ceremonies, military medals are affixed to ribbons whose colors represent the military faction. Ribbons for civic medals are offered in divergent colors and patterns, depending on the region's culture and tradition.

Scenarios of Blank Medals and Ribbons

Medal ribbons can be used in various activities, and while they mainly serve the purpose of awarding or recognizing individuals, they can also be incorporated into other celebrations. Medal ribbons are typically designed according to an event's or organization’s theme or purpose. They come in symbolic colors with specific patterns, figures, and words.

Here are some scenarios of blank medals and ribbons:

• Athletic competitions

  Athletic events are most characteristically associated with the award of medals, be it winners in marathons, wrestlers, swimmers, or participants of any other sport. They come in varieties of size, shape, and material. Most medals are usually accompanied by ribbons that can be comfortably worn by the athletes around their necks. These medals serve the purpose of providing the winners with not only a badge of honor but also a tangible prize for their hard work.

• School events

  Schools often organize events like science fairs, math competitions, or inter-clubs contests and issue medals to the winners. Academic medals are usually designed with elements of learning, like books or torches, to motivate students to perform even better. Ribbons in these scenarios are often featured in colors that match the school's identity or the event's overall theme.

• Military recognition

  Medals have been traditionally used in the military to recognize and honor bravery, dedication, and service. Custom military medals usually come with emblems of simplistically and richly designed military military medals and typically are accompanied by ribbons, which are the colors of the specific military faction of the army.

• Civic recognition

  Local governments and NGOs also give out medals in honor of outstanding citizens or those who have made a contribution to charity. Such medals are generally designed with themes of community, such as imagery of laurel, historic figures, or local symbols. Medal ribbons in these scenarios usually correspond with the culture and traditions of the community.

• Memorials and commemorations

  Medals are also used during memorials for important persons or events. Commemorative medals are designed based on historical figures, events, or story-telling through images and metal. These medals serve the dual purpose of memorializing and educating, with ribbons that are often in colors symbolizing the event or individual.

• Corporate awards

  In the corporate world, medals are awarded to employees for performance, dedicated service, or years of service. These medals often bear company logos or mottos, and medal ribbons are usually in corporate colors or designed with patterns that resonate with the company's culture.

Specification & Maintenance of Blank Medals and Ribbons

Blank medals are designed such that they can be customized to suit the occasion or the entity. This may consist of adding inscriptions, symbolic drawings, or even applying different types of finishes to the medal.

Here are some key specifications and maintenance tips for blank medals and ribbons:

• Materials

  Blank medals are usually available in various materials, including metals like stainless steel, zinc alloys, and brass, as well as moderns acrylic. The choice of material determines the medal's durability and appearance. Whereas metals can be used for engraving or stamping, acrylic provides a unique surface to print or paint custom designs.

• Sizes

  Blank medals come in different size specifications, ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter for the typical circular medal. Custom medals can also be larger for special events or unique designs. Standard sizes for medals are similar across different events and awards, providing a consistent appearance for a competition.

• Customization options

  Customization is the core appeal of custom medals. Techniques used to customize medals include engraving, where medal faces are usually inscribed with names, dates, or distinctive designs using tools; printing on medal surfaces, particularly suitable for acrylic medals, provides flexibility in design; and casting, usually for detailed designs, especially on metal blanks, where molten metal is poured into a mold with the desired shape.

• Ribbon specifications

  Ribbons are usually manufactured in varying widths ranging from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, depending on the medal's size and presentation. Ribbons are manufactured from different materials, including nylon, cotton, and polyester. The most popular choice for awards is the fold and slide attachment system, which neatly slides a folded ribbon into place for comfortable wearing or display.

• Maintenance of medals

  Maintenance of the medals is, therefore, important to keep them looking elegant. Store medals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or tarnishing and, where possible, hang or display them in dust-proof cases to prevent scratches or damage. Clean medals using a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, or residues, and avoid chemical cleaners on metal medals, as they can cause tarnishing or damage. If customization involves painting or printing, use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to preserve custom designs.

• Maintenance of ribbons

  Ribbons are generally required to be washed delicately with mild detergent in cold water to get rid of dirt or stains without causing damage. Hang ribbons to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Ribbons should also be stored by rolling or folding them neatly to avoid tangling, and medals should be stored together with ribbons in dust-proof cases to prevent exposure to dust and insects.

Q&A

Q1: Is it possible to create medals with specific designs for corporate events?

A1: Companies usually award medals to honor employees for years of service, targeting effort achievement, outstanding customer service, or simply making them Employee of the Month. These medals often carry a company's slogan, motto, or emblem as a symbol and deal with ribbons that bear the company's colors or have patterns symbolizing its culture.

Q2: What are the metals commonly used for making blank medals?

A2: Blank medals are coppers, brass, and steel. Steve medals have a golden look and a shiny surface, while brass medals, mainly alloyed with zinc, present a duller goldish appearance, ideal for medals. Inexpensive medals are often cast in bronze, which, as a metal, is highly recommended for its tarnishing resistance. Zinc alloys, which can be die-cast, are given economic and intricate designs. Acrylic medals interjected modernity, lightweight, and vibrant.

Q3: Can medals mainly be designed for special events?

A3: Yes. Commemorative medals are usually designed for special occasions, such as important historical events, notable individuals, or the founding anniversaries of organizations. They encapsulate history and purpose and commonly use color and imagery to represent the event.

Q4: Are blank medals suitable for outdoor events?

A4: Yes, medal ribbons are even more suitable for outdoor events such as marathons, triathlons, and other athletic competitions. Most are made of durable fabric like nylon to withstand different weather conditions.

Q5: What advances in technology have contributed to medal customization?

A5: Advancements in printing technology, especially on acrylic or metal surfaces, have allowed for detailed, vibrant designs that are easy to customize. Laser engraving provides precision for personalization, enabling intricate designs or text to be applied quickly and efficiently.