Custom Printed Medals in Bulk — Full-Color UV Medal Manufacturing
Custom printed medals are ideal when your award design includes full-color logos, gradients, mascots, sponsor graphics, photo-like details, or artwork that is difficult to achieve with traditional enamel filling.
Factory-direct custom printed medals with full-color UV printing technology. Logos, gradients, photos, and complex brand artwork printed directly onto metal — no enamel color-separation required. Free design proof within 24 hours. MOQ starts from 100 pieces per design. Bulk production completed in 7-15 days. Trusted by Disney, Universal Studios, ByteDance, and 50+ global brands.
Custom Printed Medal Pricing & MOQ
UV printed medals offer full-color artwork at competitive pricing. Because UV printing eliminates the color-separation step required by enamel filling, complex multi-color designs often cost less than equivalent soft enamel medals — especially for artwork with gradients, photos, or many sponsor logos.
Quantity Tiers Table
| Quantity | Best For | Unit Cost Guidance |
| 100–300 pcs | New design testing, small events, trial orders | Base pricing tier;$0.68–$0.78/pc |
| 300–1,000 pcs | Standard bulk orders, school events, charity runs | Volume discount begins;$0.52–$0.58/pc |
| 1,000–5,000 pcs | Large events, corporate awards, multi-location races | Significant volume discount;$0.43–$0.49/pc |
| 5,000+ pcs | Wholesale orders, annual event contracts | Best unit price + dedicated production line;$0.36–$0.41/pc |
Buyer’s Tip: For multi-version artwork (e.g., different sponsor logos on the same medal base), UV printing is far more cost-effective than enamel because no new color molds are needed per version. Send your artwork for a detailed quotation — we respond within 24 hours.
Pricing Factors Table
| Factor | Impact on Price |
| Size (1.5″ / 2″ / 2.5″ / 3″) | Larger size → higher unit cost |
| Material (Zinc Alloy / Acrylic / Wood) | Zinc alloy = standard; Acrylic = lighter & modern; Wood = eco-friendly |
| Print Coverage (Single-side / Double-side) | More print area → higher cost |
| Epoxy/AP Coating | Adds ~10-15% to unit cost; significantly improves durability and appearance |
| Ribbon (Standard / Sublimated Custom) | Custom ribbons increase unit cost |
| Packaging (Bulk / OPP bag / Gift box) | Packaging requirements affect final unit price |
Quick Pricing Reference
- Budget Range:Stock blank insert base + UV print → most economical option
- Standard Range: Custom die-cast zinc alloy + full-color UV print + epoxy coating
- Premium Range:3D relief + soft enamel + UV print hybrid + double-sided + custom packaging
Fast Custom Printed Medal Solution
Need It Fast? Choose UV Printed Blank Insert Medals.
When your deadline is tight or your budget needs to stay controlled, UV printed blank insert medals can be a practical solution. Instead of opening a new mold, we use an existing medal base and customize the center insert area with your event logo, race distance, award title, sponsor artwork, or full-color design.
This option is especially useful for schools, local races, sports clubs, corporate programs, charity events, and small-batch award projects that still need a professional custom medal appearance.
*If your project mainly needs fast logo customization on an existing medal base, you can also compare our custom blank insert medals for more stock-based award options.UV printing applies CMYK ink directly onto the medal surface — no enamel masks, no color-filling steps — producing gradient effects and photorealistic images that enamel cannot reproduce. Our running medals page covers UV printed medals as one of four manufacturing methods, with typical 18-20 day turnaround. See uv print virtual run medal options.
UV Print Medal Showcase
UV printing gives medal designs more freedom when the artwork includes gradients, small text, illustrations, photo-like details, or complex brand colors. It can be used as a standalone process or combined with soft enamel, 3D relief, glitter, glow effects, spinning parts, acrylic elements, and epoxy coating to create more creative custom medals.
UV printing can be combined with soft enamel when a medal design needs both classic metal texture and high-definition printed details. Soft enamel is suitable for solid color areas separated by raised metal lines, while UV printing is better for small text, gradients, shadows, sponsor logos, or detailed illustrations.
For selected designs, UV ink can be layered to create a slightly raised printed texture on the medal surface. This can add depth to logos, patterns, numbers, icons, or decorative areas without changing the main metal structure.
Custom 3D medals: cast with real raised and recessed relief for landmarks, figures, and complex objects, plus options for rotating centers, built-in LED structures, and mixed-material assemblies — factory-direct with the fastest lead time of 7 days. See our custom 3d medals page.
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UV printing can be combined with other medal decoration processes to create more creative and visually rich award designs. While UV printing is suitable for full-color graphics, gradients, sponsor logos, and detailed artwork, special effects such as glow-in-the-dark areas should be made with glow paint or regular baked enamel mixed with glow powder, rather than UV printing itself. This makes hybrid medal production a flexible option for fun runs, themed races, kids’ events, charity campaigns, promotional awards, and creative event medals.
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UV printing can be applied to different medal materials and surfaces, including zinc alloy, acrylic, wood, and selected coated metal surfaces. Zinc alloy medals provide a heavier and more premium award feel, while acrylic medals are lightweight and modern. The best material depends on your event type, budget, design style, and durability expectations.
When to Choose UV Printed Medals Over Enamel — A Buyer’s Guide
Not every medal design needs UV printing — and not every design works with enamel. As a manufacturer offering both processes in-house, we help race medal buyers choose the right process based on artwork complexity, order quantity, budget, and timeline. Here is a practical guide.
| Artwork Type | Why UV Printing Works | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full-color event logos | Keeps complex logo colors without enamel separation lines | Corporate medals, race medals, school awards |
| Gradients and shadows | Prints smoother color transitions than enamel color fill | Modern medals, themed events, brand campaigns |
| Photos and illustrations | Supports photo-like artwork and detailed graphics | Dog shows, mascots, portraits, commemorative medals |
| Small sponsor logos | Keeps fine details clearer than manual color filling | Sponsored races, tournaments, corporate events |
| QR codes and tiny text | Works on selected flat areas where readability can be controlled | Digital campaigns, virtual runs, event promotions |
| Multi-version artwork | Same mold can use different printed artwork | Race distances, categories, annual updates |
The more complex the artwork is, the more important the file check becomes. We review medal size, print area, image resolution, metal background, and protective coating before confirming whether the artwork is ready for UV printing or needs adjustment.
UV Printed Medals vs Soft Enamel Medals: Which Process Is Right for Your Order?
There are key differences between medals produced solely via UV printing and those customized using the enamel process in terms of surface visual effects, manufacturing complexity, color richness, and color durability.
In our race and corporate award projects, UV printing is usually used when the artwork has many details, multiple versions, or many sponsor logos. Soft enamel is more common for traditional sports medals, race medals, and club awards with simple color separation.
Compare UV printed medals and soft enamel medals side by side — Badge Artisans manufactures both types in-house, helping B2B buyers choose the right process based on artwork, budget, quantity, and visual requirements.
Factor | UV Printed Medals | Soft Enamel Medals |
|---|---|---|
Best Artwork Type | Full-color logos, gradients, photos, sponsor graphics, small details | Solid colors separated by raised metal lines |
Color Method | CMYK full-color printing | Pantone color filling |
Surface Feel | Flat or slightly raised printed texture | Recessed enamel with raised metal borders |
Detail Performance | Better for tiny logos, shadows, gradients and photo-like graphics | Better for clean icons and bold color blocks |
Cost Logic | More efficient for many colors or multi-version artwork | More cost-effective for simple 1–6 color designs |
Protective Option | Epoxy/AP coating recommended for printed areas | Can be left textured or covered with epoxy |
Best For | Corporate medals, virtual run medals, sponsor-heavy race medals | Classic race medals, sports medals, club awards |
Multi-Version Cost | No extra mold fee — change logo by updating print file only | Each version requires separate color-separation mold |
Best For | Mold stored on file — reorder at production cost only | Mold stored on file — reorder at production cost only |
Selection tips:
- Use UV printing when your design includes gradients, photos, full-color logos, sponsor graphics, or multiple artwork versions.
- Use soft enamel when your design uses clean color blocks, raised metal lines, and a traditional medal texture.
- Use both when you need metal texture plus small printed details.
If your project needs classic metal lines and enamel color blocks, you can also review our custom enamel medals .
Die-Cast Metal vs Acrylic UV Printed Medals: Material Selection Guide
Both custom die-cast medals and custom acrylic medals support UV printing. However, there are significant differences between these two materials in terms of shape, visual appeal, durability, weight, edge effects, and color richness. Zinc alloy, being a metal material, offers a superior texture and higher durability; when combined with the enamel coloring process, it delivers an even more high-end and premium feel.
Material Property | Custom Zinc Alloy (Die-Cast Metal) Medals | Custom Acrylic Medals |
|---|---|---|
Perceived Value | Heavy weight metal feel. Best for corporate awards, race medals, and premium events. Compatible with plated edges. | Lightweight and modern. Best for kids’ events, fun runs, and budget-conscious projects. Lower shipping weight reduces freight costs. |
Durability | Extreme. Permanent heirloom quality; won’t break. | Moderate. Prone to scratches; can crack if dropped. |
Edge Finish | Plated Edges. Gold, Silver, or Bronze polished finish. | Laser-Cut. Smooth, transparent or colored edges. |
Ink Adhesion | Industrial Bonded. Specialized pre-treatment for metal. | Standard. Direct printing on the reverse or front side. |
3D Shape Support | Full 3D. Can be cast into any complex 3D shape. | 2.5D/Flat. Limited to laser-cut flat outlines. |
Application | High-End Marathons, Prestigious Awards. | Participation Medals, Kid’s Events, Fun Runs. |
UV printing is listed among the manufacturing processes on our marathon page for programs that need full-color artwork without enamel masks — a 7–15 day bulk window and 100-piece MOQ keep the order practical. Our bulk marathon sport medal page covers when UV print fits a marathon order and when 3D relief or enamel is the better call for larger finisher events. Check bulk marathon sport medal options.
Medal Factory vs. MedalTrading Company
Deal Directly with the Source: Why Choose Our Factory?
Many online “suppliers” are actually our downstream customers. By choosing Badge Artisans, you are skipping the middleman and securing professional manufacturing stability.
UV Printed Medals Product Showcase
We have produced UV printed medals for race events, corporate awards, school activities, virtual runs, animal shows, tournaments, and branded campaigns. The examples below are not just product displays. They help you compare material, size, process, and project scenario before choosing your own medal setup.
- Recommend size:70mm–80mm
- Process Setup:Acrylic center + metal frame + high-definition UV printing + full-color polyester ribbon
- Project Highlight:Best for corporate awards, branded activations, fun runs, and promotional campaigns that need lightweight medals with sharp full-color logo reproduction.
- Recommend size:75mm–85mm
- Process Setup:Die-cast metal base + antique gold plating + embossed outer frame + full-color UV printed scenic center
- Project Highlight:Strong sample for photo-like artwork, dog portraits, scenic backgrounds, gradients, and pet-event storytelling that enamel cannot reproduce clearly.
- Recommend size:70mm–80mm
- Process Setup:Zinc alloy + matte silver plating + UV printed front + 3D die-cast relief back + full-color sublimated ribbon
- Project Highlight:Shows how UV printing can handle cartoon-style full-color artwork while 3D relief adds a structured reverse-side finisher design.
- Recommend size:75mm–90mm
- Process Setup:Zinc alloy die casting + black nickel plating + soft enamel + UV printed blue siren detail + checkered sublimated ribbon
- Project Highlight:Good example of combining 3D structure, dark metal plating, enamel color blocks, and UV printed light effects for a strong themed race medal.
- Recommend size:80mm–95mm
- Process Setup:Zinc alloy + custom chain-shaped die casting + hollow center + 3D embossing + matte copper plating + UV printed cyclist artwork
- Project Highlight:Best for cycling races and endurance sportives where the medal shape, 3D structure, and UV printed scene all reinforce the sport identity.
- Recommend size:65mm–75mm
- Process Setup:Zinc alloy die casting + spray-painted color base + high-precision UV printed school crest and text + striped ribbon
- Project Highlight:Suitable for school awards, graduation medals, academic honor programs, and high-volume institutional orders needing clear logos at controlled cost.
- Recommend size:65mm–75mm
- Process Setup:Metal base + bright silver plated rim + full-color UV printed center + clear epoxy coating + printed ribbon
- Project Highlight:Strong fit for kids’ fun runs, family trail events, school sports days, and designs with playful illustration, gradients, and fine graphic details.
- Recommend size:70mm–85mm
- Process Setup:Zinc alloy die casting + bottle-cap shape + built-in bottle opener + bright silver edge + full-color UV printed gradient artwork + printed ribbon
- Project Highlight:Good for virtual 5K, beer runs, Oktoberfest events, lifestyle races, and sponsor campaigns where the medal needs both full-color graphics and a practical function.
Design-to-Product Preview
For UV printed medals, the key risks are color appearance, print position, and fine detail reproduction. We control these points through artwork proofing, sample review, print area evaluation, and final inspection instead of moving directly from a screen mockup to bulk production.
Free design proof → 24h artwork → sample photos or video confirmation → bulk production. We reduce the gap between design proof and finished product through print area evaluation, surface preparation, UV curing, and QC inspection.
If your project needs a physical sample, we can make one before bulk production. Sample lead time is usually 7–10 days. Physical samples can be shipped for review, usually with additional shipping cost and extra project time. For efficiency, most customers confirm sample details by photos or videos before bulk production.
Quick Specs Reference
For UV printed medals, specifications are not only about size. Print area, metal background, plating color, protective coating, and material all affect the final result. We usually review your artwork first, then recommend the right medal size, material, and surface treatment.
| Parameter | Standard Range | Popular Choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 50mm–100mm | 70mm / 76mm | Larger medals give more print area |
| Thickness | 2mm–5mm | 3mm | Depends on medal material and structure |
| Material | Zinc alloy / iron / stainless steel / acrylic / wood | Zinc alloy | Zinc alloy supports custom shapes and plating |
| Process | UV printing / soft enamel / epoxy/AP / plating / engraving | UV printing + epoxy/AP | Good for full-color artwork |
| Plating | Nickel / silver / gold / black nickel / antique silver | Nickel or silver | Light metal backgrounds often support clearer print contrast |
| Print Area | Flat / selected raised area / insert area | Flat or slightly raised area | Final print area should be checked before production |
| Ribbon | Standard ribbon / full-color sublimated ribbon | Full-color ribbon | Useful for event branding |
| Packaging | OPP bag / pouch / backer card / box | OPP bag | Custom packaging available |
| MOQ | 100 pcs / design | 100 pcs+ | Suitable for B2B bulk orders |
For a UV print medal, the main question is not only “Can it be printed?” A better question is: where should it be printed, what background will support the print, and how should the artwork be protected? For complex artwork, we usually recommend a larger print area, a suitable metal background, and epoxy/AP coating when the medal will be handled frequently.
How We Protect UV Printed Medal Artwork
The durability of UV printed medals depends on more than ink. Material, surface preparation, print position, curing condition, handling, and protective coating all affect the final result. We check these points before and after printing.
| Control Point | Why It Matters | Factory Check |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Preparation | Helps ink adhesion | Clean and inspect surface before printing |
| Print Area Planning | Avoids distortion on unsuitable areas | Check flatness, relief height and artwork position |
| UV Curing | Fixes ink on the medal surface | Confirm curing condition and print clarity |
| Epoxy / AP Coating | Adds gloss and surface protection | Recommended for full-color printed areas |
| Final QC | Controls print position and color appearance | Check before packing and shipment |
If the medal will be handled frequently, mailed to participants, or distributed in large quantities at an event, we usually recommend epoxy/AP coating over full-color printed areas. It can add gloss, visual depth, and surface protection. Whether it is necessary depends on the print position, budget, and actual use case.
We do not describe UV printing as “never scratching.” A more accurate way to explain it is this: UV printing durability depends on material, surface preparation, print position, handling, and coating. For medals that will be touched, packed, shipped, or distributed frequently, a protective coating is usually the safer choice.
Why Global Race Directors Trust Badgeartisans
Experience factory-direct excellence from design to finish line.With an in-house medal design team, we offer flexible tiered wholesale medal pricing for large orders.
24H Free Design Support
Our designers understand industrial production, ensuring 100% manufacturability.
BSCI& Sedex Audited
Our factory has passed TUVRheinland, Disney, BSCI, Sedex, USJ, and some other certifications.
7-Day Rush Lead
Time
Factory-direct produce, with the fastest leading time in 7 days
Factory Tour Gallery
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