Steel Medals

The geometric precision of laser cutting and the raw beauty of steel. For organisers who want to stand out — a medal that participants photograph before they have even left the finish line.

Custom laser-cut steel medals — Spinfactory makes modern sports and corporate awards

How are
steel medals made?

Laser, steel and precision. We answer questions about the production process, finishes and personalisation options.

What kind of event are steel medals suitable for?

A steel medal is a conscious aesthetic choice — it appeals to organisers who are not interested in convention. A city night run with an industrial vibe, an e-sports tournament with a futuristic setting, a CrossFit competition in a former factory hall, a startup league, a technology festival — this is the environment in which the geometric precision of laser cutting and the raw beauty of steel are a language participants understand immediately. Steel medals also suit smaller, niche events that build their identity through consistent design.

How does laser cutting of medals work?

The steel sheet is placed on the work table of a laser cutter, and the beam cuts through the metal along a vector path with an accuracy of hundredths of a millimetre. The edges are clean and precise — they require no additional manual finishing. Because the laser works directly from the vector file, we don't need dies or moulds. Any outline — a logo, a silhouette, an asymmetrical pattern, a route map — costs the same as a classic circle. Laser engraving of the surface is done with the same machine in a single production run.

What colours and finishes are possible?

After laser cutting, the bare steel can be finished using three main methods. Powder coating creates a durable, scratch-resistant coating in any RAL colour — the effect is uniform, matt or satin, distinctly industrial. UV printing gives the full range of colours directly on the metal — the colours are intense and durable, with no sticker effect. Laser engraving after powder coating exposes the bare steel in selected areas, creating a natural contrast without additional ink. The techniques can be combined on a single medal.

Can a steel medal be personalised with names?

Yes — laser engraving on steel is a fast and precise process. On every piece we can put the participant's name, bib number, finishing time or a short dedication. Individual personalisation is available for both large runs and small orders. You send us the data in a spreadsheet and we engrave — with no surcharge for customisation, because the laser doesn't need a tool change between pieces.

Order custom
steel medals

Precise laser cutting, electroplated coatings, modern design. Design included, min. 25 pcs, production from 5 days. Tell us the shape and quantity — we will get back to you with a quote and a visualisation the same day.

Product to quote

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Custom wooden box with a foam insert cut to shape — box manufacturer Spinfactory

A medal in a made-to-measure box

We make our own wooden boxes for medals, with a foam insert cut to the shape of the medal. You can order a custom box for your design — with engraving and in the finish of your choice.

Frequently asked questions
about steel medals

Didn't find an answer? Write to us.

We normally use sheet steel 2–4 mm thick, depending on the size and shape of the medal. Thinner sheet (2 mm) works well for delicate graphic details, while thicker sheet (3–4 mm) gives a more solid, substantial feel in the hand. We choose the thickness together at the design stage, taking into account aesthetics and the planned budget.
We finish every steel medal with a protective coating — powder coating or UV printing creates a sealed barrier against corrosion. Unvarnished steel can react with moisture after prolonged exposure, which is why no medal leaves production without a finish. Under normal use, a medal keeps its appearance for many years.
Yes — laser engraving on steel is fast and precise. We can put the participant's name, bib number, finishing time or a dedication on each piece separately. Just send us the data in an Excel spreadsheet — we'll take care of the rest with no additional costs for customisation.
Powder coating gives a uniform colour in any RAL shade — perfect for a minimalist, industrial aesthetic. UV printing allows the full range of colours, gradients and logos directly on the metal. We often combine both techniques: a powder-coated background with details and lettering in UV print — achieving a clear contrast and visual richness in a single medal.
It depends on the thickness of the sheet. Thin steel (2 mm) gives a medal lighter than a ZNAL casting, while thicker steel (4 mm) is similar in weight. However, a steel medal has a different kind of weight — it is flat and compact, which gives a feeling of precision and solidity in the hand. Many participants describe it as more modern to the touch than a classic casting.
No — laser cutting does not require a die. Any outline is created directly from the vector file: a runner's silhouette, a logo as the shape of the medal, a regional map, an asymmetrical geometric pattern — it costs the same as a standard circle. This is one of the biggest practical advantages of steel medals over castings when creating a unique visual identity for an event.
Yes. The most popular technique is a powder-coated background with details or lettering applied by UV printing in another colour. Laser engraving after powder coating is also possible — the laser exposes the bare steel in the engraved areas, creating a natural two-colour combination without additional printing. We choose the method depending on the desired effect and budget.