Die-Cast vs Insert Medals: Where the Money Actually Goes

Two constructions, two cost curves

A die-cast medal strikes your design into metal from a custom mold. An insert medal prints your design and sets it into a ready-made frame. The mold is the difference: die-cast pays for tooling once and then gets cheap per unit; inserts skip tooling entirely.

When die-cast wins

One design, real quantity, a look with depth. Placement sets for a whole tournament in gold, silver and bronze plate from a single mold, and the mold is kept for reorders — next season’s run gets cheaper, not pricier.

When inserts win

Changing artwork, tight timelines and full-color logos. A club running monthly events can keep one frame and print a new insert every event. Gradient artwork and mascots reproduce exactly, dome-sealed against gym-bag wear.

The hybrid most programs land on

Die-cast for the season’s championship, inserts for the weekly and dual meets. The championship keeps its weight; the schedule keeps its budget.

Pricing either one

Send the design and the bracket math and we quote both routes on your mockup. Minimum order is 12 medals, the mockup is free within 24 hours, and production runs 2 weeks.