What is the difference between 2D and 3D Engraving?

Adding curved or three dimensional elements to your medal can be a great way to jazz up your design.  For the novice medal buyer, it's hard to understand the difference.  This article breaks down the two different ways you can use 3D. 

Sports medals can be designed in two different ways. Medals by nature are a 3D object but we are referring to how the mold is engraved. The reason we need to make a distinction between the two is the 3D set up charges can be double 2D designs. This is due to the time it takes to create the mold. 

How do you tell the difference between the two? Look for curved elements such as the leaves on the Nordic medal and the curved edge on the U24 medal.  Our factory uses specialized CNC machining equipment to create stamping molds or casting molds. 

When to use 3D in your Die Struck Designs:

• 3D can be accommodated with the die struck process. [ In most cases it's very simple 3D such as a flower or leaf. Sometimes you need to increase the base metal thickness so we can engrave the medal thick enough.  On the ScotDance medal below the dancer and the maple leaf are rendered in 3D with the rest of the medal in 2D

When to use 3D in your Cast Designs:

The main reason to choose the cast product is for complex designs. You can make the medal as thick as you want and that gives you space to "go deep".   You may also want a fancy ribbon attachment.