Die-struck metal pins, coins and medallions with sculpted relief and premium weight
Die-struck metal is the technique that produces the heavyweight brand asset — a lapel pin that has actual physical weight, a coin that feels like currency, a medallion that survives a lifetime of handling. A solid metal blank is struck between two engraved dies under high tonnage; the metal flows into the die cavities and emerges with the design in sculpted relief on both sides. The piece is then plated — gold, silver, copper, antique brass, black nickel — without any colour fill in the recessed areas. The aesthetic is restrained, formal and timeless, and it is the standard for corporate awards, government recognition, military insignia and premium brand identity.
Where die-struck metal earns its place
Die-struck metal is the right call when the brand identity needs to be carried as a physical object with real weight. A lapel pin that weighs 8 grams in solid brass with a sculpted relief and a gold plating reads as a deliberate brand asset; a soft enamel pin reads as a giveaway. The same logic applies to challenge coins, recognition medallions, anniversary coins and corporate milestone pieces. The heavier and more sculpted the piece, the more premium it reads.
The technique is the right call when the artwork translates well to sculpted relief. Bold linework, simple shapes, monograms, crests and seals reproduce cleanly. Photographic detail and fine linework do not — for those, die-cast metal with colour fill or printed metal inserts are the better call. Die-struck metal is also the right call when the customer values the absence of colour: the mark is the metal itself, no enamel fill, no printed insert.
Recurring applications across Mexican corporate programmes
Corporate recognition and awards
Five-year, ten-year and retirement service pins for corporate recognition programmes. Polished gold or antique brass with sculpted relief of the corporate logo and the milestone year. Common in banking, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.
Government and military insignia
Insignia and rank pins for government agencies, military units and law-enforcement organisations. Sandblast and polished finishes, exacting adherence to official specifications. Common with Mexico City and Estado de México public-sector programmes.
Challenge coins and commemorative medallions
Limited-edition coins and medallions for anniversary celebrations, project completions and team recognition. Two-sided design with sculpted relief, packaged in velvet pouches or acrylic capsules. Common for oil-and-gas, mining and infrastructure projects.
Premium brand identity and gifting
Lapel pins and tie tacks for premium retail, luxury hospitality and C-suite gifting. Heavy weight, sculpted relief, mirror-polished or satin finish. Common in Polanco and Lomas de Chapultepec corporate gifting programmes.
The die-struck metal production flow
The artwork is converted to a 3D relief model — each element of the design is raised or recessed by 0.3 to 1.5 mm, and the model is rendered in a CAD programme for die engraving. The two dies (the obverse and the reverse) are engraved into hardened tool steel by a CNC die-engraving machine; the die engraving is the single most expensive step in the production and is amortised across the run.
A metal blank — brass, zinc alloy, iron or copper — is placed between the two dies in a mechanical or hydraulic press. The press closes with calibrated tonnage (typically 30 to 80 tons for a 25 mm pin); the metal flows plastically into the die cavities and emerges with the design in sculpted relief on both sides. The struck piece is deburred, polished and plated in the chosen finish (gold, silver, copper, antique brass, black nickel). For two-tone finishes, the raised areas are polished and the recessed areas are left sandblasted for contrast. No colour enamel is added.
MOQ, pricing and delivery
The cost-effective MOQ starts at 100 pieces for die-struck metal — the die cost is one-time per artwork and weighs heavily on small runs. The unit price drops clearly at 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,500 pieces. We quote per piece per size per plating finish, with the die cost amortised over the run. The die is kept on file for 24 months at no charge for re-orders.
Lead time is 20 to 30 business days standard, including die engraving and a struck sample for sign-off. Express line 14 to 18 days with a +50% surcharge for expedited die machining. Quotes are in MXN ex-IVA, 16% IVA itemised on a CFDI 4.0 stamped by SAT against your RFC. We can quote and invoice in USD for direct-ship programmes.
FAQ — die-struck metal in Mexico
What sizes are standard?
From 15 mm round up to 60 mm round for coins and medallions. The most common corporate pin sizes are 20 mm and 25 mm. Larger sizes are possible but require thicker metal blanks and higher press tonnage.
What plating finishes are available?
Gold (shiny and antique), silver (shiny, satin and antique), copper, antique brass, black nickel, rose gold and dual-tone combinations. All plating is lead-free and nickel-free for compliance with European REACH and California Proposition 65.
Does the plating wear off?
Under normal handling, the plating lasts 5+ years without visible wear. For pieces that see heavy hand contact (lapel pins worn daily), the plating may show wear at the high points after 2 to 3 years. We can apply a clear epoxy over-coat for additional protection at a small surcharge.
What is the difference between die-struck and die-cast?
Die-struck is solid metal stamped from a sheet, with sculpted relief and no colour fill. Die-cast is molten metal poured into a mould, with a 3D shape and colour fill. Die-struck reads as formal and premium; die-cast reads as colourful and playful.
Can you include a personalised name or number?
Yes, with a mould change per individual name. For 100+ pieces with individual names we quote the mould-change cost separately. For variable data below 50 pieces, an engraved plate applied to a standard pin is more economical.
Request a die-struck metal quote
Send us quantity, size, plating finish and the deadline. If you have vector artwork with a relief indication or a reference piece from another maker, attach it; if not, we will prepare a 3D relief render for sign-off before die engraving.
Corp-Merch.MX is an independent die-struck metal workshop. We are not a partner, sponsor or official supplier of the brands, government agencies, military organisations, oil-and-gas operators or events referenced on this page. Trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners and are mentioned solely for descriptive purposes to identify the production context.