Updated 6/17/2025
If the stars and moon align, a trophy can be made using zinc die casting, widely acknowledged as the highest-quality method for manufacturing awards. In this context, those "stars and moon" typically refer to quantity and budget, although design plays a major role as well. While it is not always a feasible option, when conditions are right, this process produces awards of unparalleled quality. Society Awards is the only manufacturer who has mastered it, make us the experts at this most important of techniques to make high-quality, multiple quantity, limited edition works of art. Continue reading to see how it's done.
What is Zinc Die Casting and How It Works
Zinc die casting is a manufacturing process in which molten zinc alloy is injected under high pressure into a precisely crafted die-casting mold. The molten zinc is hydraulically injected under intense pressure to instantly fill all cavities of the mold. This allows the material to flow without air pockets and to cool at a controlled rate, so that the part will be strong and solid. After cooling, the mold is opened, and each blank award is polished, plated, and finished—retaining crisp details across large production runs.
The Investment of Time and Precision
A large steel die cannot be made in less than forty-five days because carving the steel hardens it, the die in progress must be continuously annealed. After it is created, it can take a full day just to set up the die and get the machine running at the right temperature. From there, the process is automated and is typically exclusively used for the production of items in the tens of thousands. We are the only manufacturer who has mastered the technique to be able to apply it for production runs of one hundred units; and for certain prestige clients, sometimes fewer.
Curious to learn more about our custom casting process? Read more here.
High-End Sculptural Detail
One reason why this process is so great for awards is the detail of the tool steel die. It can be very precise, allowing for precision machine parts, or as we discovered, beautifully accurate sculpture. However to be technical, some processes with soft silicon molds can actually yield even more intricate detail because the part can be released from the soft mold, whereas it would get stuck in the steel die. The detail, however, will be more rigid and precise with die casting. The main reason why this process is superior is the other reason why it is good for engine parts; the resulting part is very hard.
The Key to a Mirror Finish
A product can only be as mirror shiny as it is smooth. Society Awards has the best finished awards on the planet, because we put so much effort into the polishing and electroplating. However, a part that is porous and not very hard cannot be polished to a high shine, inherently limiting the possible shine that it may have.
The die cast zinc parts are very hard, and freer from internal defects than any other casting method available. Smooth surfaces in steel and bronze castings are created by welding back onto the work additional amounts of material to cover air pockets and defects – extremely labor intensive. Because the underlying work is so strong and hard, we can invest extra time and care into the polishing of the zinc, which shows all the way through our exclusive processes to result in the most finely plated awards.
A Marriage of Machine and Artisan Craftsmanship
Only the actual casting of the work in the die is done by machine. Artisan hands are required for every other step – from the model making at the outset, to the carving process of the steel dies, to polishing the resulting sculpture. The machine is utilized to inject the molten zinc into the dies which weigh hundreds to thousands of pounds each, resulting in a part of sufficient quality that it can be destined to become in this case not an engine to power an accomplishment, but a sculpture to honor human achievement.
Discover the elegance of awards as art here.
Modern Award and Trophy Manufacturing
Zinc die casting is the gold standard in award manufacturing, and Society Awards stands alone in its ability to deliver this technique at luxury levels for small-batch projects. From the precision of the tooling to the artisan polishing, every step is crafted for perfection.
If you are fortunate enough to have your trophies made by Society Awards with the die cast zinc process, then you have the best there can be by all metrics. If not, ask us if it is feasible for your project. If you’re not sure whether your project qualifies, it’s worth asking. Because these pieces are solid metal, weight, size, and shape must be carefully considered to ensure release from the rigid mold. To get started on your own custom die cast trophy, please contact our concierge here or at (212) 845-9980.
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