Winning a trophy is always a thrilling experience. A trophy serves as a testament to hard work, commitment, and success. Crafting a personalized trophy can add a unique and memorable touch to any event. While creating one by hand can be quite challenging, utilizing a laser machine from Full Spectrum Laser makes designing a one-of-a-kind trophy entirely feasible. This post will explore the various methods of creating trophies using CO2, Fiber, and UV laser machines and the materials suitable for each type.
Getting Started: Materials
To carve a blank trophy or build one from scratch, it’s crucial to understand the type of material you intend to use and whether it’s compatible with your machine. Below, we’ll cover the ideal materials for each machine.
CO2 Machines:
CO2 machines can etch coated metal, but engraving bare metals usually requires a specific laser marking spray. You can find a list of these sprays on Amazon. However, such products can be expensive for hobbyists. When using a CO2 machine, you'll likely be working with wood, acrylic, or Rowmark acrylic.
What is Rowmark? Rowmark is a special type of acrylic featuring multiple colored layers. These sheets are particularly useful for creating signs or trophies since etching Rowmark exposes the underlying layer, eliminating the need for additional painting. We’ve used Rowmark in several projects; check out our short video of the Stanley Cup replica here.
Fiber, UV & MOPA Galvos:
Galvos are renowned for their ability to engrave both metals and plastics. They can also cut through thin materials, making them a versatile option. The metals our machines can etch include aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. Galvos can achieve designs at the nanometer level, allowing you to directly engrave images into the material.
UV Galvos stand out from Fiber and MOPA models because of their compatibility with glass. With UV lasers, you can engrave on or inside glass, taking trophy creation to the next level. If you’re interested in engraving the interior of glass, we offer specialized subsurface lenses. Glass trophies are a fantastic way to differentiate yourself from competitors. Many people shy away from working with glass due to its fragility, but those who master this medium are often seen as more experienced businesses.
Making Your Design:
Once you've selected your material, it’s time to focus on your design. We recommend using graphic design software like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator to create your design. Ensure the file is saved in a format compatible with your laser machine’s software. The best approach is to save the file as an SVG or PDF.
Using Your Laser:
Position your material in the machine’s workspace and adjust your preferred settings. We suggest checking the material settings list in your manual or the Help Center. The Help Center stores the material lists categorized by CO2 machines and Galvo machines. If your material isn’t listed, perform a material test. The Material Tests, available here, can help determine the right settings for both raster and vector jobs.
Finishing & Assembling the Trophy:
After etching or cutting out your pieces, it’s time to assemble them and apply any desired finishes. Assembly methods vary depending on the material but may include gluing, welding, drilling, or applying acrylic bonds.
With a Full Spectrum Laser machine, creating custom trophies has never been easier. We’ve discussed the materials used with CO2, Fiber, MOPA, and UV laser machines and the steps involved in making a trophy. Equipped with a Full Spectrum Laser machine, you can produce unique, high-quality trophies. Start your trophy-making journey today by purchasing a Full Spectrum laser here.
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Shenzhen Boyuan Electromechanical Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.boyuanmach.com