Hi all,
I’m part of a racing club and lately our trophies have sucked. I’m looking for some ideas for trophies that can be made on short notice once we determine how many classes / trophies are needed.
My first thought is buying some interesting plates on Amazon and just laser engraving them. Next option is some CNC carved wood panels, but I haven’t retrained on the new mills since we dropped everyone from the big CNC.
Any other ideas?
-Ian
Define racing?
Why not laser engraved a mug or stein or cup? That way it’s something they can actually use rather than just sit in a desk or wall?
Edit: or some other implement of racing (whichever type you’re referring to). I think we have tools that could engrave a wrench? And we can certainly engrave veg tanned leather
Shapeoko XXL
Drag engrave an acrylic sheet; Bonus points - edge light it. See Nick Silva tribute in the plastics SIG area.
Drag engrave a brass plaque
Route a plaque in the material of your choice.
Dye Sub
Aluminum (or brass) plaque (in full color!) See CaryF300’s bowling trophies in show and tell a while back.
Dye Sub a Latte mug as a trophy
Laser
Etched plaque
engraved wine glass
acrylic plaque
engraved anodized aluminum cup/thermos/whatever
Any of the above on parts (pistons, rods, valves, whatever) One race gave out trophies with pistons on a wood base with a small brass plaque attached, rod/endcap for second, and valves for third.
I found some really cool glass plates, but they aren’t flat. Is there a way to code a Z axis change into the laser engravers to account for the curve on them?
Love the ideas above and will have to learn how to use the rotary attachment for some beer mugs / steins!
depends on how gradual the curve is. We have a rotary attachment for the Fusion, so you could use that to support the glass on a mandrel if you can lower the bed enough. I believe we may have a rotary for the Thunders as well, but I’ve not seen it. Another option may be to zone the artwork. There is an acceptable range, though somewhat limited. Etch the center, adjust focus, etch the next zone out, etc.
Drag engraving the glass on the Shapeoko might be an option if the curve is shallow.
Are they flat on the bottom? I’m looking at a clear glass plate that’s also curved, but the bottom surface is flat. I’m going to engrave flipped image on the bottom and look at it through the plate.
Take a look at this for image adjustment regarding lasering on curves.
I’m thinking about making these for the folks at the office who get absolutely nothing when one of their patents issues. I’ll laser engrave (from behind) the front page of their patent.
Amazon. There a lot of variations (size, aspect ratio, etc.).
You can get silver-colored or gold-colored metal or even already completed plaques that can be quickly dye-sublimated. You could use photos or any other kind of artwork.
For other trophy ideas, go look at JDS’ stuff. They have every kind of DIY trophy, plaque, cup, etc.
Are you looking to make them or outsource? I am in the process of making custom trophies primarily with acrylic and wood, they’re specific what you want, logo brand etc. I can send examples of the types of things that can be done.
