Receiving a trophy is a memorable experience, symbolizing hard work, dedication, and achievement. Customizing a trophy adds a personal touch to any occasion, and with the help of a laser machine from Full Spectrum Laser, creating a one-of-a-kind trophy becomes a straightforward task. This guide will discuss the methods of making trophies using CO2, Fiber, and UV machines, as well as the materials suitable for each type.
Getting Started: Materials
Whether you aim to engrave a blank trophy or create one from scratch, understanding the type of material you plan to use and its compatibility with your machine is crucial. Here, we cover the materials best suited for each type of laser machine.
CO2 Machines
CO2 machines can engrave coated metals, but engraving bare metals requires the use of a laser marking spray. You can find a variety of sprays on Amazon; however, these products can be costly for hobbyists. Most hobbyists using CO2 machines will likely work with wood, acrylic, or Rowmark acrylic.
Rowmark Acrylic: Rowmark is a specialized type of acrylic with different colored layers. This material is excellent for making signs or trophies as engraving it exposes the other layer, eliminating the need for painting the engraving afterward. For a quick look at projects using Rowmark, check out our Stanley Cup short video.
Fiber, UV & MOPA Galvo Machines
Galvo machines are versatile, capable of engraving metals and plastics, and cutting thin materials. The metals compatible with these machines include aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel. Galvos can engrave designs down to the nanometer, allowing for highly detailed images directly on the material.
UV Galvo Machines: These stand out due to their compatibility with glass, enabling engraving on or inside glass. If you're interested in subsurface engraving, special lenses are available. Glass trophies can set you apart from the competition, and working with glass demonstrates a higher level of expertise due to its fragile nature.
Designing Your Trophy
With your material selected, it's time to design your trophy. We recommend using graphic design software like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator. Save your file in a format compatible with the laser's software, preferably as an SVG or PDF.
Using Your Laser Machine
Prepare the Machine: Place your material into the machine's workspace and set your preferred settings. Refer to the material settings list found in your machine's manual or the Help Center, where material lists are categorized by CO2 and Galvo machines.
Perform a Material Test: If your material is not listed, perform a material test to determine the appropriate settings for both raster and vector jobs.
Finishing and Assembling the Trophy
After engraving or cutting your pieces, it's time to assemble and apply any desired finish. Assembly methods vary depending on the material used and may include gluing, welding, drilling, or using an acrylic bond.
Creating a custom trophy has never been easier, thanks to laser machines. We've explored the materials compatible with CO2, Fiber, MOPA, and UV laser machines and outlined the process of making a trophy. With a Full Spectrum Laser machine, you can create unique, high-quality trophies. Start your trophy-making journey today by purchasing a Full Spectrum laser.
