Trophies are a type of reward awarded for academic, professional, and sporting contests or events. They are tangible proof that one individual or group has triumphed over another in a competition. Trophies are generally sculptural and imposing, with a person, sporting equipment, or animal connected with the competition in which the winner excelled. They are physical proof of prowess and have profound value for those who receive them. In homes and schools, trophies and plaques get exhibited.
Raw materials
Trophies are nearly entirely made of plastic, and a single award may contain numerous distinct varieties. Hot-stamp metallic foils are pushed into the columnar shafts to give the figure a metallic hue. The award’s foundation made of gypsum, and the trophies get reinforced with metal studs.
Design
A trophy gets split into many components that developed and revised before being assembled by an assembler. First, there’s the base, which supports the entire award. It is usually plastic that has painted to seem like marble or wood. Crescent, carved, stacked, or specialized bases are the most common types. The column comes next. Plain metal, fake marble, or holographs get frequently used.
The riser, a tiny ornamental feature that rests on the base and between the columns, is the next step. Some trophies feature a second tier on top of the columns. Finally, the figure gets placed on top of everything.
The design process involves a four-step procedure like
- talking to consumers
- generating new ideas
- visualizing or physically creating the concept
- finally executing some test models.
The most promising concepts get explored with a group of developers who helps in bringing the life concept. Sculptors, graphic artists, conceptual designers, and design engineers are among the members of this group. These designers and engineers create a sketch or a simple sculpture of a riser or figure to give the concept a visual or three-dimensional shape.
A flat die gets used if the item is not tooled, such as a Mylar plinth or plaque. The component’s material gets chosen depending on its durability and the component’s intended purpose (e.g., support or adornment) on the trophies and plaques. A committee then scrutinizes the new design for design aesthetics, manufacturing complexity, tooling requirements, durability, and ornamentation. If an issue arises in any of these areas, the part gets returned for re-evaluation. Manufacturing efficiency is the main problem. Re-evaluation and modifications might take up to four weeks on their own. The new idea is ready for mass manufacturing once final approval gets granted.
