Design Review
3D files were checked for wall thickness and engraving depth before any stock was cut.
CNC Machined Aluminum Trophies for Core77
RapidDirect produced 46 aluminum awards for the 2024 Core77 Design Awards, from DFM review through machining, polishing, engraving and global shipping.
- Process
- CNC Machining
- Materials
- Aluminum
- Finish
- Polishing & Sand Blasting
- Parts
- 46 aluminum trophies that also serve as casting molds
Background
An Award That Also Works as a Mold
The 2024 Core77 trophy had to do two jobs: read as a designed object on stage and serve as a mold for casting team replicas. That geometry, repeated 46 times, ruled out anything improvised.
Key challenges
Symbolic Geometry
Fine detail in the design had to survive machining without losing its intent.
Consistency Across 46 Units
Mirror-polished and bead-blasted surfaces had to match from the first unit to the last.
Fixed Awards Deadline
The trophies could not arrive late for the ceremony.
How the Trophies Were Produced
Design review, machining and post-processing ran in sequence in our own facility, with any unit that failed spec rebuilt before shipping.
CNC Machining
Solid aluminum blocks were roughed and finished on 3-axis machines.
Polishing Engraving and Packing
Cavities were polished, faces bead blasted and engraved, then cleaned and packed for global shipping.
46 Trophies Delivered on Schedule
Every unit shipped before the awards ceremony and matched the reference finish.
After delivery
Consistency Held Across the Run
Issues caught during production were corrected and out-of-spec units were rebuilt, so the delivered set reads as one run rather than 46 separate parts.
46 units with matched polished and bead-blasted finishes
Customer perspective
They transformed our vision into a tangible masterpiece, ensuring every trophy reflected the collaborative spirit of design.
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