How are trophies manufactured?

Trophies are synonymous with accomplishments, but do they come to be?

Sport Trophies are built of numerous different parts, all of which are produced in varying ways. Each component are moulded through the processes of steel dies, or using both pressure and high levels of heat. Many of the parts, with the inclusion of the base, risers and its own figurine, are all injection moulded. In order to mould a plastic part, a system feeder is fed a stream of continuous plastic pellets, a process which is automatic. All parts of the trophy are moulded using extraordinary pressure, which is put against a die in a process known as extrusion. This includes the bases, rises and figure parts of the trophies.

Machines are loaded with millions of pounds of plastic pellets year on year, in order to make the various parts of the trophies.

Moulding machines are fitted with incredibly expensive steel dies that are specially designed for the given machines. These machines all melt the number of pellets into a liquid, using extraordinary pressure against the expensive dies, forming the trophies’ base, riser and figure. The dies will eventually form up to 12 components of a single design (this number can vary, depending on the size of the components and the end product). Workers will operate the machines, overseeing the general aspects of the production. A metal stud is carefully inserted into the body of each individual figure, ensuring strength of the components. Each part of the figure (the ankle, the wrist and the neck) may all be a level of thin plastic, which is subject to breakage.

The manufacture of trophies are very intricate

The process continues with the base of all trophies being filled with gypsum, adding a high amount of weight to the plastic. Figurines that don’t essentially have a silver or gold tone finish are effectively now done, being pushed through the machine and out to the other side. This allows for the assembly to be continued at the retailers.

Figures which are set to receive a metallic finish will now be operated on the stamp foil machine. These plastic figures are washed with first a top coat, then a metallic foil. It is then heated and pressed onto the each individual component. The parts are set to be coloured, as well as their metallic decoration. This will be decorated in a similar fashion. Each figures is now moved away from the machine, with the preparation to be boxed and shipped to the specific assemblers.

The columns of the trophies are formed from plastic pellets, which go into a machine. These will then be melted, extruded and formed through a die. As they go through the die, they will be cut to a required length. These are then moved away from the machine, ready for the boxing part of the construction. This will be made from extruded plastic.

Each component will now be bagged through an automatic process, then boxed by a machine, ready for shipment to the assemblers.

For more on trophies, please visit our website.

Types of trophies

There are many trophies around presented at awards ceremonies, productions and annual events.
We've decided to dedicate this post to some of the variety of trophies that are available for presentation, from contemporary to hunting trophies.

The contemporary trophy

Contemporary trophies and sports medals are often a representation of the event being commemorated, an example could be trophies that are awarded in football tournaments, a majority of the times the trophy will have the feature of a football integrated into the design.
Previous trophy designs and objects of use have been double-handled cups, plates, mugs, or bowls, each of these often engraved. Alternative designs have seen statues of people, architecture and even animals.
While the trophy is traditionally manufactured using wood bases, columns, and metal figures - present times have seen marble bases and plastic figures used in trophy manufacturing. This is to retain the weight that is traditionally associated with award quality and essentially making them more affordable.
Did you know? The most common trophy variety is a 'loving-cup' trophy. It is shaped like a cup, often on a pedestal and will have two or more handles; made with either silver plate or silver.

The hunting trophy

Hunting trophies are presented and displayed as a reminder of success.

The resin trophy

Resin trophies will often come in a range of sports of generic forms. These particular awards are often used for awarding participants in an event and can be made bespoke. Resin trophies are great if you would like bespoke trophies for a business, any youth organisations and non-profits.

The perpetual trophy

Perpetual trophies are another common trophy that many know; these are often held by the winner until the next event when the winner may have to compete again so to maintain the trophy.
If you'd like to view our sports trophies and other awards we can produce, please visit the website!

History of the trophies

How were trophies first made and how can you make a trophy today?

Trophies have marked victory since Ancient Times, when the Greeks would reflect their victories in war. The word trophy actually derives from the Greek word tropaion, which itself comes from the verb trope, meaning to rout. So, in the field of war, the victor would create their trophy on the battlefield at the place where the enemy found their defeat. The trophies the used could be captured arms, where they would be hung from a tree or a large stake in order to resemble the figure of a warrior. They would be inscribed with details from the battle, and they were often dedicated to a God/the Gods. Naval trophies would consist of an entire ship that would be laid out on the nearest beach, representing the conquest it undertook. The destruction of a trophy would be considered about sacrilege as it was often given thanks and attributed to the Gods. The ancient Romans often wanted their trophies much closer to home, so instead of building a tribute to the Gods and victors at the place of victory, the Romans would craft special trophies at home, in Rome. These trophies were magnificent and they would often include columns and arches. There are still some of these standing today, as in Rome huge stone memorials still stand. A trophy can come in a number of styles and sizes. Gold trophies, silver trophies or wooden trophies. Now, in the modern day, trophies are now (thankfully) less expensive and much easier to attain. Trophies are still given to signify victory but they’re awarded more frequently, for a number of occasions. In addition of having a vast range of figures to choose from, trophies often come in three standard forms: the action figure crowning the base, the action figure that sits atop the base or a rectangular piece of plastic which is decorated.

How are they designed?

A trophy is not something that’s designed as a complete piece; instead, it’s broken down into several components that are all designed and redesigned, with an assembler being responsible to then choose the individual components to make the trophy. Firstly, a base is used, which upon the trophy sits. This will often be made from plastic but it will be given a marble or wood effect. Next the column or columns are added. These are the vertical piece or pieces on the figurine. These are often plain metal or marble. The riser is then added, which is a small, decorative element that rests on the base and the columns. Finally, on top of everything else, comes the figurine. For more on trophies, please visit our website.

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