3D Printing a Trophy
That Packs a Huge Punch
The techniques and technologies below were used in successfully 3D printing a trophy for Combate Americas that is truly worth fighting over:
Techniques
- 3D Printing – Stereolithography (SLA)
- 3D Printing – Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- 5 Axis CNC Precision Machining
- Liquid Metal Coating
- Electroplating
Technology
- iPro8000 SLA 3D-Printer
- EOS P-730
- Promac 5 Axis CNC Machine
The Client
Combate Americas is the world’s number 1 Hispanic MMA organization, and a TV-ratings hit in the US, Mexico, Spain and across Latin America. The premier event of the year is the Copa Combate, which sees eight countries compete in a tournament based on futbol’s Copa Americas.
The Challenge
Combate Americas set CA Models the challenge of 3D printing a trophy for its premier event – Copa Combate. It had to be something 8 MMA warriors would put their bodies in the ring for. And since it would be presented to the champion in front of 20 million viewers across the US, Mexico and Spain, it had to be an absolute knockout!
The Solution
3D printing a trophy is something we’ve done many times before – like these intricate CEED Award trophies. But this one demanded next level scale and presence. We broke this massive trophy down into sections and used a wide range of techniques, technology, and materials to complete it.
CNC Machining the Body and Base
The main body was precision machined in two halves with our Promac 5-axis CNC machine, using a model board material. A heavy aluminium base for the trophy was also CNC machined on the Promac 5-axis, before receiving a sprayed black finish in our paint shop.
3D Printing the Trophy Details
The intricate details of the trophy including the main collar, lid, top and the Combate Americas logo were 3D printed using a variety of technologies – including Stereolithography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
The SLA sections of the trophy were 3D printed in a highly durable ‘Xtreme White’ resin material, using our iPro8000 with a huge build volume of 650mm x 750mm x 550mm(H).
The SLS sections of the trophy were 3D printed in PA2200 Nylon material, using our EOS P-730 machine with a build volume of 380mm x 700mm x 580mm.
Coating and Finishing
We used an outstanding real metal liquid coating to give the Copa Combate trophy an unmissable polished gold finish. For the Combate Americas logo itself we used an electroplating technique, finally we coated the plastic 3D printed logo with a composite metal material for a durable finish whilst creating an authentic gold appearance.
The Result
With its incredible size, detail, and gold finish, the quality of this model speaks for itself. Here is what our client had to say about the final result.
“Combate commissioned CA models to design and manufacture a spectacular trophy that would bring attention to this tournament that has been called “the most difficult in sports.” They succeeded in this with a showstopping, stunning and massive trophy. They are truly a company that overdelivers.”
Campbell Mclaren, CEO Combate Americas
CA Models
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