Large trophies made from 3D printing offer an individual and cost-effective solution for competitions, events and personalized awards. While traditional trophies are often expensive and not very individual, 3D printing offers a customizable and quick alternative. Modern printing techniques can be used to produce unique, personalized and even sustainable trophies - perfect for sporting events, company awards or special occasions.

In this article you will learn everything about 3D printing large trophies: from materials and printing technologies to design and post-processing to costs and future prospects.

Why 3D printing for large trophies?

3D printing offers numerous advantages over conventional manufacturing methods:

customization options

• Each trophy can be designed exactly as desired.
• Names, logos and engravings can be easily integrated into the design.
• Even complex and creative forms are possible that would be difficult to implement using traditional methods.

cost efficiency and material diversity

• 3D printing enables the production of high-quality trophies without expensive molds.
• Cheap materials such as PLA or PETG reduce production costs.
• No minimum order quantities – ideal for individual items or small series.

sustainability and recycling options

• Environmentally friendly materials such as recycled PLA make 3D printing more sustainable.
• Less material waste compared to conventional manufacturing.
• Old or damaged trophies can be recycled and reprinted.

Buy large trophies from 3D printing

If you want to buy large trophies from 3D printing, it is best to look online for suitable suppliers. We are happy to be at your disposal as a supplier for the production of large trophies from the 3D printer . If you wish, we can design small trophies of just 5 cm or large trophies up to 2 meters. Our 3D printed trophies are made from recycled and biodegradable plastic.

Materials for 3D printing large trophies

The choice of the right material not only influences the appearance, but also the stability and durability of the trophy.

PLA, PETG, ABS – Properties and Differences

material	Advantages	Disadvantages
PLA	Environmentally friendly, easy to print, many colors	Less heat resistant, more brittle than ABS or PETG
PETG	High stability, waterproof, flexible	May cause stringing when printing
ABS	Impact-resistant, durable, temperature-resistant	Requires heated print bed, releases fumes

Metallic coatings for a noble look

• Special spray paints or galvanization can make plastic trophies look like metal.
• Gold, silver or bronze coatings give a high-quality look.

Environmentally friendly alternatives

• Biodegradable filaments made from wood fibers or recycled plastic.
• PLA with additives such as bamboo or metal powder for special effects.

Popular 3D printing technologies for trophies

Depending on the desired level of detail and material, different printing processes are possible.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

• Most widely used technique for large objects.
• Layered construction from molten plastic.
• Cheap, but visible layer lines.

SLA (stereolithography)

• Highest level of detail thanks to UV laser and liquid resin.
• Perfect for delicate designs and smooth surfaces.
• More expensive than FDM, requires post-curing.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

• Powder-based technology for robust and complex models.
• No support material required, making it ideal for complex structures.
• Very expensive, mostly used only for industrial applications.

Design and modeling of large trophies

A well-thought-out design is crucial for the stability and appearance of a trophy.

CAD programs for 3D printing

• Tinkercad – Beginner-friendly, ideal for simple designs.
• Fusion 360 – Professional modeling with many functions.
• Blender – Creative, artistic designs possible.

Important design factors for stability

• Wide base for secure standing.
• Sufficient wall thickness to avoid breakage.
• Reinforcing structures (e.g. internal honeycomb patterns).

Personalization with engravings and logos

• Can be integrated directly into the 3D file.
• Alternatively: laser engraving or subsequent gluing.

Printing Process: From Model to Reality

Before printing starts, some preparations need to be made.

1. Preparation of the print file (STL, G-Code)

• Export model to STL format.
• Use slicing software (e.g. Cura, PrusaSlicer).
• Enable support structures for overhanging parts.

2. Optimal print settings for large objects

• Layer height: 0.2 mm for good detail accuracy.
• Infill: 15–30% for stable but lightweight cups.
• Print speed: 40–60 mm/s for precise results.

3. Avoiding printing errors and warping

• Use a heated print bed for materials such as ABS.
• Allow the first layer to adhere well (e.g. with glue stick or adhesive spray).
• Divide large models into several parts and assemble them later.

Conclusion

3D printed trophies offer an incredible variety of possibilities. Whether for sports, business or gaming - 3D printing allows individual, high-quality and sustainable trophies to be produced cost-effectively. Thanks to various materials, design options and post-processing options, everyone can create their perfect trophy.