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RapidDirect x 2024 Core77 Design Rewards Trophies

Reading Time: 4 mins
/
April 18, 2025

Project Brief

Industry	Consumer Products
Materials	Aluminum
Post-processing	Bead Blasting, Engraving, Polishing, Ultrasonic Cleaning
Technology	CNC Machining
Final Result	Custom Aluminum Trophies with Engraving

Introduction

The Core77 Design Awards celebrate global design innovation across 20+ categories, attracting entries from professionals and students alike. Each winner receives more than a trophy—it’s a functional symbol of collaboration. Designed to double as a mold for casting team replicas, the aluminum trophy embodies the spirit of shared creativity.

In 2024, Core77 partnered with RapidDirect to bring this visionary design to life, leveraging our end-to-end manufacturing expertise and intelligent platform.

About Core77 Design Awards

Founded in 1995, Core77 has been a leading voice in the global design community. Since 2001, its annual awards have honored breakthroughs in disciplines ranging from industrial design to interactive experiences. The trophy’s dual purpose—as both award and mold—reflects the competition’s mission to celebrate collective achievement.

Challenges & Solutions

Core77 turned to RapidDirect to bring their complex trophy design to life—and we delivered on every front.

Turning Vision into Reality

The trophy design was rich in symbolism and intricate in structure. Our engineering team collaborated closely with Core77 to review the files, optimize details for manufacturability, and ensure the final product stayed true to the original creative vision—without compromising on aesthetics.

Speed Without Compromise

With a tight production timeline, speed was critical. Thanks to our in-house manufacturing facility and streamlined workflow, we met Core77’s delivery schedule without sacrificing quality.

Precision at Scale

From mirror-polished cavities to bead-blasted matte surfaces, each trophy achieved flawless consistency across 46 units.

End-to-End Excellence

From prototyping to final delivery, RapidDirect handled every step. We proactively caught and corrected minor issues during production, recreated any units that didn’t meet spec, and ensured safe, global shipping.

Stuart Constantine

Co-founder of Core77

RapidDirect’s team was communicative, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented. They transformed our vision into a tangible masterpiece, ensuring every trophy reflected the collaborative spirit of design. Their platform’s ease of use and commitment to quality make them an invaluable partner.

How We Produce Trophies

From initial concept to final shipment, RapidDirect managed the entire production journey with precision and care. Here’s how we brought the Core77 trophies to life:

Step 1: Design Review

Our engineers analyzed 3D files to eliminate production risks, adjusting wall thicknesses and engraving depths for optimal results.

Step 2: CNC Machining

Using advanced 3-axis CNC machines, we began by rough-cutting solid aluminum blocks into form. Each piece was then precisely machined to shape the trophy’s symbolic cavity and top surface, preparing it for fine detailing and engraving.

Step 3: Surface Finishing

After rough machining, we bead-blasted the exterior to achieve a clean, matte texture and remove machining marks.

Next, we used a precision end mill to engrave each winner’s name directly into the aluminum. “Every name was crisp, down to the smallest diacritic. Perfect.” – Stewart Constantine

Finally, the top surface was hand-polished through a three-stage process—moving from coarse to fine—to achieve a striking, mirror-like finish. “The mirror finish looked liquid – like you could dip a finger in it.” – Stewart Constantine

Step 4: Cleaning & Inspection

Each trophy was ultrasonically cleaned to remove any oils or residue. Every unit underwent a full dimensional inspection using CMM technology to ensure it met strict quality and accuracy standards.

Step 5: Packaging & Delivery

Once approved, the trophies were securely packaged for international shipping. Protective materials were used to prevent scratches or impact damage—ensuring every award arrived looking as exceptional as it was designed to be.

“The final product was beautiful. The trophies are milled from solid aluminum, featuring a mirror-polished interior, bead-blasted exterior, and precise custom engravings on both the front and back. The design is symbolic: each trophy also functions as a mold, allowing teams to cast smaller versions to share among members—highlighting the collaborative nature of design.”

Stuart Constantine

Co-founder of Core77

Future Collaboration

More than just an award, the trophy doubles as a functional mold—allowing winners to cast smaller versions to share with team members, perfectly reflecting the collaborative nature of design.

Core77 was thrilled with the outcome and looks forward to continuing the partnership in 2025—not only for future trophy production, but to explore new ways to connect RapidDirect’s manufacturing capabilities with the global design community.

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