Crystal and acrylic are two materials used for trophy-making. While both are strong enough to last for years, with proper care, there are differences between the two types of trophies. If you're wondering which one is right for your event, read on!
If you're looking to pick up a trophy, it's important to know the difference between crystal and acrylic trophies. Crystal is a heavier material than acrylic, so if you need to transport your trophy around, then crystal might not be the best choice. If you are planning on displaying it somewhere where there will be lots of people touching it (like an awards ceremony), then crystal would be better because it feels more durable and resistant to damage from being handled by many people. But if you want something that can get used frequently but still looks nice, acrylic may be better suited for your needs!
Crystal trophies are more expensive than acrylic trophies. Crystal is also more fragile than acrylic, so it can be damaged in transit if not packaged correctly. Crystal is heavier than acrylic too, which makes it difficult to hang on a wall with minimal hardware. And finally, crystal's higher temperature resistance means that engraving or printing on its surface may require special materials or processes that are not available at all trophy shops.
Acrylic trophies are more prone to breakage. Because they're lighter than crystal, acrylic is the material of choice for smaller awards and participation trophies. However, this makes them more likely to chip or crack if mishandled by an overzealous recipient. It's okay for your players and players-in-training to get excited about winning their hardwareâ??but be sure everyone is careful with their new hardware!
Now that you know the differences between crystal and acrylic trophies, letâ??s move on to their respective methods of creation.
Crystal is hand-cut by a skilled craftsman using an industrial saw. The result is a more precise cut, but it takes time and costs more money than simply engraving an acrylic trophy with text or a logo. The laser engraver cuts through material faster than an individual can by hand, which makes it less expensive than making multiple identical crystal trophies in terms of time spent on each one. However, because of the nature of laser cutting (high temperatures, rapid movement), there are some limitations on what types of content can be put into laser engraved trophies; for example small print or fine detail will not show up well unless theyâ??re very large in size relative to the object itself.
With these differences in mind, you can choose which trophy is right for your event. If you are looking for a lighter trophy that won't break easily and will last longer than crystal trophies, acrylic is a good option. If cost is not an issue, then crystal trophies may be the best choice as they have better reflective properties than acrylic and look more elegant on stage or podiums during presentations or award ceremonies.