How to Make an Acrylic Custom Trophy

Creating a personalized trophy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a laser cutter and two sheets of acrylic—one black and one clear—you can make a clean, modern, and highly customizable trophy for any sport, event, or competition. Simply change the engraved pattern or text, and the design instantly fits different themes. Here’s how to make your own acrylic trophy step by step.

Machine Used

1. Thunder Bolt 30W

Material Needed

3mm Acrylic

Settings

Engraving

1. Speed:800mm/s
2. Max Power:30%
3. DPI:300

Scoring

1. Speed:800mm/s
2. Max Power:30%
3. DPI:300

Cutting

1. Speed:10mm/s
2. Max Power:50%
3. Min Power:10%

Peel off the protective film from the top surface of the acrylic sheet. Leave the back film on to reduce scratches while cutting. Place the sheet flat on the work bed and secure it with pins or magnets so it doesn’t shift during engraving.

Open your preferred laser software—I’m using LaserMaker for this tutorial. Import your design file and make any adjustments you need. Adjust the size and positioning so it fits perfectly within the working area of your acrylic sheet. Before you start, double-check both your engraving and cutting parameters. For acrylic, make sure the speed, power, and line interval match the thickness of your material. Engraving settings should be tuned for crisp text and fine details, while cutting settings should deliver smooth, clean edges without excessive melting.

Proper focusing is essential for achieving crisp engravings and smooth cuts. If your machine supports auto focus, a single click will set the correct distance for flat acrylic sheet. If you prefer manual focus, use the focus stick to adjust the laser head until it just touches the surface of the acrylic at a perfect vertical angle. Spending an extra moment on accurate focusing will pay off with professional-looking results.

Use the frame / outline feature to ensure your design aligns with the material correctly.

Stay near the machine while it’s running and watch the cutting and engraving progress. Keep an eye out for excessive smoke, small flame-ups, or any movement of the material that could affect the outcome. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, and rely on air assist if available to achieve cleaner edges on the acrylic.

After everything is cut, remove the pieces from the laser bed. If the acrylic still has protective film on the back, peel it off now. Layer the engraved clear acrylic onto the black backing and attach them using acrylic adhesive or 3M tape.

Your custom acrylic trophy is complete—clean, elegant, and ready to be presented at any event or ceremony.