CALLUM and Replique 3D print trophies for WCA ceremony
The trophies were created using SLS technology, and were awarded to the winners at the recent World Car Awards ceremony, in New York
Replique and CALLUM, the car design company, have collaborated to create seven 3D printed trophies that were presented to the category winners at the recent World Car Awards (WCA) ceremony, held in April, in New York. The two companies were selected and commissioned by the WCA organizers, with a creative brief to design and manufacture a new, unique, and visually impactful trophy that would befit the prestigious awards and its winners.
Replique, which provides the first fully encrypted 3D printing platform that offers OEMs a secure and sustainable means of providing parts on demand, anytime, anywhere, produced the trophies in PA12 material through its network of trusted print partners, using SLS technology. Among the procedures applied was the vapor smoothing technique which provided an ideal seamless surface for the application of vibrant gold automotive-grade coatings – further enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
“Thanks to its fundamental attributes for fast, low-volume production of any design in one-piece, regardless of its complexity, 3D printing was an obvious choice as the manufacturing method for this project,” said Henrike Wonneberger, Co-founder and COO of Replique. “We are thrilled with the results and were not surprised that the trophies turned heads at the ceremony.”
According to Ian Callum, Founder of CALLUM, the concept behind the new trophy reimagines the theme of the WCA logo and the original award, with a road encircling the globe in a ‘modern yet emotive style depicting movement’. By leveraging 3D printing, the construction of the new trophy also represents the many technological advances made in vehicle design and manufacturing.
“3D printing is fantastic because it addresses and overcomes the constraints of traditional thinking and manufacturing,” said Ian Callum. “When you design something, you need to consider factors like the angles, the construction method, and if it will need assembly of different parts – all of which is very complicated and time-consuming. This project demonstrates perfectly how 3D printing completely removes that headache, by granting you the means to create virtually any form from a digitalized design.”
“On behalf of Replique, I’d like to extend our warmest congratulations to all esteemed winners of the 2023 World Car Awards. It was a thrilling moment to see the winners’ faces light up with joy at the sight of their cutting-edge, 3D printed trophies, which also capture the essence of the occasion so perfectly. We look forward to contributing to many more such moments,” said Henrike Wonneberger concludes.
