Simple Trophy Design

In need of a quick and easy reward for an event? This simple trophy is easy to assemble and design

1. Speedy 400 laser cutter
2. thin plywood
3. inkscape
4. trotec ruby
5. wood glue
6. small wood screws

Start by finding a simple black-and-white SVG sketch or line-art design online. Designs with clear outlines and minimal detail work best for laser engraving and cutting.

You can also create your own artwork digitally if preferred.

Open Inkscape and import the image or SVG file:

1. Launch Inkscape
2. Select File → Import
3. Choose your downloaded design

If the image is not already an SVG, you will convert it in the next step.

To prepare the design for the laser cutter:

1. Click on the imported image
2. Navigate to Path → Trace Bitmap
3. Adjust the tracing settings until the preview looks clean
4. Press Apply

This creates a vector version of the image that the laser software can read accurately.

Delete the original image afterward, leaving only the traced vector.

1. color lines to cut in red and lines to engrave in black
2. Make sure all red lines are hairline by going to the fill and stroke tab, selecting your lines, and going to stroke style, where you select hairline

Set the workspace to the exact dimensions of your material sheet:

1. Open File → Document Properties
2. Enter the width and height of your plywood sheet

To maximize compatibility with Trotec Ruby:

1. Go to File → Save As
2. Select Plain SVG (*.svg) as the file type
3. Save the file to your computer

Using Plain SVG removes unnecessary formatting data that can sometimes cause import issues.

Choose a thin plywood sheet suitable for laser engraving and cutting.

Before placing it in the laser:

1. Make sure the surface is flat and clean
2. Remove dust or debris
3. Secure the material in the laser bed if necessary

Thin plywood is ideal because it engraves cleanly and cuts faster with lower power settings.

Open Trotec Ruby and upload the SVG file:

1. Create a new project
2. Import the Plain SVG file
3. Position the design on the virtual workspace
4. Assign engraving or cutting settings to the vector lines

Double-check scaling and placement before sending the job to the laser.

After focusing the laser and confirming settings:

1. Send the file to the laser
2. Start the engraving/cutting process
3. Monitor the machine while it runs

Once complete, carefully remove the plywood and clean off any residue or burn marks, if needed.

Use wood glue to create a stronger bond between the stand and the trophy (the stand can be made out of whatever shape of wood you find that keeps the trophy standing), and nail it together