Apart from our line of stock awards we also do customized corporate award designs where your company logo, message and any special design requests are used. Because we know how important it is to ensure that the trophy, medal or plaque will represent the image you want to portray, we take the time to work with you in selecting the design and message.

Simply view our gallery of corporate awards and select a style that you feel will represent the message and recognition you hope to be embedded in the award. Clients can select from a variety of awards including:

• Glass
• Stone
• Marble
• Wood
• Metal
• Acrylic
• Globe
• Medal
• Trophy
• Environmentally Friendly
• Pyramid
• Star
• Obelisk
• Oval
• Figurine

The design part makes up one component of the recognition. The second part is that of engraving. Making use of the most appropriate technique for the particular material and design, we ensure that the logo and message will be aesthetically appealing. With laser engraving available, it is now possible to engrave a variety of materials with precision ensuring a professional end-result.

Typically one will want the following on the award:

• Name of the Award
• Presented to… Name
• In recognition of…
• Company name and logo
• Date

Think about the name that should be associated, the level of prestige and any other special wording you would like to add. Engraving can be done on the same day and with the new technology that we use, it is also extremely affordable. No longer do you have to wait a few days before getting the engraved work back. Our workmanship and the products carry the required warranties. Present your employees or colleagues with prestigious corporate award trophies or plaques to give them the recognition they deserve.

More often than not, people are at a loss for words when it comes to award engraving. First, remember that it is an award and thus meant as recognition. People want to see their names on trophies or plaques, but they also want to see for what they are recognized.

With the above in mind, always include the name of the award first when engraving. After that the name of the recipient is also very important, and then why the recipient has received the award. Finally also include the date. Although it may seem insignificant at first, people need to have the date for the achievement recognition included.

An example of appropriate wording when doing engraving on an award is:

• SERVICE AWARD
• Presented to NAME
• In recognition of
• Excellence in Customer Care
• SPONSOR or COMPANY
• Date

Method Used

Apart from the wording, another consideration is the method for engraving. Although hand engraving is certainly romantic, it can take a while and is also a bit more expensive. Laser is the latest and most affordable means to add names and details to an award.

Note that colored metals are more difficult to engrave and as such the process can cost a bit more. Wooden plaques also seem to be difficult because they tend to get a dark lacquered appearance. For such we recommend adding a plate to the award and then engraving on the plate.

We normally place the awards in landscape form for the process since it ensures an accurate result with no stops. When a person engraves by means of laser, the sides of the product may appear different. The most important tip though, is to select a company such as Trophy & Medal Boutique that is experienced in award engraving for a professional end-result.

What makes a keyring such a perfect promotional item as well as gift to a client is the fact that it is practical. One can argue that many such items are received by clients and will just be put away without ever being used.

Although true also for a keyring, the secret is to ensure that the item is attractive and worth keeping. For such then engraving and branding can be done. If it looks cheap, the client most probably will throw it away or simply store it. You need to ensure that it is so stunning that the client will want to use it.

Custom Keyring

One way of ensuring that the gift will be used is to custom print it. Provide company contact details and something essential such as emergency numbers. People who drive a lot will keep keyrings that have the numbers of police and emergency services on. They will use the items in their vehicles and every time they pick up the keys will see your company brand. They item can thus also act as a business card, rather than just another promotional item.

Purposeful Gifting

If the items are used in office buildings or perhaps for home usage, add information suitable for the location such as emergency response numbers or perhaps a medical tip. For the corporate client, you may want to add a bit extra to ensure that the item is well appreciated and used often. In such an instance, we recommend the die cast metal types which can be done in various colours and will also be representative of your company as well as the person’s status.

For such, you will want to ensure that the product is made and engraved by a professional company such as Trophy & Medal Boutique where you can get a customized keyring.

Corporate Gift Ideas

When browsing for gifts, keep the budget in mind as well as the purpose of the gifting. If it is for an executive, a set of stunning glasses engraved professionally and placed in a padded high quality wooden case, will be most appropriate.

Likewise, a leather diary with a pen can also be an excellent idea. Personalise it with engraving done by a company such as Trophy & Medal Boutique to ensure that the person will keep it for years and at the same time promote your company brand.

Another corporate gift suitable for both genders is the stylish San Pedro business folder. It is also ideal as a present to a loyal client and one that will be used for a long time.

For promotional gifts, keyrings are always well appreciated. The secret is to ensure that the keyring represents your company and it must thus be branded effectively. Bags, photo holders, coffee mugs and writing instruments are excellent for gifts to employees. Memory sticks, tool sets, drinkware and watches are amongst the more practical gifts and are very popular with clients and employees alike.

Branding with Gifts

Make use of the opportunity to not only present corporate gifts, but also to market your company or department through engraving done on the items. In this way you not only make someone’s day and show appreciation, but also get a chance to promote your company.

Laser cutting or engraving is a process where lasers are used to mark an item without the use of inks or any tools that make contact with the surface. Other forms of cutting or engraving involve marking by means of direct contact with the item and often also the application of ink in the process.

Laser cutting can refer to numerous techniques to mark items including that of bonding and printing. Not all items can be cut in this way and as such a list of items suitable for laser marking is normally available at the service provider.

Laser Cutting in Pretoria

Trophy & Medal Boutique is a Pretoria based company known for high quality laser engraving services in addition to more conventional engraving methods. The client thus has a choice of engraving methods, depending on the item to be marked. We also have the items in stock as well as association with several companies providing promotional items suitable for laser marking.

How does the Process Work?

The process involves the use of a high resolution beam that reacts with the surface. Heat is created by means of the beam that then in effect cuts the image onto the surface.

Other Types of Engraving

Apart from laser engraving other methods are also often used today including that of computer based where jewellery can be cut and lettering done on even curved surfaces. With the pantograph method detailed letters can be engraved on items. The Burr method involves the use of a small drill that spins at high speed allowing for marking of the metal surface. Hand engraving is one of the oldest methods still used today for exceptionally fine work and is still an art form.

Materials qualifying for laser cutting include that of plastics, metals, jewellery, and coated metals.

Originally engraving was done by using a printing plate into which a printing pattern was made. As such it is not a modern process, but the technology used today has made the process easier and more cost effective, allowing for larger format engraving to be done.

Old Art and Print Form

Some of the older forms included wood engraves especially during the 1600’s. The most popular type of material used was that of copper up to the 1800s. Copper was the preferred material because it was soft and couldn’t rust. The downside was that since it was such a soft material the lines became less visible with time. Steel would replace it as the preferred material allowing for finer detail and longer lasting prints.

Laser Engraving

In modern day, a laser engraving machine is used to do the work. It allows more accurate images and because it is an abrasion free method, it provides clean edging and exceptional detail, not possible with more conventional engrave methods.

The laser technique holds several benefits including that of speed. As such more products can be engraved in a shorter period without the loss of quality. The machines are easy to operate and are safe as long as instructions are followed. The process also involves a graphic design done on a computer, with the image then sent to the machine for perfect engraves every single time. The process is thus also more controllable than conventional methods.

In modern day, such engraving can be done on medals, belt buckles, various types of trophies and plates, promotional items such as keyrings and pens in addition to award plaques. It is cheaper than the traditional forms and such enable smaller companies to get the same high standard of work done on their items as previously only possible when having a large budget.

Branding can be done in a number of ways, but as part of the process, companies hand out branded items including that of keyrings, belt buckles, bags, shirts, and corporate gifts such as sets of glasses.

Notably the cost of branding must kept within the budget. It simply doesn’t make sense to brand 50 or so items at an extremely high price and then being left without further money in the budget for promotional items, advertising and public relation spending.

Company Branding Methods for the Smaller Business

It is often the smaller business that struggles to keep up with the branding tactics of larger corporations. Fortunately there are companies such as Trophy & Medal Boutique that offer services to smaller business at exceptionally competitive prices, enabling them to compete on local level with the larger companies.

Items that can be engraved printed on or laser branded include, but are not limited to:

• Lapel badges
• Gift sets
• Key rings
• Memory sticks
• Promotional bags
• Note pads
• Pens
• Beanies
• Scarves
• Caps

Why Brand With Items?

Although it is certainly important to spend more on large and bold adverts, banners, web marketing campaigns and brochures, it is also important to have a range of items that can be used to spread the company name on ground level. Such can be used at fundraising days, the opening of a new shop, launching of a new product and more.

When a person has a practical item with your company logo and contact details on and uses the item in public or at their place of work, the name of your company becomes something that is spread in a viral manner. If the item is professionally engraved or marked the image of your company is enhanced. As such branding by means of promotional items should form part of the overall strategy to ensure that your company name doesn’t disappear amongst the thousands other in the same industry.

Award engraving must be done professionally and as such it is important to select an experienced engraver that uses laser engraving that provides precision required for a stunning end result. The next consideration is the location of the engraver. It is best to select one that offers services in your town or province.

Award Engraving Pretoria

Trophy & Medal Boutique, located in Pretoria offers a wide range of award marking and engraving services. What distinguishes us from other service providers is the range of products that we offer. Apart from being able to engrave on a wide variety of surfaces, we already have stock items from which to select. Whether you want work done on cup trophies, acrylic awards, glass or metal items you will appreciate our skills level, equipment on site, and the product range available in store.

Acrylics Engraving

One of the benefits of acrylic awards is the versatility offered by the material. We can engrave the awards in front and at the back and can do reverse engraving. We can furthermore add a colour filling and through a process of screen printing can do so on the reverse as well. When combining engrave work with that of screen printing one can obtain a rather unique finish. To add to the end product, we can attach a plate to the award base and have a name of title engraved on such.

Lapel Badges

Whether you want the specific department or for instance, medical group logo to appear on lapel badges for your staff you will be pleased to know that we offer laser cutting and screen printing services for such badges. We have die cast and sticker badges in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition, we can custom make badges for clients whether they want a unique shape or one of the standard types. Various backings can be used such as clutch or clip on.

Quality and variety should be the two main considerations for corporate and award engraving work.

Laser cutting is a process whereby laser technology is used to mark objects without the use of inks or any tool bits to engrave the surface. The precision made possible with laser technology makes it possible to engrave on a wide variety of surfaces.

Laser Cutting and Engraving on Different Materials

Not all materials are suitable for laser cutting or marking and exceptional skill is still required to ensure perfect end-products. Types of materials that are suitable for laser marking include that of metals, stone, glass, jewellery and coated metals.

Metal Laser Engraving

Short wave lasers are used for cutting into metals. This ensures smooth lines and perfect patterns. Medals, name plates, lapel badges and custom belt buckles can be engraved using the laser technology. With coated metals, numerous colour backgrounds can be applied.

Jewellery Engraving

One of the best ways to personalise a piece of jewellery, especially if planning on presenting it as a gift, is to laser cut a message or name on the item. Whether it is a watch or a pendant, one can ensure a lasting memory with engraving. Amazing precision is possible through laser cutting and such is extremely important when working with items which are costly.

Glass Engraving

Glass is best suited for sandblasting rather than traditional laser marking. We offer numerous glass awards for corporate and school recognition ceremonies.

We have sophisticated laser cutting machinery, which we use for high precision work. With a combination of artistic skill, superior craftsmanship, understanding of client needs, and top notch equipment we can engrave on a wide range of surfaces. Whether it is an acrylic item or metal the precision work produced ensures superior finishes. From trophies to jewellery and accessories can be engraved at rather competitive prices.

Custom belt buckles have become rather popular in recent years. Due to technological advances it is now possible to create a wide range of designs suitable as:

• Items for sale in gift shops.
• Clothing accessories in retail stores.
• Awards for recognition.
• Club or organization badges.

Die casting and modelling have made it possible to create custom designs for belt buckles ensuring unique items. We can produce such in the quantities required by the client. Needless to say, bulk orders are priced lower.

In addition to custom made belt buckles we also produce a range of medals which can be in the form of die cut or sticker in various sizes and thickness. We have a full range of stock medals where the customer simply pays for the medals. For custom die cut or moulded medals, the client pays for the custom design.

Apart from the above, we also offer a full range of trophies. Whether the client wants acrylic, glass, crystal or cup trophies, we can supply in numerous sizes and shapes. In addition, the client furthermore has a choice of wooden plaques or marble trophies. Cup trophies are well-suited for sport and school recognition ceremonies while the acrylic, crystal, glass and marble trophies are well appreciated in the corporate world. From the standard figurines to custom designs are available at exceptionally competitive prices.

Engraved key rings in addition to a full range of lapel badges which can be engraved with the company logo are some of the other items that are available. Corporate gifts can be purchased from us and be engraved through the latest technological methods. We provide a range of engraving services. As such we are not only the best supplier of custom belt buckles, but also one of the most versatile trophy and award suppliers in Pretoria.