Official DTN@100 Times Heroes Award Trophies

Case Study: Manufacturing the Custom 304 Stainless Steel “DTN@100 Times Heroes Award” Trophies

Project Background: Celebrating 100 Years of The Daily Times

Centennial Milestone and Ceremony Requirements

Commemorating a historic century of journalism (1926–2026), The Daily Times hosted the prestigious “DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards” gala. To honor state leaders, cabinet ministers, and industry pioneers, the event organizers required bespoke trophies that radiated prestige, elegance, and permanent structural integrity.

Technical Specifications: 304 Stainless Steel & High-Gloss Wood

To meet these demanding visual and mechanical requirements, the engineering team designed a multi-material award built for longevity:

• Primary Structure: Premium 304 stainless steel for superior strength, corrosion resistance, and structural stability.

• Surface Electroplating: Water electroplating finish delivering a bright, mirror-like 24K gold luster.

• Color Accents: High-temperature stoving varnish (baked paint lacquer) in rich crimson red applied to the intricate filigree cutouts.

• Base Pedestal: Solid hardwood base finished with a high-gloss black lacquer and fitted with a laser-engraved metallic plaque.

• Packaging: Custom-molded protective presentation box lined with EPE foam wrapped in luxury black satin.

Step-by-Step Manufacturing Journey: Factory Verification to Stage Delivery

Phase 1: On-Site Engineering Review & Plaque Detail Verification

To guarantee zero-error execution for high-profile honorees, client representatives visited the MC ART AWARDS manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China. Working side-by-side with our in-house engineers, every detail of the trophy structure and plaque typography was meticulously reviewed.

During the factory session, the client verified digital vector files directly on workstation monitors. Individual award plaques—including the “Minister of the Decade” award presented to Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN (Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development)—were cross-checked for character formatting, font scale, and plaque alignment prior to laser engraving.

Phase 2: Water Electroplating & Precision Red Stoving Varnish

Production began by laser-cutting and shaping 304 stainless steel sheets into the trophy’s signature dual-flame silhouette:

1. Precision Laser Cutting & Polishing: The 304 stainless steel body was cut with high precision, followed by hand-polishing to remove all burrs and achieve a pristine surface.

2. Water Electroplating: The stainless steel framework underwent a multi-stage water electroplating process to deposit a uniform, high-shine gold layer that resists oxidation and tarnishing.

3. Red Stoving Varnish Application: The hollow filigree patterns were coated with premium red lacquer and cured in high-temperature ovens (stoving varnish) to guarantee vibrant color adhesion and scratch resistance.

Phase 3: High-Gloss Wooden Base Crafting & Final Assembly

The weight and stance of the award were anchored by a custom wooden pedestal:

• High-Gloss Finish: Solid wood bases were sanded smooth and treated with multiple coats of high-gloss black lacquer, producing a mirror finish that reflects stage lighting.

• Laser-Engraved Metal Plaques: Gold-toned brass plaques with crisp black typography were mounted to the front of each wooden base.

• Structural Assembly: The 304 stainless steel upper body was securely fastened to the heavy wooden base using reinforced internal threading to prevent loosening over time.

Phase 4: Satin-Lined Protective Packaging & Global Shipping

Given the heavy 304 stainless steel core and delicate high-gloss wooden finish, secure global shipping was critical:

• Custom Cushioning: Each trophy was laid flat into custom-cut Pearl Cotton (EPE foam) compartments lined with soft black satin fabric.

• Export Cartons: Individual gift boxes were packed into double-walled corrugated cartons for international air transit.

• On-Time Stage Delivery: Trophies arrived safely at the centenary celebration venue, ready to be presented on stage before national media.