Alicia Fernández and CNC manufacturing: the process behind the trophies for the Trail Tren Burra 2024

Design and CNC manufacturing with Red Fox and OKU Laser

Starting from the theme of the project and the race logo –which features the silhouette/figure of a donkey in a geometric style– Alicia prepared several sketches and proposals.

Afterwards, working closely with the organisation, they redesigned and made the final changes until reaching the definitive design.

Once finished, the next step was to create the parts list for each component. In this case, Alicia drew them on a tablet using Procreate, a raster graphics editing program for digital painting.

Next, these drawn pieces are transferred to the computer, where the measurements are adjusted using Inkscape. After inputting the parameters, the milling/cutting of all the pieces is done with the Red Fox desktop milling machine.

Subsequently, the engraving of the categories –and other design details of the trophy– is done with the OKU Laser.

To complete the process, all the pieces are glued together. And with that, the trophies are ready for the race!

Models and materials of the trophies

Alicia made two models in different sizes: 10x12 cm and 8x9.5 cm. As for the materials, she chose pine wood and acrylic. A perfect, elegant and very durable combination.

Usually, in the case of trophies, her preference is avoiding additional finishes and not applying products on top. She simply lets the natural beauty of the wood shine.

CNC manufacturing process times

In total, Alicia estimates that the project of manufacturing the 44 trophies took her approximately a week (equivalent to 40 hours of work):

Entrepreneurship in the world of digital manufacturing

Alicia Fernández is one of the #WomenMakers who have ventured into the world of wood and new CNC manufacturing technologies.

She discovered her passion thanks to her father's woodworking hobby. Since 2018, this young creative has turned it into her activity and business. Her message is very clear: the greatest reward is doing what you love and having people trust your work.