3D Custom Awards vs. Championship Rings: Which Fits Your Team?

3D custom awards are logo-printed turnover chains, belts, and displays made on a 3D printer from PLA plastic. They don’t replace championship rings. They do a different job. Rings give every player a wearable metal keepsake starting around $8 each. A 3D custom award gives your team one standout, logo-built piece, like an MVP chain or a championship belt.

What are 3D custom awards?

A 3D custom award is a team award printed layer by layer around your logo. At Discount Sports Rings, the 3D line currently covers three products: a custom turnover chain, an add-your-logo belt, and a customizable home plate display for baseball and softball.

Because each piece is printed to order, your team logo becomes the centerpiece of the award instead of a small insert. That makes 3D awards a natural fit for the oversized, show-it-off pieces teams love in the dugout or on the sideline.

One thing to know up front: these awards are printed in PLA, a plastic filament. They’re not metal, and they’re not heat safe. That’s part of what keeps a fully custom, logo-built piece affordable.

How are 3D custom awards different from championship rings?

Rings are built for every player to keep. 3D custom awards are built to make one moment or one player stand out. Here’s how they compare.

When does a 3D custom award make sense?

Choose a 3D custom award when you want one big, logo-forward piece that gets passed around, hung up, or shown off. Common uses include:

• A game-by-game turnover chain. Hand it to the player who made the big defensive play or the clutch hit, and pass it to someone new next game.
• A team championship belt. A logo belt works as a traveling title the whole team rallies around, or as a season-end award for a standout player.
• A display for the dugout or trophy shelf. The home plate display gives baseball and softball teams a custom showpiece with their logo on it.
• Leagues that want a branded signature award. When your logo is the point, a printed piece puts it front and center.

Browse the current 3D custom award options to see the chain, belt, and display.

When are championship rings the better choice?

Rings win when every player should go home with something to keep. A metal ring with a gold-plated or silver-plated finish is the classic championship keepsake, and stock designs start around $8, which makes it realistic to ring a full roster.

Rings are also the call when you want something players can wear. If the team wants its logo on the ring itself, look at add-your-logo and engravable styles through our custom awards. For ready-to-order designs, start with championship rings for any sport.

Can you combine 3D custom awards and rings?

Yes, and it’s often the best of both. Give every player a ring, then add one 3D custom piece for the MVP or as a traveling team award.

For example, at current listed prices, a 15-player team could order a stock ring for every player for about $120 and add a $30 custom turnover chain for the MVP, for roughly $150 before shipping. Every kid gets a keepsake, and one player gets a moment in front of the whole team.

If you’d rather keep the MVP award in metal, our MVP awards include rings and medals that pair with a team order.

How do you care for a 3D-printed award?

Keep it away from heat. PLA is not heat safe, so a 3D-printed chain, belt, or display shouldn’t be left in a hot car, on a dashboard, or in direct summer sun for long stretches. Store it indoors between games, and hang chains or belts so the printed pieces aren’t crushed in a gear bag.

What do you need to order a 3D custom award?

The main thing is your team logo. Use the clearest, highest-quality version you have, such as the file used for jerseys or league materials. Then:

1. Pick the piece: turnover chain, belt, or home plate display.
2. Choose your options on the product page, and have your logo file ready to send.
3. Add any rings or medals for the rest of the roster to the same order.
4. Check out. All orders ship via FedEx 2-business-day service, which doesn’t include weekends or holidays.

Custom pieces are made to order, so give yourself some buffer before your banquet or season finale.

Frequently asked questions about 3D custom awards

Are 3D custom awards made of metal?

No. The 3D custom chain, belt plates, and home plate display are printed in PLA, a plastic filament. The belt pairs printed plates with a leather strap. If you need a metal award, championship rings and medals are the better options, and they can be ordered alongside a 3D piece.

Do you make 3D custom championship rings?

Not currently. The 3D custom line is limited to turnover chains, belts, and displays. If you want your team logo on a ring, add-your-logo and engravable ring styles let you personalize a metal ring with a gold-plated or silver-plated finish.

How much do 3D custom awards cost?

At current listed prices, the customizable home plate display is $25, the 3D custom turnover chain is $30, and the add-your-logo 3D belt is $60. Stock championship rings start around $8 each, so it’s easy to pair one 3D piece with a ring for every player.

Are 3D-printed awards heat safe?

No. PLA can soften and warp with heat. Keep 3D-printed awards out of hot cars and long stretches of direct sun, and store them indoors between games. Hanging chains and belts also helps keep the printed parts from bending or breaking in a crowded gear bag.

Ready to build your team’s award package?

Pair a ring for every player with a logo chain or belt your team will fight over all season. Shop awards by sport, or call (409) 939-0762 with questions. You can also contact our team online.