How Are Anime Figures Made?
Demeng Toy is an anime figure manufacturer that has been producing customized figurines for over a decade, specializing in life-like scale models of anime characters. Creating custom figurines is no simple task. A small figurine model requires intricate processes and significant manpower to be presented in its perfect form. Below is the production process of Demeng Toy anime figures (taking PVC painted finished products as an example). If there are inaccuracies, please feel free to point them out.
The production of figurines generally involves four major steps: prototype development, mold creation, painting and assembly, and packaging and transportation. Among these, prototype development is the most time-consuming and critical step, as the quality of the prototype directly affects the finished product. Once the prototype is completed, it becomes a gray model, also known as GK (short for Garage Kit), which is commonly seen at various anime conventions.
1. Prototype Development
Before the maturity of 3D printing technology, prototype development was done entirely by prototype artists. Their primary job was to reference character specifications and transform 2D anime characters into 3D models using materials like sculpting clay, AB putty, atomic ash, or ultra-light clay—essentially “crafting miniature figures.” The prototype artist would first shape the general outline and form of the anime character, then meticulously refine details such as facial expressions, poses, clothing, etc. During this process, it’s crucial to ensure the coordination of the figurine’s body and accurately capture its essence; otherwise, the figurine loses its appeal and fails to captivate fans.
With advancements in 3D printing technology, the process has become simpler. Now, 3D modelers use modeling software to sculpt the anime character and print the prototype using 3D printers.
After the prototype is completed, it undergoes several rounds of polishing, cleaning, priming, and repairing (typically sprayed with gray paint to identify tiny imperfections for correction, resulting in the “gray model”). Finally, the prototype is disassembled into various parts to facilitate production.
2. Mold Creation
Using PVC figurines as an example (other materials follow similar processes), after prototype development, molds are created based on the disassembled prototype. Molds are essential for mass production; relying solely on manual crafting would be insufficient to meet market demand and would result in exorbitant costs.
Figurine molds are typically divided into two types: PVC molds (low-cost but limited use) and steel molds (expensive but reusable). Since mold creation can damage the prototype, the prototype essentially becomes unusable after the mold is completed, making mold selection crucial. PVC molds can only be used about 10 times due to wear and tear during each casting process, meaning one prototype can only produce 10 PVC finished products. Steel molds, on the other hand, allow repeated casting to produce a large number of finished products but are cost-prohibitive for small-scale production.
3. Painting and Assembly
After casting from the molds, numerous figurine parts are produced. Each part must be polished, especially those made with steel molds, which often have visible mold lines that need manual sanding to ensure a flawless final appearance. Once polished, the parts are painted. Large areas with uniform colors are typically machine-sprayed, while intricate details and edges are hand-painted.
After painting, the parts are assembled, and a “freshly finished” figurine is ready!
4. Packaging and Transportation
Figurine packaging generally consists of inner and outer packaging. Inner packaging, such as foam or PVC mold boxes, serves to secure and protect the figurine, preventing damage during transit. Outer packaging is usually in the form of colorful boxes that detail the figurine’s specifications. These boxes often feature a viewing window, allowing consumers to see the figurine’s details without opening the package.