How Are Vinyl Figures Made？
What is a Vinyl Figure?
Soft vinyl figures are toys made from soft vinyl plastic, a material known for its unique manufacturing process. These toys are hollow, lightweight, and slightly soft to the touch, similar to the globally popular rubber duck toys. Beyond being toys, soft vinyl figures are also considered art pieces and collectibles.
How Are Vinyl Figures Made?
If you wish to create a single soft vinyl figure, the process is relatively straightforward compared to mass production. Start by designing a 3D model using software such as ZBrush, Free-Form, or C4D. Use a 3D printer to produce the model, as 3D printing technology has become more accessible and cost-effective. Once printed, smooth out any imperfections and apply paint. Your soft vinyl figure is now complete.
Before 2015, this process involved sculpting with clay, creating a polyurethane resin model, and painting it, but the results were less refined compared to modern 3D printing. If you cannot create the figure yourself, professional services are available to assist with 3D modeling, printing, and painting, and they can ship the finished product internationally.
How to Mass-Produce Soft Vinyl Figures?
Mass production is ideal for clients with business needs, such as custom orders. To optimize costs, a minimum order of 100 units is typically required. As the production volume increases, the unit cost decreases. The process involves several steps:
l Mold Creation
Molds are essential for large-scale production. For instance, producing 1,000 figures may require six molds. Wax molds undergo electroplating to create durable soft vinyl molds.
l Soft Vinyl Molding
Liquid PVC is injected into the molds, which are then heated in a furnace while rotating to ensure even distribution. Once cooled, the molds are opened to reveal the hollow figures.
l Painting
Figures can be fully or partially spray-painted. Automated processes ensure efficiency, with consistent coloring across batches.
l Pad Printing
Automated pad printing machines add intricate details, such as multi-colored sections or facial features. Workers simply place the figures into the machine and remove them once painted.
l Hand-Painting
For finer details, hand-painting is employed. Skilled artisans ensure the quality of these intricate touches.
l Packaging
Finished figures are assembled and packaged in custom-designed boxes, labeled as "Made in China." Packaging can be tailored to client specifications.
Each step undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure the final product meets standards. Defective items are reworked as needed.
How to Customize Soft Vinyl Figures?
To create custom vinyl art figures, you need to find a professional vinyl figure manufacturer. You can find manufacturers in the US or China, but most importantly, you need a reliable manufacturer that can produce high-quality, perfectly colored vinyl figures. The production process for custom vinyl figures is the same as described above, except that they are made to the customer's design.
The Demeng Toy factory will provide you with services throughout the entire process, including creating 3D models, vinyl molds, production, coloring, cleaning, and packaging.