Demeng Toy, a seasoned vinyl toy manufacturer with over a decade of expertise, excels in crafting custom vinyl art toys. By mastering the intricate techniques of vinyl rotocasting and sofubi production, we bridge the gap between traditional plastic toy-making methods and advanced 3D model printing technologies. This fusion enables us to deliver high-quality, artist-designed vinyl collectibles with precision and creativity. Our next focus is on introducing the mass production process to transform these unique designs into exclusive limited-edition releases, ensuring both artistic integrity and collectible value for our clientele.
Vinyl toy, also known as designer toy, originated from a specialized plastic manufacturing technique. Despite the misconception, the term "vinyl" does not denote the material itself, which is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but rather the rotational molding process employed in their creation. This innovative method has evolved over time, blending historical significance, cultural elements, and technological advancements to establish its place in the collectibles industry.
The technique began as a method for creating hollow molded products. It involves electroplating copper onto a prototype to form a metal mold, filling it with PVC paste resin (adjusted for varying softness), and heating it under rotation to ensure uniform distribution and cooling—a cost-effective approach that enables precise control over texture. This process gives vinyl toys their signature soft, hollow structure and tactile quality, distinguishing them from solid PVC toys produced by injection molding.
As a leading vinyl toy factory in the custom art toy industry, Demeng Toy delves into small-batch customization of vinyl figures, specializing in:
Low-cost production of vinyl art toy prototype samples;
Anti-counterfeiting technology for limited-edition vinyl toy figures;
Integration of diverse art collectibles production techniques.
Sofubi (ソフトビニール), a Japanese term for soft vinyl toys, denotes a category of collectibles known for their pliable texture and durable craftsmanship. These soft vinyl toys toys are crafted using a specialized process that combines PVC powder with plasticizers and additives, followed by heating the mixture in rotating molds immersed in industrial oil baths. This unique method, distinct from traditional rotocasting, results in a signature matte finish and enhanced flexibility, making sofubi highly coveted among art toy enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned manufacturers utilize this technique to create iconic kaiju sofubi ( godzilla sofubi) and innovative urban vinyl designs, solidifying their appeal in the global collector's market.
Transforming a designer art toy concept into a premium vinyl toy collectibles requires meticulous processes. Traditionally, artisans begin by sculpting a clay prototype, which is followed by creating a wax model to account for material shrinkage during mold production. The wax model is then subjected to electroforming to produce a copper master mold for mass manufacturing. However, advancements in 3D printing have revolutionized these methods. Many modern designer toys now start as digital models, which can be directly printed into master molds. Furthermore, 3D printing facilitates cost-effective prototyping of vinyl toy samples, significantly streamlining development and reducing expenses.
Labubu Series: Elf shape (not rabbit), such as the "Spring Wilderness" series blind box