What are vinyl toys?
v What is vinyl?
Vinyl is a type of plastic material that is commonly used in the production of various consumer products, including toys, flooring, and clothing. It is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture, making it a popular choice for many applications. In the context of collectible figurines, vinyl is often used due to its ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.
v What are vinyl toys?
A vinyl toy is a type of collectible figurine made of plastic material.
The main material used for vinyl toy is a paste resin blended with polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, softeners and other additives. The material used in vinyl toy is soft and has good properties. It is generally used to make vinyl figures or art toys. They are usually hollow, but there are also solid ones. The cost of solid ones is high.
Vinyl toy is actually made by a special technique (Rotocast ) of PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride) production process. It is often designed by artists and can come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Vinyl toys are popular among art collectors and enthusiasts due to their unique designs and limited production runs.
v The history of vinyl toys
The origin of vinyl can be traced back to the world's first vinyl machine, the ROTOCAST, which was invented in Germany in 1924. The first toy produced by this machine was the "chocolate bunny." Since then, vinyl has become a ubiquitous material in our lives, and vinyl toys have become a popular and energetic toy.
There are many different types of vinyl figures, ranging from the earliest and most popular Hong Kong street culture to the various classifications that exist today. Because they are designed by internationally renowned designers, good vinyl figures can be considered works of art. In any case, they are a popular and energetic toy.
The term "toy figurine" (公仔) is a term that originated in Hong Kong and refers to dolls or action figures. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards more realistic dolls that have their own unique personalities. In an era where toys are marketed for their individuality, dolls that are ugly, short, and fierce may be a symbol of personality.
v Why vinyl toys are popular
Vinyl toys have become increasingly popular in recent years due to a number of factors.
Unique and Creative Designs: Vinyl toys often feature unique and creative designs that are not found in traditional toys. They are often designed by artists and designers who bring their own style and personality to the toys.
Collectibility: Many vinyl toys are produced in limited quantities, making them highly collectible. This exclusivity can drive up demand and increase their value over time.
Self-Expression: Vinyl toys are often used as a form of self-expression, allowing collectors to showcase their interests and personality through their vinyl collections.
Nostalgia: Vinyl toys often tap into nostalgia for childhood toys and pop culture icons, which can be a powerful draw for collectors.
Artistic Value: Many vinyl toys are considered works of art in their own right, blurring the line between toy and sculpture.
Overall, vinyl toys offer a unique and visually striking alternative to traditional toys, appealing to both collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
v Types of vinyl toys
Vinyl toys come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Here are some common types of vinyl toys:
Designer Toys: These are artist-designed vinyl toys that often feature unique and creative designs. They are highly collectible and can range from abstract shapes to characters inspired by pop culture.
Urban Vinyl Toys: Also known as urban vinyl figures, these toys often depict characters from urban culture, street art, or graffiti. They can have a more edgy and contemporary aesthetic.
Pop Culture Vinyl Toys: These are vinyl toys that are based on popular characters from movies, anime, TV shows, comics, or video games. They often have licensed designs and appeal to fans of specific franchises.
DIY Vinyl Toys: These toys come in blank or unpainted forms, allowing collectors or artists to customize and personalize them with their own designs. They are popular among artists and enthusiasts who enjoy customizing toys.
Mini Figures: These are small vinyl toys that are typically around 2-4 inches tall. They come in various styles and themes and are often sold in blind box packaging, adding an element of surprise to the collecting experience.
Sofubi: Sofubi is a term used for soft vinyl toys that originated in Japan. These toys often have a distinct Japanese aesthetic and can range from cute and whimsical characters to more detailed and realistic designs.
These are just a few examples, and the world of vinyl toys is constantly evolving with new styles and designs being introduced by artists and manufacturers.
v How vinyl toys are made
Vinyl toys, also known as designer toys, are typically made using a process called rotocasting. The first step in the production process is to create a 3D Models according toy sketch of the toy using computer-aided design (3D Max) software. Once the Model is finalized, a PU sample is created using 3D printing machine.
The PU sample is then used to create a mold, which will be used to produce the final vinyl toys. The mold is typically made in two parts, with each part representing one half of the toy. The mold is then filled with liquid vinyl, which is heated and rotated in a machine to evenly coat the inside of the mold.
After the vinyl has cooled and hardened, the mold is opened and the toy is removed. Any excess vinyl is trimmed away, and the toy is inspected for quality control. The final step is to apply paint and other finishing touches to the toy.
Overall, the process of making vinyl toys requires a combination of artistry, engineering, and manufacturing expertise to create unique and visually striking
