What Type of Plastic Are Action Figures Made From?
Common plastic materials include ABS, PP, PVC, and resin. Plastic figures are human-shaped toys primarily made from plastic, characterized by being lightweight, durable, and colorful. Among these materials, ABS plastic, known for its high strength and toughness, is often used for complex-structured figures; PP plastic, being non-toxic, odorless, and heat-resistant, is ideal for children's toys; PVC plastic is widely used for finely painted collectible figures; resin is typically utilized for limited-edition anime or game character figurines.
Action figures are mainly made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPR (thermoplastic rubber) through processes like roto-casting or injection molding. These figures, now popular as trendy toys (e.g., Sonny Angel series) and themed IP derivatives, often have a smooth or slightly matte surface, a hard texture, and are resistant to impact and deformation.
Plastic action figures are commonly produced using injection molding, where molten PVC or ABS plastic is injected into molds and cooled to form the desired shape. This process allows for mass production at a low cost. Their surfaces can undergo treatments like painting, electroplating, or UV printing to achieve vibrant colors and intricate details. These figures are widely used in anime IP derivatives, trendy toys, and children's toys.
Roto-cast action figures are crafted from materials such as PVC or TPR using roto-casting techniques. Some roto-cast figures require a combination of injection molding and roto-casting processes. They feature smooth or textured surfaces, with a texture somewhere between soft rubber and hard plastic, offering both flexibility and durability. During production, the materials are heated to 160-180°C, injected into molds, and cooled to form a hollow structure. Additional treatments like spray painting, UV printing, or electroplating enhance their vibrant colors and detailed designs.
Resin figures, made from epoxy or PU resin, are high-end collectibles or premium figurines. Created using casting techniques, liquid resin is poured into detailed molds and solidified, then polished and painted to achieve exceptional detail. Compared to regular plastics, resin has higher hardness and a refined texture, perfectly replicating skin textures, clothing folds, and other intricate features, making it ideal for limited-edition anime or game character figurines.
Resin figures are often hand-painted using techniques like multi-layer spraying, panel lining, and matte finishing, resulting in rich and long-lasting colors. They are heavier and more expensive but possess high artistic value and collectible worth. Due to resin's brittleness, finished products often require reinforced internal structures. Some eco-friendly resin figures use bio-based resins to reduce environmental impact. When storing, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading and keep them in dust-proof cases to maintain their condition.
Figures are commonly found in art toys, anime IP derivatives, and themed character collections. Compared to plush figures, roto-cast figures are more impact-resistant, durable, and less prone to deformation, supporting complex designs. However, they have a harder texture and feel colder to the touch in winter. Their low production cost and high efficiency make them suitable for large-scale manufacturing, with prices ranging from affordable blind boxes to high-end collectibles.