The world of action figures is a diverse landscape that attracts all kinds of people. While many fans of movies, games, and comic books have tons of knowledge about their favorite series, not many know the ins and outs of the industry.
Toy companies that specialize in creating toys for babies and kids often design and produce action figures that are appealing and safe for young children to play with. These action figures provide hours of entertainment and encourage imaginative play in kids.
Your favorite figurines don’t appear out of nowhere; toy-making professionals put in lots of work to bring your favorite characters to life. So how do toy companies make action figures? Keep reading to learn more.
Step 1: Choosing Characters
The first step to action figure creation is choosing characters to make. Characters and their worlds are intellectual property, and big manufacturing companies must purchase the rights to avoid getting hit with a massive lawsuit. They also need to be mindful of what’s popular right now to attract the most customers. Product developers can start once executives sign the deal and acquire the correct authorization.
Step 2: Designing
If you’rewondering how toy companies make action figures, you can’t skip over one of the most critical phases in the process—designing. With 3D technology on the rise, it’s easier now than ever for designers to develop precise blueprints for action figures. Product designers don’t just create the look of a figurine; they also design its movements and show how the toy will actually work.
Step 3: Creating a Prototype
Think of the prototype as a first draft. It’s the product developers’ first attempt to bring the design from the previous step to life. During this phase, developers and designers work together to address and fix any problems in the model before mass production begins. In the past, professionals made prototypes from materials like clay that are easy to mold into different shapes and positions. Now, experts can see small details and have a more accurate version of a toy using advanced technology.
Step 4: Manufacturing
Manufacturers create a mold from the prototype. Depending on the complexity of the character, they form plastics around a wire skeleton for structure or make each piece separately for more movement. Then, professionals pour liquid plastics into the molds to get the desired shape and design. You’ll be able to spot a fake Nendoroid action figure or a figure that imitates any other brand if the quality of the work in this stage is poor.
Step 5: Assembling the Pieces
After successfully creating an action figure’s various parts, it’s time to put them all together. Assembling the pieces involves using special sealing technology to secure components to the mainframe. Ordinary and industrial glues are not enough to fuse all the elements, so professionals use ultrasonic, high-frequency vibrations to get the job done.
Knowing how the process works to bring your favorite characters to life helps action figure fans form a better connection to their hobby. Now that you know what it takes and how much work manufacturers have to do, you can have a deeper appreciation for your cherished collectibles.
