AboutShiniGami Expertise I can answer any question about Action Figure and Toy Design, Prototyping, Manufacturing and Production Management. Over 20 years in the Toy business with clients including Bandai US/Japan/Europe, Hasbro, Kenner, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, Playmates, etc., and also specialty companies including Toy Tokyo, The Showroom NYC, Kid Robot, Wheaty Wheat and many others.
NOTE: I travel A LOT, so during overseas travel (Japan, Hong Kong, China), I do not check for questions. Thanks.
Experience
Past/Present Clients: Designers including : Gary Baseman, Ron English, Frank Kozik, Pete Fowler, Futura, Stash, David Horvath. Companies including : Bandai Japan, Bandai US, Dark Horse, Hasbro, Kenner, Lucas Films, Maharishi, Marvel, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, MTV, NIKE, Playmates, Reebok, Sony, etc.
Expert: ShiniGami Date: 1/22/2008 Subject: What is the procedure for sending a design for manufacture?
Question Hello,
I am a design student and I am new to the manufacturing process for vinyl
toys. Right now I have got my design pencil sketches and a model of my
design sculpted from blue foam and a version in Supersculpey. But I don't
know how to present it according to industry standard to a manufacturer.
What kind of information exactly will a manufacturer need to know from me
in order to take the toy into production?
I've been looking online and key terms like 'turnarounds' and 'colorways' come
up. Of the samples of turnarounds I've seen, they are just basic outlines with
some dimensions and several views.
How detailed must these be? Are they like General Assembly drawings that
will require cross-sections etc? My problem is that since the toy has a very
organic shape it is difficult to dimension everything out.
Also, I am looking to do a limited run of about 1000 units. What would be the
best manufacturing process? Would injection molding be really expensive? My
forms are quite detailed. What are some alternatives?
I heard of some casting method using a copper mold which is slightly
cheaper?
Please help!
Thank you for your time
Best,
Liv
Answer You'll need a prototype, or style guides to have one made. These are detailed front, back, side, top drawings. For a prototype, they are not just basic outlines. The sculptor only sculpts what is in the turnarounds.
I've not run into any shape that can't be done from professional style guides, or 3D models. Vinyl is not injection. Vinyl molds, by cheap method, depends on design, style, etc. Could be $1,500 and up for a basic tool by cheapest method. 1,000 units is a small run, so again, depnds on design, time of year, time of materials at time you start production, etc etc. Myabe $5 to $10 for production. Then film for packaging, vacuform inserts, etc. Then shipping from Hong Kong, that you take care of, I only see items thru to Hong Kong. So, maybe in range of $8,000 to $10,000 for 1,000 pieces, without seeing final item.
