Material Comparison — PVC vs Resin vs Vinyl
Understanding the right material for your project is critical. Here is a detailed comparison of our three primary manufacturing materials.
PVC Injection Molding
Best For: Articulated Action Figures
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) injection molding is our primary manufacturing method for articulated figures. It offers the best balance of detail, durability, and cost at scale.
Key Characteristics
- Hardness: 90-95 degree (Shore A) — ideal for figures with joints
- Articulation: 25-35 points of movement when combined with ABS joints
- Detail: Excellent — captures fine sculpt detail from steel molds
- Durability: High — figures withstand handling and display
- MOQ: 500+ pieces (due to mold costs)
- Lead Time: 8-12 weeks (including tooling)
Ideal Applications
- Retail action figures (6-12 inch scale)
- Crowdfunding/Kickstarter collectibles
- Multi-SKU character lines
- Blind box figures (soft PVC variant)
Typical Unit Cost Range
$8-18/unit at 1000+ pieces (excluding mold cost)
Polyresin Casting
Best For: Premium Display Statues & Busts
Polyurethane resin casting is ideal for high-detail statues, busts, and display pieces where articulation is not required but surface quality is paramount.
Key Characteristics
- Detail: Superior — captures the finest sculpt nuances
- Finish: Wide range: ultra-matte to high-gloss, with metal effects
- Weight: Heavier than PVC — feels premium in hand
- Scale: 1/6 to 1/4 (180-450mm) and larger
- MOQ: 200+ pieces (lower mold investment)
- Lead Time: 6-10 weeks
Ideal Applications
- Limited edition statues (numbered, COA)
- Museum gift shop exclusives
- High-end display pieces
- Large-scale collectibles (over 12 inches)
Typical Unit Cost Range
$25-60/unit at 500+ pieces (silicone mold included)
Soft Vinyl (PVC)
Best For: Blind Box Figures & Chibi Designs
Soft vinyl (lower hardness PVC) is the go-to material for blind box figures, chibi-style collectibles, and designs requiring softer touch or squeezability.
Key Characteristics
- Hardness: 70-85 degree (Shore A) — softer, squeezable feel
- Detail: Good — smooth surface, less sharp edges than hard PVC
- Weight: Lightweight — reduces shipping costs
- Safety: Non-toxic, suitable for all ages
- MOQ: 3000+ pieces per design
- Mold Cost: Lower than injection molds
Ideal Applications
- Blind box series (mystery boxes)
- Kawaii/chibi collectibles
- Keychain and mini-figure lines
- Brand merchandise giveaways
Typical Unit Cost Range
$3-8/unit at 5000+ pieces
Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Not sure which material is right for you? We can advise based on your specific design.