【3D Printing News】VansLimited Edition Collectible Figures: Small-Batch Packaging, Big Future!
"PlayDude" is an independent brand operated by London-based designer and illustrator Mike McCabe, producing many limited edition toy figures, accessories, and apparel, and boasting a large number of loyal fans online! The company frequently collaborates with popular footwear brands for exhibitions or projects; due to high product demand, they require stable production methods to release products within tight deadlines.
The Dilemma of Small-Batch Demand
In the collaborative project between "PlayDude," "Vans," and London-based skateboard company "Blast Skates," the goal was to produce 50 limited edition figures. They wanted the overall appearance of these small-batch items to closely resemble industrially manufactured products, which required blister packaging.
"We considered asking factories to produce blister packaging, but finding a factory that would only produce 100 small items was extremely difficult and very expensive!" Mike emphasized that due to the small production volume, packaging factories often did not accept such special projects, and their quotes were quite high! How could they achieve high-quality industrial-grade packaging within a limited budget and deadline?
Desktop Manufacturing, As You Wish
Fortunately, they found the desktop FormBox vacuum forming machine, which is very suitable for creating uniformly specified packaging for small-batch custom figures.
"The industrial vacuum forming process is harder than expected. With this vacuum forming machine, we can produce all items in our studio, making the production process very simple." — Mike emphasized that using the FormBox for product packaging and mold making significantly shortens lead times, reduces costs, and decreases the number of molds needed.
They used an Ultimaker 3 3D printer to complete the model, then vacuum-formed it with the FormBox to quickly test the position and fit of the vacuum packaging and the product itself. This also allowed for very fast prototyping without waiting for shipping, accelerating product development.
From 3D printed models to the final prototype, the company also used the professional plaster included with the FormBox, pouring it into the first vacuum mold to obtain a sturdy plaster prototype. Plaster prototypes can be used repeatedly and quickly with the vacuum forming machine, making them a low-cost, highly efficient material.
Low Cost, High Quality
The FormBox vacuum forming machine in the "PlayDude" studio not only costs less than NT$30,000 (3DMart exclusively includes a vacuum cleaner), but the blister forming process also takes only a few seconds, allowing the figures to be perfectly placed into custom packaging; 50 limited edition products, as exquisite as industrially manufactured ones, were completed within hours, successfully securing the collaboration with the renowned brand "Vans."
The company saw approximately a 60% reduction in overall production costs and time, from receiving expensive production quotes to completing products using the FormBox! Do you also have similar small-batch needs? You can now choose the best helper for cost reduction in our shopping mall and immediately save every penny you spend.
．Related Equipment: "Ultimaker S3 3D Printer" ．Related Equipment: "FormBox Vacuum Forming Machine" ．Other Special Offers
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