Miniature figurines come in various materials, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. Plastic is the most popular figurine material due to its affordability and durability. However, wood and metal are also popular materials for figurines thanks to their distinct aesthetics. Glass is a less popular material for figures but is still used by some collectors due to its unmistakable appearance. Ultimately, the best material for a figurine depends on the collector’s preferences and budget.
Figurines can be made from various materials, the most popular being plastic, wood, metal, and glass. Plastic is by far the most common material used for figurines. Plastic is affordable and durable, making it an excellent option for those who want to start collecting without spending much money.
Some collectors feel that plastic figures lack the character and uniqueness of figures made from other materials. This article will discuss figurine material types and their benefits/drawbacks. We will also cover popular miniatures on the market and what they are made from.
What are plastic models made of?
The majority of plastic models are made of polystyrene. Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer that can be rigid or foamed. Rigid polystyrene makes items such as toys, packaging, and cups. Foamed polystyrene is used to make insulation and packing materials. Some plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), are blends of multiple polymers.
Polystyrene is a clear, colourless plastic that is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive. This makes it the ideal material for mass-produced items such as plastic models. However, polystyrene is not as durable as other materials, so it is more likely to break or crack if it is dropped or mishandled.
What are metal models made of?
Metal models are usually made of zinc alloy, brass, or aluminium. Zinc alloys are the most common type of metal used in model making. They are a mixture of zinc and other metals, such as copper, aluminium, or magnesium. Zinc alloys are ductile, meaning they can be easily moulded into different shapes.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a strong material often used for model making because it can be polished to a high shine. Brass is also relatively easy to work with, making it a good choice for starting modelers.
Aluminum is the lightest metal used for model making. It is solid and durable but challenging to work with because it is soft. Aluminum models are usually reserved for experienced modelers comfortable working with this challenging material.
What are wood models made of?
Wood models are usually made of balsa wood, plywood, or Basswood. Balsa wood is the lightest and weakest wood used for model making. It is easy to work with but not very durable. Plywood is made by gluing together layers of thin wood. It is more robust than balsa wood but still relatively easy to work with.
Basswood is the heaviest and most robust wood used for model making. It isn’t easy to work with but very durable. Basswood models are usually reserved for experienced modelers comfortable working with this challenging material.
What are glass models made of?
Glass models are usually made of clear or tinted glass. Glass is a brittle material that is difficult to work with. It is also very fragile, so it is not a good choice for modelers just starting. Glass models are usually reserved for experienced modelers who are comfortable working with this challenging material.
How are plastic models made?
Plastic models are usually injection moulded. Injection moulding is a manufacturing process where melted plastic is injected into a mould. The mould defines the shape of the final product. Injection moulding is a fast and efficient way to produce large quantities of identical plastic items.
What molds are used in the injection molding process?
The moulds used in the injection moulding process are usually made of steel or aluminium. The mould is first created as a negative image of the desired product. Then, molten plastic is injected into the mould under high pressure. The plastic cools and hardens inside the mould, taking on the shape of the mould.
How are metal models made?
Metal models are usually die-cast. Die-casting is a manufacturing process where molten metal is injected into a mould. The mould defines the shape of the final product. Die-casting is a fast and efficient way to produce large quantities of identical metal items.
How are wood models made?
Wood models are usually cut with a CNC router. A CNC router is a computer-controlled machine that cuts the wood into the desired shape. CNC routers are fast and accurate, making them ideal for large production runs.
How are glass models made?
Glass models are usually blown or cast. Blown glass is made by blowing air into molten glass. Cast glass is made by pouring molten glass into a mould. Glass models are usually reserved for experienced modelers comfortable working with this challenging material.
What are figurines made from, and what are the benefits of each material?
Plastic is the most popular figurine material due to its affordability and durability. However, wood and metal are also popular materials for figurines thanks to their distinct aesthetics. Glass is a less popular material for figures but is still used by some manufacturers due to its unmistakable appearance. Ultimately, the best material for a figurine depends on customer preferences and budgets.
Benefits of plastic figurines
- Affordability: Plastic is generally the most affordable option for figurines. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are just starting to collect or want to build an extensive collection without breaking the bank.
- Durability: Plastic is durable, meaning your figurines are less likely to break if they are dropped or mishandled. This makes them ideal for children’s toys or collectors who are less careful with their belongings.
- Versatility: Plastic can be molded into almost any shape, making it one of the most versatile materials for figurines. This means many plastic figures are available to suit any collector’s taste.
Drawbacks of plastic figurines
- Aesthetics: Some collectors feel plastic figurines lack the aesthetic appeal of other materials such as wood or metal.
- Detailing: Plastic is not as easy to work with when it comes to intricate detailing as other materials. This means plastic figurines may not be as realistic or lifelike as those made from different materials.
Benefits of wood figurines
- Aesthetics: Wood has a natural beauty that many collectors find appealing. It also ages well, so your wood figurines will only become more valuable over time.
- Durability: Wood is a solid and durable material, meaning your figurines are less likely to break if they are dropped or mishandled.
- Uniqueness: Every piece of wood is unique, so each wood figurine is one-of-a-kind. This makes them highly sought-after by collectors who appreciate uniqueness and individuality.
Drawbacks of wood figurines
- Cost: Wood is generally more expensive than plastic, making it less affordable for those on a budget.
- Weight: Wood is a heavier material than plastic, so wooden figurines can be challenging to transport and may require special packaging for protection.
- Premium feel: Metal figurines have a high-end feel that many collectors enjoy.
Benefits of metal figurines
- Aesthetics: Metal figurines have a striking appearance thanks to their shiny surface. They can also be engraved or embossed with intricate designs, making them even more eye-catching.
- Durability: Metal is a solid and durable material, meaning your figurines are less likely to break if they are dropped or mishandled.
Drawbacks of metal figurines
- Cost: Metal is generally more expensive than plastic, making it less affordable for those on a budget.
- Weight: Metal is a heavier material than plastic, so metal figurines can be challenging to transport and may require special packaging for protection.
Benefits of glass figurines
- Aesthetics: Glass has unique transparency and allows light to pass through, creating a striking effect. It also refracts light, making glass figurines sparkle and shine when placed in the sun or under a light source.
- Uniqueness: Like wood and metal, each piece of glass is unique, so each glass figurine is one-of-a-kind. This makes them highly sought-after by collectors who appreciate uniqueness and individuality.
Drawbacks of glass figurines
- Fragility: Glass is a very fragile material, meaning your figurines are more likely to break if they are dropped or mishandled. This makes them less ideal for children’s toys or collectors who are less careful with their belongings.
- Cost: Glass is generally more expensive than plastic, making it less affordable for those on a budget.
- Weight: Glass is a heavier material than plastic, so glass figurines can be challenging to transport and may require special packaging for protection.
The popularity of plastic figurines and why they’re so popular
Plastic figurines are by far the most popular type of figurine, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and wide availability. Plastic figurines can be found in almost any store that sells toys or collectibles, making them easy to find and purchase. They’re also relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious collectors.
In addition, plastic figurines are available in a wide variety of styles, making it easy to find the perfect one for your collection. Plastic figures are often mass-produced thanks to their popularity, so they’re not as unique as those made from other materials. However, many collectors enjoy the vast array of choices available and the fact that they can easily add to their collection without breaking the bank.
Popular Figurines – What are they made from?
What metal are Warhammer models made of?
Originally Warhammer models were made from a white metal alloy that included lead. This was changed to a formula without lead in 1997. Following the launch of finecast models in 2011 – metal miniatures were phased out, and Warhammer continues to sell existing stock.
What are D&D miniatures made from?
Dungeons & Dragons miniatures are typically made from plastic. However, some high-end models may be made from metal or resin.
What are Heroclix figures made from?
Heroclix figures are made from plastic.
What are Disney Infinity figures made from?
Disney Infinity figures are made from plastic.
What are Halo action figures made from?
Halo action figures are typically made from plastic, but some high-end models may be made from metal or resin.
What are Pokemon figurines made from?
Pokemon figurines are typically made from plastic. However, some high-end models may be made from metal or resin.
What kind of plastic are Warhammer models made of?
Warhammer models are typically made from polystyrene plastic. However, their forecast models are made from their resin.
What are Star Wars figurines made from?
Star Wars figurines are typically made from plastic. However, some high-end models may be made from metal or resin.
What are Funko POP! figures made from?
Funko POP! figures are made from vinyl plastic.
What type of plastic are Airfix models made of?
Airfix models are made from polystyrene plastic.
What plastic are Tamiya models made of?
Tamiya models are made from polystyrene plastic.
What is Lego made of?
Lego bricks are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.
What is Playmobil made of?
Playmobil toys are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.
What is Meccano made of?
Meccano parts are made from zinc-plated steel and aluminum. They can also come with plastic parts used as part of the assembly.
What are Hot Wheels tracks and cars made of?
Hot Wheels tracks and cars are typically made from plastic. However, some high-end models may be made from metal or resin.
Choosing the best material for a figurine based on preferences and budget
The best material for a figurine depends on the preferences and budget of the collector. For example, those looking for a unique piece may prefer a wood or metal figurine. In contrast, those on a budget may choose a plastic figure. Glass figurines are also popular among collectors, thanks to their aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, it is up to the collector to decide which material is best for their needs.
Final Thoughts
Tabletop figurines are available in various materials, each with benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the suitable material for your needs is essential based on your preferences and budget. Thanks to their popularity, plastic figurines are often mass-produced, so they’re not as unique as those made from other materials. However, many collectors enjoy the vast array of choices available and the fact that they can easily add to their collection without breaking the bank. Glass figurines are also popular among collectors, thanks to their aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, it is up to the collector to decide which material is best for their needs.
