[3D Printing News] Vans Limited Edition Collectible Figures: Small-Batch Packaging with a Big Future!
"PlayDude" is an independent brand run by London-based designer and illustrator Mike McCabe. It produces a variety of limited edition toy figures, accessories, and apparel, and has a loyal following 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 a 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 be close to industrial manufacturing quality, which required using blister packaging.
"We considered having factories produce blister packaging, but it was extremely difficult to find a factory that would produce only 100 pieces in small batches, and the cost would have been very high!" Mike emphasized that due to the small production volume, packaging factories did not accept such special projects, and their quotes were quite expensive! How could they achieve high-quality, industrial-grade packaging within a limited budget and timeframe?
Desktop Manufacturing, On-Demand Production
Fortunately, they discovered the desktop FormBox vacuum forming machine, which is ideal for creating uniform packaging for small-batch custom figures.
"The industrial vacuum forming process was more difficult than expected. With this vacuum forming machine, we can produce all items in our studio, making the production process much simpler." Mike emphasized that using the FormBox for product packaging and mold making significantly shortens delivery times, reduces costs, and minimizes the number of molds needed.
They used an Ultimaker 3 3D printer to create the model, then used the FormBox for vacuum forming the blister pack. This allowed them to quickly test the positioning and fit of the vacuum packaging with the product itself, and to rapidly check product prototypes without waiting for shipping, thereby accelerating product development.
From 3D printed models to final prototypes, the company also used the professional plaster included with the FormBox. By pouring it into the first vacuum mold, they obtained sturdy plaster prototypes. Plaster prototypes can be used repeatedly and quickly with the vacuum forming machine, making them a cost-effective and highly efficient material.
Low Cost, High Quality
The FormBox vacuum forming machine in PlayDude's studio not only costs less than 30,000 NTD (3dmart also exclusively includes a vacuum cleaner), but the blister forming process takes only a few seconds. It perfectly fits the figures into custom-made packaging, allowing them to complete 50 limited edition items as exquisite as industrially manufactured ones within a few hours. This successfully secured their collaboration with the well-known brand "Vans."
From receiving expensive production quotes to completing the product using the FormBox, the company reduced overall production costs and time by about 60%! Do you also have similar small-batch needs? You can now choose the best helper to reduce costs in the shopping mall and immediately save every expense.
. Related Equipment: "Ultimaker S3 3D Printer" . Related Equipment: "FormBox Vacuum Forming Machine" . Other Discounted Bundles
Reference Material