I remember an absolutely great thread that took place a while back on the manufacturing process for these toys that we all love - so I thought i'd put a toy manufacturing question that occurred to me today to the board. What's the manufacturing process like for making toys with "bendy" articulation - for example the fabled Soto Walker toy? Can it be used with soft vinyl, or does it require a more pliable plastic? Is it more or less expensive to produce compared to other types or articulation?
All of the bendy toys i have (be it "designer" or just good ol toys), are plastic I believe, with the same texture and pliability of the old gumby toys. I dont really see how the same type of vinyl that wee see could be used, unless it was the very squishy brains of the first skull brains. I assume the soto walked will be the same way if we ever see it (which seems highly unlikely lol), probably along the lines of the kaws bendy look feel. Just found my old gumby and his horse while cleaning my room.. funny coincidence
Yes, I suspect that the compound for the bendy toys is more akin to a rubberized material. Probably a lot of plasticizer is added to the material if it is not actually a rubber compound. I think these are generally injected molded as well.
