3D Modeling for Custom Toys & Collectibles
MIHOX provides 3D modeling services focused on actual production requirements. We build and refine models based on customer-provided design drawings, reference materials, or existing 3D files, taking into account the product’s material, dimensions, structure, and manufacturing process to prepare for prototyping, mold development, and mass production.If you already have a 3D model, we can review it from a manufacturing perspective to determine whether it is suitable for the project and make adjustments where needed. If you only have 2D design drawings or character concepts, we can also build the 3D model from the available design materials.
- 15+ Years Experience
- ISO 9001 Certified
- NDA Protected
- Multi-Material
Not Just Creating 3D Models, but Preparing Them for Production
Many 3D models may look correct visually, but that does not mean they can be used directly for toy or collectible manufacturing. 3D models created for animation, game rendering, or visual presentation usually focus on appearance and visual details. Physical products also require consideration of part separation, material forming, structural requirements for different areas, as well as assembly and painting.
Therefore, when creating or modifying 3D models, MIHOX evaluates them based on the intended manufacturing process. Different materials and forming methods used for resin statues, PVC injection-molded toys, ABS products, and soft vinyl toys may require different model structures.
Build 3D Models from Your Design
01｜Build 3D Models from Your Design
No 3D model? We can build a 3D model based on your 2D design drawings, character concepts, dimension drawings, or sketches. The model is developed according to the product’s dimensions and structural requirements to provide the basic 3D data for prototyping and production.
02｜Review Existing 3D Models
Already have a 3D model? We can conduct a manufacturing feasibility review, checking dimensions, wall thickness, undercuts, part separation, and assembly structures to determine whether the model is suitable for production.
03｜Modify the Model for Production
If the existing model has structural issues that may affect manufacturing, we can modify it according to injection molding, soft vinyl, resin casting, and other manufacturing processes. Adjustments may include part separation, wall thickness, connection structures, and assembly clearances while maintaining the original design appearance.
04｜Deliver Production-Ready 3D Models
After modeling and engineering modifications are completed, we organize the engineering 3D model for prototyping, mold development, and mass production, ensuring that the 3D data is consistent with the required production structure.
Different Products Require Different 3D Modeling Approaches
Different materials and manufacturing processes require different 3D model structures. Modeling needs to consider product size, material, wall thickness, part separation, connections, and the final manufacturing process.
01｜Resin
Key considerations include surface details, structural strength, part separation, and assembly.
02｜PVC Injection Molding
Key considerations include wall thickness, draft angles, parting, part separation, and connection structures.
03｜Soft Vinyl
Key considerations include hollow construction, wall thickness, opening locations, part separation, and assembly.
04｜ABS & Plastic Parts
Key considerations include wall thickness, snap-fit features, connection structures, assembly, and tooling requirements.
The same design may require a different 3D model structure depending on the final manufacturing process.
How Does the 3D Model Affect Actual Production?
The 3D model is an important connection between product design and actual manufacturing. Its structural design can affect the subsequent stages of prototyping, tooling, molding, painting, and assembly. For example, product dimensions and proportions can affect the final molding result; wall thickness and internal structure can affect molding and product strength; part separation and connection methods can affect tooling and assembly. If the model is not adjusted according to the manufacturing process, modifications may be required during prototyping or tooling. Therefore, 3D modeling is not only about defining what the product looks like, but also about considering how the product will ultimately be manufactured.
3D Modeling & Development Process
Develop production-ready 3D models for custom toys and figures, from design review and structural modeling to part separation, manufacturing checks, and final files.
01｜Design
Review the client’s design, dimensions, reference images, and product requirements to define the basic structure and production direction before 3D modeling begins.
02｜Modeling
Build the 3D model based on the approved design, including product proportions, structure, components, and surface details required for the final manufactured product.
03｜Production Adjustment
Adjust the 3D model according to the selected manufacturing process, considering wall thickness, draft angles, connections, material properties, and other production requirements.
04｜Part Separation
Separate the model into production parts according to mold structure, material combinations, assembly methods, and the requirements of the manufacturing process.
05｜Final Check
Check the completed model for dimensions, structure, part connections, assembly clearances, and manufacturing feasibility before preparing the final production files.
06｜Production File
Prepare and export the final 3D files in suitable formats for prototyping, mold making, and mass production according to the project requirements.
CG 3D Modeling vs. Engineering 3D Modeling
Standard CG 3D Modeling for Rendering
- 1. Focused on visual presentation: Primarily focused on shape, proportions, details, and rendering results. The model only needs to look correct visually.
- 2. May not account for material and manufacturing limitations: Some structures may work visually but may not be suitable for actual injection molding, soft vinyl, or resin production.
- 3. May be created as a complete model: For presentation purposes, the model may be created as one complete piece without considering how it will be separated for production.
- 4. Suitable for rendering and animation: The files can be used for rendering, visual presentation, and animation, but may not be directly suitable for manufacturing.
Potential Risks of Using a Standard CG Model for Production
Undercuts, enclosed structures, or unsuitable parting lines may prevent proper mold release and require the model to be redesigned.
Walls that are too thin may cause deformation, incomplete filling, or insufficient strength. Excessive wall thickness may increase the risk of shrinkage, deformation, or internal defects.
Without appropriate assembly clearances, positioning structures, or connection methods, parts may not fit correctly after production or may result in looseness or interference.
If the model is not separated according to the actual manufacturing process, additional parts, mold modifications, or processing steps may be required, affecting tooling costs, unit costs, and production lead times.
Engineering 3D Modeling for Production
- 1. Designed for actual production: The model takes into account material, wall thickness, draft angles, part separation, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
- 2. Structure adjusted according to the manufacturing process: Wall thickness, connection methods, parting lines, and structural details are adjusted based on processes such as injection molding, soft vinyl, and resin casting.
- 3. Requires production-oriented part separation: The model is divided into manufacturable and assemblable parts based on tooling, painting, assembly, and packaging requirements.
- 4. Supports downstream production: The engineering 3D model provides the basis for mold development, prototyping, production evaluation, and assembly.
Why Is Engineering 3D Modeling Needed for Mass Production?
Engineering modeling allows potential issues with wall thickness, undercuts, draft angles, sharp corners, and openings to be identified before tooling, reducing modifications after the mold is made.
Parting locations, parting lines, connection methods, and manufacturing methods for individual components are determined based on the product structure and manufacturing process.
The engineering model defines dimensional relationships, assembly clearances, and connection structures between parts, helping reduce assembly issues during prototyping and mass production.
The engineering 3D model serves as a basis for mold design, prototype production, manufacturing evaluation, and quality inspection, reducing discrepancies between the original design and production files.
