When creating a custom toy or collectible figure, choosing the right material is essential. The two most common materials are Resin and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) — each offering unique benefits depending on your design goals, quantity, and budget.
Below is a complete comparison to help you decide which is best for your project.
1. What Is Resin? #
Resin is a high-detail casting material often used for premium or small-batch collectible figures.
- High Detail: Captures intricate sculpt details and textures perfectly.
- No Mold Cost: Usually made by hand casting, so it doesn’t require expensive steel molds.
- Heavier & More Fragile: Feels solid but can break if dropped.
- Ideal For: Prototypes, limited editions, art figures, or small-volume runs.
Resin is perfect when you want the highest quality finish and don’t plan to produce thousands of pieces.
2. What Is PVC? #
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the most common industrial material for toy and figure production.
- Durable & Flexible: Less likely to break; ideal for mass production.
- Requires Mold: Needs steel molds for injection molding, which increases initial setup cost.
- Lower Unit Cost at Scale: Once the mold is made, mass production is fast and economical.
- Ideal For: Large-volume production runs or figures requiring flexibility (e.g., accessories or movable joints).
PVC is the best choice for high-volume, cost-efficient toy manufacturing.
3. Resin vs PVC: Quick Comparison #
| Feature | Resin | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Detail Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Durability | ⚠️ Fragile | 💪 Durable |
| Production Volume | Small Batch | Mass Production |
| Mold Requirement | No | Yes |
| Unit Cost | Higher (small batch) | Lower (bulk) |
| Texture | Hard & solid | Smooth & flexible |
4. Which Material Should You Choose? #
- Choose Resin if you need high-precision details, artistic texture, or limited editions.
- Choose PVC if you plan large production volumes, need flexible parts, or want lower unit costs over time.
If you’re unsure which material best suits your project, our experts can help you evaluate based on your design and budget.
📩 Email us: stella@newmiho.com
We’ll recommend the most suitable option for your custom figure or toy.
