ISO9001/IATF16949 Certified CNC Manufacturer in China | 24h Quotation | Free DFM Support
Engineers, collectors, and hobbyists alike need plastic models and plastic model kits that deliver on cost, precision, and speed—without the headaches. At SPI ™Super‑ingenuity, we specialize in custom mold making for model kits, offering high‑precision mold tooling, low‑cost plastic molds, and fast delivery. Whether you’re into Bandai Pokémon plastic model kits, Bandai Star Wars models, Tamiya-scale military replicas, or designing your own plastic modeling kits, we’ve got you covered.
Plastic Models（PLaMo） is short for Plastic Model Kits—pre-manufactured parts typically made of polystyrene or ABS plastic that users assemble into scale models. These kits are popular among hobbyists, engineers, and collectors for their precision and customization potential.
Pre-Engineered Components: Each kit comes with molded parts that snap or glue together. No special machinery is needed.
Scale Accuracy: Whether it’s a military tank, anime character, or race car, models replicate fine details at scaled-down sizes.
No Painting Required (Sometimes): Many kits, especially from brands like Bandai, are molded in color and require no painting for a finished look.
Customization Potential: Builders can repaint, weather, or modify parts to create unique designs—this makes PLaMo both a craft and an art form.
Popular in Japan and Worldwide: Especially in the Gundam (Gunpla), Pokémon, Star Wars, and military model communities.
Hobby Collection
STEM Education
Concept Modeling for Design Engineers
Prototypes in Product Development
Thanks to lean tooling designs, optimized steel usage, and minimized trial runs, clients typically save 25%–35% compared to traditional mold shops. For model kits with multiple parts—like those in plastic model kits for adults—those savings add up fast.
Simple single‑figure molds deliver in 2–3 weeks.
Complex kits—especially custom model plastic kits—take 4–6 weeks, confirmed up front.
Our injection molds for toy kits are finely tuned by senior mold makers, ensuring snap‑fit connectors click perfectly—never too loose or too tight.
Model Kits for Adults & Collectors: From Bandai Pokémon plastic model kit themes to sci-fi starships, plus custom kits for experienced modelers.
Flexible Offerings: Pick from plastic model, plastic model kits, plastic models kits, or ask for custom plastic model injection tooling built to your design.
High‑Precision Industry‑Grade Tooling: Achieve ±0.02 mm on critical features like panel lines, tabs, and click‑fit joints—so your parts assemble flawlessly.
Starter Tools Included: Kits include plastic model tools (snippers, files, sanding picks) for a seamless building experience—even for beginners.
Guided Design Transition: Use our Injection Molding Design Guidelines to ensure your renders become flawless molds.
| Component | Material Used | Key Features | Typical Use Case | Manufacturing Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mold Base / Cavity | P20 Pre-hardened Steel | Affordable, good machinability, decent wear resistance | Standard production molds for plastic model kits | CNC milling + optional heat treatment |
| 718H High Polish Steel | Excellent surface finish, ideal for high-gloss or transparent parts | Premium kits (Bandai-style), clear model pieces | CNC + fine polishing | |
| H13 Tool Steel | Heat-resistant, durable under high-pressure cycles | Complex or high-wear injection molds | CNC + EDM + vacuum heat treatment | |
| A7075 Aluminum Alloy | Fast to machine, lightweight, great for prototyping or small production | Cost-effective molds for hobby-grade or early-stage model kits | 3-axis/5-axis CNC + anodizing (optional) | |
| Plastic Resin | ABS | Impact-resistant, paints well, stable | Model kit bodies, figures, accessories | Injection molding |
| PS (Polystyrene) | Rigid, holds sharp detail, low warpage | Snap-fit model parts, flat panels, frames | Injection molding | |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Flexible, excellent fatigue resistance | Joint connectors, moving parts | Injection molding | |
| TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) | Rubber-like texture, soft touch | Flexible grips, soft edges, hybrid model parts | Insert molding / overmolding | |
| Surface Finishing | Polishing (SPI Grade) | Smooth, mirror-like surfaces for display-quality parts | Visible outer shells, figure faces, transparent parts | Manual/machine polishing |
| Chemical Etching | Texture replication, adds realism (skin, armor, mechanical patterns) | Surface detailing for scale models and action figures | Chemical or laser etching | |
| Tooling Methods | CNC Machining | Fast, precise material removal for steel or aluminum molds | All cavities, cores, sliders | 3-axis or 5-axis CNC |
| EDM (Electrical Discharge) | Shapes fine geometry and deep cavities not reachable by milling | Panel lines, tight corners, ejector pin pockets | Sinker or wire EDM | |
| Moldflow / DFM Review | Detects flow imbalance, warpage, shrinkage, and ejector risk | Essential for complex PLaMo kits and multipart assemblies | Simulation software (e.g., Moldex3D) |
One of our recent highlights involves multiple precision plastic molds for gated toy components. These parts required exact snap-fit tolerances—not too loose, not too tight—to ensure flawless assembly in every production cycle.
Unlike standard injection molds, these kits demand expert-level tactile calibration during mold fitting. Each tool was hand-adjusted by senior mold makers, leveraging decades of experience to fine-tune the parting surfaces and locking interfaces.
🔧 “For gated toys, every assembly joint must click together smoothly—tight enough to stay locked, but never stressed. Our team balanced each contact point by hand, based on actual fit feel during assembly trials.”
As a result:
✅ 0.00% rejection rate during initial sampling
⏱️ Lead time was 7 days faster than average
💬 Client feedback: “Perfect fit and clean finish—no post-trimming needed.”
This is the kind of hands-on problem-solving we bring to every project. Not just accurate molds—but molds that assemble right the first time.
| DFM Category | Recommendation | Notes / Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Parting Line | Place on flat, non-cosmetic or symmetrical areas | Avoid across facial features or curved details |
| Draft Angle | 0.5°–1° standard; 1°–3° for textured surfaces | Required for easy demolding; prevents part scuffing |
| Wall Thickness | PS: 1.0–2.5 mm; ABS: 1.2–3.0 mm; PP: 1.5–3.5 mm | Maintain uniformity to prevent sink marks and warping |
| Assembly Fit Tolerance | Tight fit: ±0.05 mm; Slip fit: ±0.10 mm | Critical for click-in armor, weapons, and interchangeable accessories |
| Undercuts | Avoid if possible; use sliders/lifters for essential undercuts | Common in joints, helmets, or mechanical figure parts |
| Gate Type & Placement | Use sub-gate or pin gate on non-cosmetic areas | Place near thickest wall; avoid cosmetic faces |
| Venting | 0.01–0.03 mm vent depth at extremities, thin walls | Prevents short shots, especially in detailed sculpt areas |
| Surface Texture | SPI Standard A2/B1/C1; mold etching for pattern detail | Used for clothing, terrain, texture detail on figures |
| Plastic Material | ABS, PS, PP, TPE | ABS for structure, PS for crisp details, PP for flexible joints, TPE for soft touch |
| Mold Material | 718H (high detail), P20 (general use), A7075 (prototypes/low volume) | Aluminum ideal for short-run mold kits and development builds |
| Pain Point | SPI™ Solution |
|---|---|
| High mold cost | Achieve 30% savings through optimized design and bulk material sourcing. |
| Long delivery time | Fast turnaround, even for multi-part plastic modelling kits. |
| Poor fit or panel misalignment | Precision tooling ensures parts click and lock correctly. |
| Hard to assemble for beginners | Clear instructions, labeled sprues, model plastic kits for all levels. |
| No path for future reorders or variations | Tooling is retained; repeat orders or variant runs are cost-effective. |
Q1. Can I really save 30% on mold costs?
Yes—thanks to efficient design, smart sourcing, and reduced trial mistakes, our clients routinely see 25–35% savings, especially on multi-piece plastic model kits for adults.
Q2. How fast is the turnaround—and will the parts fit right away?
Simple model kits arrive in 2–3 weeks; complex kits in 4–6 weeks. Over 90% of first builds fit perfectly with no rework thanks to experienced mold tuning.
Q3. Do you support fan kits like Bandai or Pokémon series?
Yes—we build compatible “fan‑style” plastic model kits with excellent design alignment to existing Bandai Pokémon plastic model kit series or Bandai Star Wars plastic model variants.
Q4. How precise are your tools?
We achieve ±0.02 mm tolerance on fine features such as alignment tabs and click-fit joints—ensuring clean snap-on assembly.
Q5. I’m a beginner—are your kits easy to assemble?
Absolutely. All kits include clear, step-by-step instructions and plastic model tools (snippers, files). Experienced modelers also appreciate our precision parts.
Q6. What if I want more parts later?
No problem—your tooling is kept in-house. You can reorder or update kits, keeping that same 30% cost benefit for future runs.
Finding authentic, limited edition PLaMo kits and Labubu figures requires trusted sources:
Good Smile Company — For premium anime figures and model kits.
Medicom Toy — Home of high-end designer toys, including exclusive collaborations.
Mandarake — Trusted marketplace for rare and vintage collectibles.
Unlock 30% Savings on Custom Plastic Model Molds
Discover How SPI ™Super-ingenuity Delivers Precision Custom Plastic Model Molds and Production Parts
