Omar Khalid
Plastic miniatures are popular in the wargaming community. They are made from soft or hard plastic, with soft plastic being bendable and usually made of polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Hard plastic, on the other hand, is brittle and tends to snap when bent. Plastic miniatures are lightweight, making them easier to handle during gameplay and less prone to breaking if dropped. They are also more affordable than resin or metal miniatures, which are heavier and more fragile. However, plastic miniatures may have less intricate details compared to other materials. The weight of a plastic miniature varies depending on its size and the type of plastic used, but it is generally lighter than its resin or metal counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter than metal and resin miniatures |
| Durability | More prone to breaking than metal miniatures |
| Material | Soft or hard plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, or PVC |
| Safety | Less likely to injure someone if dropped compared to metal miniatures |
| Paint | Does not require a primer before painting |
| Cleaning | More susceptible to damage from cleaning fluids than metal miniatures |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic miniatures are lighter than metal models
Plastic miniatures are generally lighter than metal models. They are made from soft plastics like polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or hard plastics that snap when bent. The weight difference is especially noticeable when carrying a large number of models, as is common in gaming. Metal models can be tiring to transport in large numbers, whereas plastic models are more lightweight and easier to carry.
The weight of metal miniatures also makes them more prone to breaking. Even if they don't break, the paint is more likely to chip off. Plastic models are less likely to suffer from paint chipping or cracking. They are also easier to paint, as the paint adheres more easily to the smooth plastic surface. However, plastic miniatures might be damaged by cleaning fluids, whereas metal models are resistant to this.
Metal miniatures have the advantage of feeling more premium due to their weight and solidity. They are also less likely to slide off slopes and are easier to balance over terrain. Plastic models can be knocked over more easily during gaming, although this can be remedied by using a heavier or larger base.
Plastic models are less expensive than metal ones, making them popular among hobbyists. They are also easier to modify if mistakes are made, as plastic components can be removed and adjusted more easily than metal. Plastic miniatures are also safer from damage than heavier models, as they are less likely to shatter if dropped.
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Soft plastic can be bent, hard plastic snaps
The weight of plastic miniatures depends on the type of plastic used and the size of the miniature. Plastic miniatures are commonly made using thermoplastics, which can be bent and shaped when heated. This makes it possible to create precise and complex shapes.
Soft plastic can be bent, and hard plastic snaps. The bendability of plastic depends on its properties, with some plastics undergoing a lot of deformation before fracturing, while others are brittle and snap easily. To bend brittle plastic without it snapping, you can heat it up to make it more pliable. This technique is commonly used with thermoplastics, which include polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and acrylic.
Thermoplastics become soft and malleable when heated and harden upon cooling. To bend thermoplastics, they must be heated to their glass transition temperature, at which point they become flexible and can be bent into the desired shape. It is important to control the heating process to avoid overheating or underheating the plastic. Overheating can cause deformation and weaken the material, while underheating can result in cracks and incomplete bends.
Once the plastic is heated to the desired temperature, it can be bent and held in place until it cools and retains its new form. Proper cooling is necessary to ensure that the bent plastic retains its shape. Rapid cooling can cause internal stresses, leading to warping or cracking. Controlled cooling methods such as gradual air cooling or water immersion are often used to achieve consistent results.
The flexibility of thermoplastics makes them suitable for snap-fit designs, which are commonly used in plastic parts to join components without additional fasteners. However, snap-fit designs must be carefully considered to avoid excessive stress concentrations that can lead to breakage. The ideal plastic for snap-fit designs has high flexibility, strength, and durability, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate.
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ABS plastic is used for high-quality miniatures
Plastic miniatures are generally lighter than metal models of the same size. They are also more resistant to damage from dropping. Plastic miniatures come in several different materials, including hard and soft plastics. Soft plastic miniatures are usually made of polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Hard plastics, on the other hand, are more brittle and tend to snap if bent.
ABS plastic is a widely used thermoplastic polymer known for its versatility, durability, and ease of processing. It is popular in various industries, including consumer electronics and toys. ABS plastic is also used for miniatures in tabletop games, such as the minis in the games Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe. These games are known for their ultra-high quality, which showcases the advantages of using ABS plastic for miniatures.
ABS plastic has excellent impact resistance, making it suitable for applications that require durability. It also has good mechanical properties, including high strength and stiffness, allowing it to withstand loads and stresses. This makes ABS plastic ideal for creating intricate and detailed miniatures. The material can be easily molded and shaped through processes such as injection molding, machining, and 3D printing.
ABS plastic has some disadvantages as well. It is classified as a combustible material with low resistance to fire. It tends to melt and burn, releasing potentially toxic fumes. Additionally, ABS plastic has limited heat resistance and may deform or lose its mechanical properties at higher temperatures. Despite these limitations, ABS plastic remains a popular choice for creating high-quality miniatures due to its durability, impact resistance, and ease of processing.
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Resin is lightweight but brittle
Plastic and resin models are lighter than metal models of the same size. Plastic is a soft and lightweight material. There are different types of plastic, including hard and soft plastics, with the latter being bendable. Polyester resin, in particular, is very brittle and will shatter if dropped onto a hard surface. This is a common trait of resin, which tends to shatter when dropped. This makes resin less durable than plastic, which is more flexible and less prone to breaking.
Resin is a popular material for creating prototypes and miniatures, despite its brittleness. This is because it is lightweight and easy to work with. However, its lightweight nature can also be a disadvantage during gaming, as resin models can be knocked down easily. To mitigate this, it is recommended to use a heavy or large base to hold the model in place.
The weight of miniatures is an important consideration, as heavier models are more prone to breaking if dropped. This is especially true for metal miniatures, which are heavier than plastic and resin models of the same size. The weight of metal miniatures can also make them tiring to transport for gaming purposes.
While resin is more fragile than plastic, it has advantages over other materials. For example, resin models are more resistant to cleaning fluids than plastic models, which can be damaged by certain chemicals. Additionally, resin can be polished to achieve a super shiny surface, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of miniatures.
In summary, resin is a lightweight and brittle material commonly used for creating miniatures. Its advantages include ease of use and resistance to cleaning fluids, while its disadvantages include brittleness and the need for a heavy base to prevent knocking over during gaming. When choosing between plastic and resin miniatures, it is important to consider the trade-off between durability and weight.
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Plastic is safer from damage than heavier models
Plastic miniatures are generally considered to be safer from damage than heavier models made of materials like resin. This is because resin, a common material used in miniatures, tends to shatter when dropped, while plastic is less likely to break or crack. This makes plastic a more durable option for miniatures that may be handled frequently or transported.
The weight of a miniature can also affect its stability and ease of transport. Heavier models may require additional support or magnets to stay securely attached to a base or display case. Plastic miniatures are often lighter, making them easier to transport and reducing the risk of them falling or becoming damaged during travel.
In addition to being more durable and lightweight, plastic miniatures may also be more cost-effective than heavier models made of resin or metal. Plastic is typically less expensive to produce and purchase, making it a more affordable option for those who are budget-conscious.
While plastic miniatures offer advantages in terms of durability and cost, it's important to consider the potential health and environmental concerns associated with certain types of plastics. Some plastics may contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, especially in products intended for children. Additionally, the impact of plastic pollution on the environment is a significant issue, with many plastics ending up in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems.
Overall, when considering the safety of a miniature from damage, plastic is often a preferable option due to its durability, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is crucial to weigh these benefits against potential health and environmental risks associated with specific types of plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic miniatures are made from soft or hard plastic, and are considered to be light in weight.
Yes, resin miniatures are heavier than plastic miniatures of the same size.
Yes, metal miniatures are heavier than plastic miniatures.
