Sofia Martinez
Gunpla, a portmanteau of Gundam and plastic model, is a line of mecha model kits manufactured by Bandai. The kits are made of plastic and are assembled by the buyer. Different plastic materials are used for the various components of a Gunpla model, including PS (Polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PE (Polyethylene), and PP. ABS, for example, is used for solid components like armour plates, while PS is used for parts that require flexibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | PS (Polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PE (Polyethylene), PP, PVC, LIMEX |
| Plastic properties | PS is brittle, ABS is hard, PP has chemical resistance, strength and thermal stability |
| Plastic use | PS for armour parts, ABS for inner frame, PE for polycaps, PP for structural components |
| Plastic sheets | Styrene sheets (pla plates) are used for customization |
| Plastic recycling | Bandai has a recycling program in Japan called "Bandai Gunpla Eco-Plamo Recycling Project" |
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What You'll Learn
Polystyrene (PS) is used for armour parts
Polystyrene, or PS, is a type of plastic commonly used in the creation of Gunpla models, specifically for armour parts. PS is a versatile material that can take on many forms, but in the context of Gunpla, it is typically used in its solid, rigid form. This form of polystyrene is known for its transparency, lightweight nature, and low cost, making it ideal for detailed modelling.
PS is a popular choice for armour parts due to its dimensional stability, which ensures that the armour pieces maintain their shape and size despite changes in external conditions. This stability is further enhanced by the material's water resistance, contributing to its longevity. Additionally, PS is FDA-compliant, making it safe for use with food and beverages, although it is also commonly found in household products like yogurt containers and smoke detector housings.
While PS is a versatile and widely used material, it does have some disadvantages. One notable drawback is its poor chemical resistance, which can lead to rapid dissolution when exposed to chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbon substances. This very quality, however, contributes to its longevity in natural environments, although it also means that PS is non-biodegradable.
In the context of Gunpla, PS is valued for its flexibility and ease of processing, making it suitable for rapid production and customization. Its lightweight property is also advantageous for modelling, as it allows for intricate details to be added to the armour parts without adding excessive weight to the overall model. PS is also compatible with standard plastic cement, making it convenient for builders to work with.
Overall, polystyrene (PS) is a practical and accessible choice for Gunpla armour parts, offering a balance of flexibility, stability, and customizability. Its unique properties contribute to its popularity across various industries and applications, from modelling to household products and packaging.
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Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is used for the inner frame
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic commonly used in the inner frames of Gunpla models. Gunpla, short for "Gundam plastic model", refers to a line of mecha model kits produced by Bandai. These kits are based on the various mobile weapons featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.
ABS plastic is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it ideal for the inner frame of Gunpla models, which undergo significant movement and wear. Compared to other plastics commonly used in Gunpla kits, such as polystyrene (PS), ABS is less brittle and more flexible, reducing the likelihood of breakage. This characteristic of ABS plastic is particularly advantageous for builders, as it can withstand accidental knocks and falls during the construction process and everyday use.
The reusability of ABS plastic is another notable benefit. As a thermoplastic, ABS can be heated and reshaped into different forms, allowing for easy modifications and repairs to Gunpla models. This reusability also contributes to waste reduction, as builders can recycle and repurpose ABS parts instead of discarding them.
In addition to its functional advantages, ABS plastic offers aesthetic benefits to Gunpla models. Its flexibility enables smoother curves and more intricate details in the model's design, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the finished product.
While ABS is commonly used for the inner frame, other plastics, such as PS and polyethylene (PE), are typically utilized for other components. PS, for example, is often used for armour parts, while PE is commonly found in polycaps. However, it's important to note that the specific plastics used in Gunpla kits may vary depending on the grade and age of the kit.
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$30.93
Polyethylene (PE) is used for polycaps
In the context of Gunpla, PE is used for polycaps, which are small rubber bushings that create smooth joints or hold parts together without glue in scale models. They are commonly found in kits produced by companies like Tamiya and Bandai. While PE polycaps provide a quick and reliable solution for stiff joints, they may deteriorate over time with excessive friction or pose changes, leading to a loss in grip strength.
The versatility of PE lies in its ability to be low-density or high-density, with various forms in between. Its properties can be further modified through crosslinking or copolymerization. LDPE, discovered in the 1960s, is more flexible than its high-density counterpart and is suitable for less corrosive fluids. Conversely, HDPE, introduced in the 1950s, offers superior chemical resistance, strength, and temperature tolerance, making it ideal for storing and transporting aggressive chemicals, fuels, and solvents.
The production of PE began with the accidental discovery of polyethylene synthesis by Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson in 1933 at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). They applied extremely high pressure to a mixture of ethylene and benzaldehyde, resulting in a white, waxy material. However, it wasn't until 1935 that ICI chemist Michael Perrin refined the process into a reproducible high-pressure synthesis for polyethylene. This laid the foundation for industrial LDPE production starting in 1939.
In summary, PE is a versatile and widely-used plastic that finds application in Gunpla models through its use in polycaps. Its flexibility, durability, and chemical resilience make it suitable for creating smooth joints and holding parts together.
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PP plastic is used for structural components
Polypropylene, commonly known as PP, is a versatile thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of applications. It is produced through the polymerization of propylene monomers and exhibits excellent chemical resistance. With its low density, polypropylene is the lightest among commodity plastics. Its characteristics, such as high stiffness, impact resistance, and toughness, make it ideal for structural components in various industries, including automotive and consumer appliances.
PP plastic is widely used in applications requiring structural integrity due to its high stiffness. This property ensures that PP components maintain their shape and stability under load or stress. For example, in the automotive industry, impact copolymers made from PP are commonly used for parts that need to withstand high impact forces, such as bumpers or structural supports. The stiffness of PP also makes it suitable for use in consumer appliances, where it can provide rigidity and support to the overall structure of the appliance.
Additionally, polypropylene's toughness and impact resistance contribute to its popularity in structural applications. Its ability to withstand impacts without breaking or deforming permanently enhances its durability. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in automotive and consumer appliance applications, where components may be subjected to unexpected forces or vibrations during use.
PP plastic also offers excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in harsh chemical environments. This property is essential when PP is used in structural components that may come into contact with chemicals, such as in industrial settings or medical applications. Its resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents ensures that the structural integrity of PP components remains intact even when exposed to potentially corrosive substances.
Furthermore, polypropylene's versatility extends to its processability. It can be easily processed using techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. This versatility allows designers and manufacturers to create complex shapes and structures, providing flexibility in their approach to product development. For instance, in building and construction, PP can be used in interlocking sections to create elaborate designs for light shades or other decorative elements, while also contributing to structural support.
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LIMEX is a new, eco-friendly material
Gunpla models are made from a variety of plastics, including polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene (PE). PS is used for most armor parts, while ABS is used for the inner frame, and PE is used for polycaps.
LIMEX, on the other hand, is a new, innovative, and eco-friendly material that serves as an alternative to plastic and paper products. It is made primarily from limestone calcium carbonate and contains 50-80% of this substance in the final product. LIMEX is developed and manufactured by TBM Co., Ltd., a Japanese company founded in 2011.
The use of limestone in LIMEX offers several advantages over traditional petroleum-derived plastics. Firstly, it significantly reduces CO2 emissions during the raw material procurement stage and combustion, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Secondly, limestone is a highly sustainable and abundant resource worldwide, reducing the environmental impact associated with resource extraction.
LIMEX production does not require water or trees, addressing the urgent issues of decreasing forest areas and water scarcity. It can be manufactured using existing production facilities, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and the associated energy consumption. LIMEX is also reusable, contributing to resource conservation and further enhancing its environmental benefits.
In addition to its sustainability advantages, LIMEX possesses desirable physical properties. It is water-resistant, strong, and tear-resistant, making it suitable for various applications. LIMEX can be used to create food containers, mask cases, folders, ballpoint pens, construction materials, shopping bags, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Gunpla is made from a variety of plastics, including PS (Polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PE (Polyethylene), PP, and PVC. The specific type of plastic used can vary depending on the kit's grade, age, and manufacturer.
Each type of plastic has unique properties that make it suitable for specific components within the kit. For example, ABS is known for its impact resistance and rigidity, making it ideal for solid components like armour plates and weapons. On the other hand, PS is more brittle and prone to breakage, so it is often used for parts that require flexibility.
Yes, Bandai, the manufacturer of Gunpla, has recognized the environmental impact of the large volume of plastic used in their products. They have introduced initiatives such as the "Bandai Gunpla Eco-Plamo Recycling Project," which allows customers to recycle their used Gunpla parts. Additionally, they have released the Gunpla-Kun kit, made with LIMEX, a material that contains over 50% limestone, reducing the reliance on petroleum-derived plastics.
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