Design flaw - Revision history

Kirby0189: /* Clear plastic breakage */

2026-01-13T16:57:23Z

Clear plastic breakage

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 13 January 2026
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	* A number of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)\|Beast Machines]]'' toys, such as Deluxe [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Machines\|Optimus Primal]] and [[Skydive (BM)\|Skydive]], use clear plastic for tightly pinned joints. These generally break without careful use. Ultra-Class [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys\|Nightscream]] in particular is very difficult to find intact, being largely constructed out of translucent plastic that became very brittle with age.		* A number of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)\|Beast Machines]]'' toys, such as Deluxe [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Machines\|Optimus Primal]] and [[Skydive (BM)\|Skydive]], use clear plastic for tightly pinned joints. These generally break without careful use. Ultra-Class [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys\|Nightscream]] in particular is very difficult to find intact, being largely constructed out of translucent plastic that became very brittle with age.
	* [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)#Toys\|Prowl]]'s clear plastic car doors are mounted on ball joints. Unfortunately, clear plastic is not usually malleable enough to withstand constant pressure and tends to break, especially if the door is accidentally dislodged from the joint.		* [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)#Toys\|Prowl]]'s clear plastic car doors are mounted on ball joints. Unfortunately, clear plastic is not usually malleable enough to withstand constant pressure and tends to break, especially if the door is accidentally dislodged from the joint.
			*The [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)\|''Armada'']] [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)#Armada\|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] uses heavy amounts of translucent plastic so their combined [[Star Saber (Armada)#Armada\|Star Saber]] form can take advantage of light-up-fist gimmicks found on some Autobots. Unfortunately, the weight of the weapon puts constant strain on the clear plastic connections and result in fractures over time, [[Sonar (Armada)#Armada\|Sonar]] being the most common victim due to forming the hilt. The Air Assault Mini-Con Team [[Redeco\|redeco]], which uses opaque plastics, is comparatively much sturdier.
	*[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)\|''Energon'']] [[Demolishor (Armada)#EnergonDumptruck\|Demolishor]] has forearms made out of transparent plastic that are pinned to his biceps by relatively small joints. That's bad enough, but said joints also have a molded tab on them, meant to add friction and support his arms when at a 90° angle. Over time, fully straightening his arms will cause that tab to act as a lever that stresses the clear plastic and can eventually tear the joints in two, leaving Demolishor with stumps. Shaving the tab can prolong the life of the joints, at the cost of Demolisher's arms not being able to support as much weight.		*[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)\|''Energon'']] [[Demolishor (Armada)#EnergonDumptruck\|Demolishor]] has forearms made out of transparent plastic that are pinned to his biceps by relatively small joints. That's bad enough, but said joints also have a molded tab on them, meant to add friction and support his arms when at a 90° angle. Over time, fully straightening his arms will cause that tab to act as a lever that stresses the clear plastic and can eventually tear the joints in two, leaving Demolishor with stumps. Shaving the tab can prolong the life of the joints, at the cost of Demolisher's arms not being able to support as much weight.
	* The joint that connects the windshield to the back of some early versions of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)\|movie]] Voyager Class [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys\|Ironhide]] were made of clear plastic, which resulted in numerous breakage issues. Later releases fixed this by changing the material of the joint to sturdier opaque plastic.		* The joint that connects the windshield to the back of some early versions of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)\|movie]] Voyager Class [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys\|Ironhide]] were made of clear plastic, which resulted in numerous breakage issues. Later releases fixed this by changing the material of the joint to sturdier opaque plastic.

MCRG: /* Plasticizer breakdown */

2026-01-06T02:27:22Z

Plasticizer breakdown

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 6 January 2026
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	===Plasticizer breakdown===		===Plasticizer breakdown===
	A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.		A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.
	* As a general rule, packaging making heavy use of clear rubber bands causes problems for toys that are left in the box, since plasticizer seepage strips off chrome and paint alike. This is mainly a problem for larger boxed figures from 2002 onward.		* As a general rule, packaging making heavy use of clear rubber bands causes problems for toys that are left in the box, since plasticizer seepage from decaying bands strips off chrome and paint alike. This is mainly a problem for larger boxed figures from 2002 onward.
	* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].		* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].
	* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.		* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.

MCRG: /* Plasticizer breakdown */ Plasticizer seepage paint and chrome stripping.

2026-01-06T02:26:46Z

Plasticizer breakdown: Plasticizer seepage paint and chrome stripping.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:26, 6 January 2026
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	===Plasticizer breakdown===		===Plasticizer breakdown===
	A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.		A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.
			* As a general rule, packaging making heavy use of clear rubber bands causes problems for toys that are left in the box, since plasticizer seepage strips off chrome and paint alike. This is mainly a problem for larger boxed figures from 2002 onward.
	* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].		* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].
	* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.		* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.

Hyoumaru: /* Plasticizer breakdown */

2025-08-19T12:32:28Z

Plasticizer breakdown

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:32, 19 August 2025
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	* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.		* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.
	* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.		* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.
	* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] and ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] feature tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep ~~him~~ at a reasonable distance from other figures.		* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]], ''Legacy: United'' "Doom 'n Destruction" [[Ruckus (G1)#Legacy\|Decepticon Rukus]] and ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] feature tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep them at a reasonable distance from other figures.

	==Isolated incidents==		==Isolated incidents==

Thylacine 2000: /* Parts breaking off other parts */ - just like Quality Control, this page has far too many rather trivial examples that wind up obscuring the more severe / more interesting stuff

2025-05-29T20:36:08Z

Parts breaking off other parts: - just like Quality Control, this page has far too many rather trivial examples that wind up obscuring the more severe / more interesting stuff

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 29 May 2025
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	* ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)\|Animated]]'' [[Lockdown (Animated)#Toys\|Lockdown]] has tabs in his wrists that prevent them from extending into a straight position. Unfortunately, these same tabs act as levers so that if you try to force the hands into a straight position, you will simply snap his wrists. Ouch.		* ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)\|Animated]]'' [[Lockdown (Animated)#Toys\|Lockdown]] has tabs in his wrists that prevent them from extending into a straight position. Unfortunately, these same tabs act as levers so that if you try to force the hands into a straight position, you will simply snap his wrists. Ouch.
	* [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)\|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Octane#Universe (2008)\|Tankor]]'s head rests on a retractable section, but even when extracted all the way up, the surrounding torso still gets in the way of his head rotation, gradually chipping off plastic from the lower section of his helmet. This is ''almost'' a clearance issue as detailed above; however, the head ''can'' just barely rotate, it merely scratches off plastic in the process.		* [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)\|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Octane#Universe (2008)\|Tankor]]'s head rests on a retractable section, but even when extracted all the way up, the surrounding torso still gets in the way of his head rotation, gradually chipping off plastic from the lower section of his helmet. This is ''almost'' a clearance issue as detailed above; however, the head ''can'' just barely rotate, it merely scratches off plastic in the process.
			* One of the more upsetting design flaws in recent years struck the expensive premium crowdfunded [[HasLab]] [[Omega Prime#Legacy\|Omega Prime]] set. The t-bar at the end of Optimus Prime's inner sliding spine is too wide to really fit into its intended movement channel - and the plastic at the front of the robot abdomen is very thin. This can crack Prime's lower chest apart after any number of attempted transformations - including the one in the factory getting the toy in position for packaging and shipping.

	==Common failure points==		==Common failure points==

Saix at 14:14, 29 January 2025

2025-01-29T14:14:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:14, 29 January 2025
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	===Plasticizer breakdown===		===Plasticizer breakdown===
	A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.		A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.

	* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].		* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].

	* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.		* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.

	* Starting around 2008's [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)\|''Universe'']] line to present, rubberized parts no longer seep liquid residue, but instead develop a "dusty" appearance over time. This dust can be wiped off, but will be back within a few weeks. In some cases, this chemical reaction can lead to the PVC melting into the surrounding plastic, with [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager\|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon]]'s shoulder treads being the poster child for it. Bludgeon just can't catch a break with this PVC stuff.		* Starting around 2008's [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)\|''Universe'']] line to present, rubberized parts no longer seep liquid residue, but instead develop a "dusty" appearance over time. This dust can be wiped off, but will be back within a few weeks. In some cases, this chemical reaction can lead to the PVC melting into the surrounding plastic, with [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager\|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon]]'s shoulder treads being the poster child for it. Bludgeon just can't catch a break with this PVC stuff.

	* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.		* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.

	* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.		* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.
			* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] and ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] feature tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures.
	* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] ~~features~~ tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to ~~any and all~~ paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures. ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] has also been found have this issue, and it is unknown if this also affects the PVC plastic tires of [[Ruckus (G1)#Legacy\|Ruckus]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#LegacyUnited\|G1 Universe Optimus Prime]].

	==Isolated incidents==		==Isolated incidents==

BluJayWarrior: linking directly to the relevant toys

2024-11-25T01:30:20Z

linking directly to the relevant toys

Show changes

Lorcan Wooster: /* Plasticizer breakdown */

2024-11-24T15:33:05Z

Plasticizer breakdown

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:33, 24 November 2024
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	* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.		* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.

	* 2023's ''Legacy: Evolution'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] features tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to any and all paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures.		* 2023's ''Legacy: Evolution'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] features tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to any and all paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures. It unknown if this issue also affects [[Ruckus (G1)#Legacy\|Ruckus]], Sandstorm and even [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#LegacyUnited\|G1 Universe Optimus Prime]], all of them also having PVC plastic tires as well.

	==Isolated incidents==		==Isolated incidents==

Hyoumaru: wording

2024-09-21T08:27:23Z

wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 21 September 2024
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	* The aforementioned [[Transformers (2010 toyline)\|2010 ''Transformers'']] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Deluxe Class [[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Transformers (2010)\|Wreck-Gar]] figure is also prone to fractures in his helmet-horns.		* The aforementioned [[Transformers (2010 toyline)\|2010 ''Transformers'']] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Deluxe Class [[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Transformers (2010)\|Wreck-Gar]] figure is also prone to fractures in his helmet-horns.
	* Both the [[2017]] ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)\|Power of the Primes]]'' and [[2021]] ''[[Studio Series]]'' releases of [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Studio Series\|Jazz]] featured vehicle shells molded in translucent plastic painted white, which were found to inevitably break down over time even if not transformed.		* Both the [[2017]] ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)\|Power of the Primes]]'' and [[2021]] ''[[Studio Series]]'' releases of [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Studio Series\|Jazz]] featured vehicle shells molded in translucent plastic painted white, which were found to inevitably break down over time even if not transformed.
	*''[[Transformers:_Rise_of_the_Beasts_(toyline)\|Rise of the Beasts]]'' [[Scourge_(ROTB)\|Scourge's]] truck cab is molded entirely in transparent plastic, ~~so it~~ is ~~susceptible~~ to ~~crack and many copies have been reported to break~~.		*''[[Transformers:_Rise_of_the_Beasts_(toyline)\|Rise of the Beasts]]'' [[Scourge_(ROTB)\|Scourge's]] truck cab is molded entirely in transparent plastic, which is reportedly highly prone to breaking even with careful handling.

	===Inferior glue===		===Inferior glue===

Hyoumaru: /* Plasticizer breakdown */

2024-08-20T05:08:20Z

Plasticizer breakdown

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:08, 20 August 2024
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	* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.		* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.

			* 2023's ''Legacy: Evolution'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] features tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to any and all paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures.

	==Isolated incidents==		==Isolated incidents==

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 13 January 2026
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	* A number of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)\|Beast Machines]]'' toys, such as Deluxe [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Machines\|Optimus Primal]] and [[Skydive (BM)\|Skydive]], use clear plastic for tightly pinned joints. These generally break without careful use. Ultra-Class [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys\|Nightscream]] in particular is very difficult to find intact, being largely constructed out of translucent plastic that became very brittle with age.		* A number of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)\|Beast Machines]]'' toys, such as Deluxe [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Machines\|Optimus Primal]] and [[Skydive (BM)\|Skydive]], use clear plastic for tightly pinned joints. These generally break without careful use. Ultra-Class [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys\|Nightscream]] in particular is very difficult to find intact, being largely constructed out of translucent plastic that became very brittle with age.
	* [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)#Toys\|Prowl]]'s clear plastic car doors are mounted on ball joints. Unfortunately, clear plastic is not usually malleable enough to withstand constant pressure and tends to break, especially if the door is accidentally dislodged from the joint.		* [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)#Toys\|Prowl]]'s clear plastic car doors are mounted on ball joints. Unfortunately, clear plastic is not usually malleable enough to withstand constant pressure and tends to break, especially if the door is accidentally dislodged from the joint.
			*The [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)\|''Armada'']] [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)#Armada\|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] uses heavy amounts of translucent plastic so their combined [[Star Saber (Armada)#Armada\|Star Saber]] form can take advantage of light-up-fist gimmicks found on some Autobots. Unfortunately, the weight of the weapon puts constant strain on the clear plastic connections and result in fractures over time, [[Sonar (Armada)#Armada\|Sonar]] being the most common victim due to forming the hilt. The Air Assault Mini-Con Team [[Redeco\|redeco]], which uses opaque plastics, is comparatively much sturdier.
	*[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)\|''Energon'']] [[Demolishor (Armada)#EnergonDumptruck\|Demolishor]] has forearms made out of transparent plastic that are pinned to his biceps by relatively small joints. That's bad enough, but said joints also have a molded tab on them, meant to add friction and support his arms when at a 90° angle. Over time, fully straightening his arms will cause that tab to act as a lever that stresses the clear plastic and can eventually tear the joints in two, leaving Demolishor with stumps. Shaving the tab can prolong the life of the joints, at the cost of Demolisher's arms not being able to support as much weight.		*[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)\|''Energon'']] [[Demolishor (Armada)#EnergonDumptruck\|Demolishor]] has forearms made out of transparent plastic that are pinned to his biceps by relatively small joints. That's bad enough, but said joints also have a molded tab on them, meant to add friction and support his arms when at a 90° angle. Over time, fully straightening his arms will cause that tab to act as a lever that stresses the clear plastic and can eventually tear the joints in two, leaving Demolishor with stumps. Shaving the tab can prolong the life of the joints, at the cost of Demolisher's arms not being able to support as much weight.
	* The joint that connects the windshield to the back of some early versions of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)\|movie]] Voyager Class [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys\|Ironhide]] were made of clear plastic, which resulted in numerous breakage issues. Later releases fixed this by changing the material of the joint to sturdier opaque plastic.		* The joint that connects the windshield to the back of some early versions of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)\|movie]] Voyager Class [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys\|Ironhide]] were made of clear plastic, which resulted in numerous breakage issues. Later releases fixed this by changing the material of the joint to sturdier opaque plastic.

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	===Plasticizer breakdown===		===Plasticizer breakdown===
	A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.		A predictable long term problem that presents in various gross ways, PVC breakdown is when the plasticizer that keeps PVC plastic "rubbery" expires or seeps out over time.<ref>{{w\|Plasticizer\|Wikipedia's detailed rundown on plasticizers}}</ref> Unlike other examples on this page, PVC breakdown presents in various ways almost by the decade. Curiously, Beast Wars and Beast Machines era rubberized plastics appear exempt from breakdown... so far.

	* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].		* Tires and other parts "drying out" and splitting or crumbling over time is frequent across several lines, especially if the toys were stored in hot conditions. Split tires were especially common in [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001's ''Robots in Disguise'']], with crumbling PVC parts showing up as early as 1993's G2 [[Color Changer]] water pumps and as late as 2007's Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)#Legends Class toys\|Scorponok]].

	* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.		* ''[[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]]'' [[Pretender]] soft plastic parts, particularly [[Pretender Monster]] shells and regular [[Pretender]] arms, eventually start turning splotchy and greasy over time. While this doesn't affect the inner robots, it can have the knock-on effect of taking the ink off stickers directly touching the plasticizer. Also, it's probably just not a great idea for human skin to be in contact with 30+ year old chemical seepage often. This style of PVC breakdown has become rare, but occasionally pops up in some later releases, notably the hoses and missile tips on the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)\|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Destructicon (RID)\|Destructicons]], which become extremely sticky.

	* Starting around 2008's [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)\|''Universe'']] line to present, rubberized parts no longer seep liquid residue, but instead develop a "dusty" appearance over time. This dust can be wiped off, but will be back within a few weeks. In some cases, this chemical reaction can lead to the PVC melting into the surrounding plastic, with [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager\|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon]]'s shoulder treads being the poster child for it. Bludgeon just can't catch a break with this PVC stuff.		* Starting around 2008's [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)\|''Universe'']] line to present, rubberized parts no longer seep liquid residue, but instead develop a "dusty" appearance over time. This dust can be wiped off, but will be back within a few weeks. In some cases, this chemical reaction can lead to the PVC melting into the surrounding plastic, with [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager\|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon]]'s shoulder treads being the poster child for it. Bludgeon just can't catch a break with this PVC stuff.

	* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.		* Less a design flaw and more a common oversight, [[Fire Blast effect]] accessories ''will'' bond to and remove the paint on anything they touch over time in a similar way to Bludgeon's treads and should be stored separately.

	* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.		* In a similar vein, ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SS34\|''Dark of the Moon'' Megatron]]'s rubbery hands and chain can also strip the paint from his shotgun and chest respectively.
			* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] and ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] feature tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures.
	* 2023's ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution\|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Deluxe Class [[Beachcomber (G1)#Legacy\|Beachcomber]] ~~features~~ tires molded in PVC plastic, which were discovered to be particularly corrosive to ~~any and all~~ paint applications on contact. Due to this, it's advised to keep him at a reasonable distance from other figures. ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: United\|Legacy: United]]'' [[Sandstorm (G1)#Legacy\|Sandstorm]] has also been found have this issue, and it is unknown if this also affects the PVC plastic tires of [[Ruckus (G1)#Legacy\|Ruckus]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#LegacyUnited\|G1 Universe Optimus Prime]].

	==Isolated incidents==		==Isolated incidents==