Die-cast - Revision history

Toadboiler at 22:59, 8 October 2025

2025-10-08T22:59:13Z

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	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==
	In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Titanium Series]], ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels\|''Hot Wheels'' Optimus Prime]], and ''[[Adamas Machina]]''. The ~~more recent~~ "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] ~~are~~ also made of die-cast.		In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Titanium Series]], ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels\|''Hot Wheels'' Optimus Prime]], and ''[[Adamas Machina]]''. The "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] lines were also made of die-cast.

	==Fiction==		==Fiction==

Thylacine 2000: /* Die-cast construction today */

2025-02-24T02:16:47Z

Die-cast construction today

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:16, 24 February 2025
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	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==
	In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', ~~[[Hasbro]]'s~~ [[Titanium Series]], ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]'', ~~and~~ [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels\|''Hot Wheels'' Optimus Prime]]. The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.		In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Titanium Series]], ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels\|''Hot Wheels'' Optimus Prime]], and ''[[Adamas Machina]]''. The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.

	==Fiction==		==Fiction==

Thylacine 2000: /* Die-cast construction today */

2024-07-12T15:23:33Z

Die-cast construction today

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 12 July 2024
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	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==
	In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Hasbro]]'s [[Titanium Series]], ~~and~~ ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]''. The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.		In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Hasbro]]'s [[Titanium Series]], ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]'', and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels\|''Hot Wheels'' Optimus Prime]]. The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.

	==Fiction==		==Fiction==

Thylacine 2000 at 22:34, 25 December 2022

2022-12-25T22:34:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 25 December 2022
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	Stability is seldom a major consideration in toy design. While plastics do deteriorate with age far faster than properly mixed ZAMAC, they both last far longer than necessary for any child's plaything. There still remain other reasons besides strength (and sometimes weight distribution) to use die-cast parts. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and when these are expensive, it may well cost less to substitute equivalent die-cast parts (keeping in mind that the volumes and areas of sections can usually be greatly reduced, due to the greater strength of die-cast metal). This seems to have been the case in early [[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]], when most Transformers toys included some die-cast parts (some of which were later redesigned in plastic when that material became cheaper). Finally, the "heft" of a heavy die-cast toy is equated by some fans, and perhaps some parents, with high quality. While this may not be a reason [[Swerve (G1)\|Swerve]] the metallurgist would give, it is nevertheless a valid marketing consideration.		Stability is seldom a major consideration in toy design. While plastics do deteriorate with age far faster than properly mixed ZAMAC, they both last far longer than necessary for any child's plaything. There still remain other reasons besides strength (and sometimes weight distribution) to use die-cast parts. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and when these are expensive, it may well cost less to substitute equivalent die-cast parts (keeping in mind that the volumes and areas of sections can usually be greatly reduced, due to the greater strength of die-cast metal). This seems to have been the case in early [[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]], when most Transformers toys included some die-cast parts (some of which were later redesigned in plastic when that material became cheaper). Finally, the "heft" of a heavy die-cast toy is equated by some fans, and perhaps some parents, with high quality. While this may not be a reason [[Swerve (G1)\|Swerve]] the metallurgist would give, it is nevertheless a valid marketing consideration.

	Perhaps this perception of high quality also comes from their memories of the early toys with die-cast parts. Unfortunately, the Generation 1 toys with die-cast metal are among the most breakable of Transformer toys. Examples include [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys\|Bluestreak]]'s and [[Jazz (G1)/toys\|Jazz]]'s roofs, [[Mirage (G1)\|Mirage]]'s waist, and [[Swoop (G1)\|Swoop]]'s wings and beak. This is not all the fault of the die-cast parts — the plastics used were more brittle, and the methods of joining and construction less forgiving of abuse — but they certainly must share the blame.

	==Reception==		==Reception==
	For its real advantages of strength and heft, and for its perceived advantage of being "high quality" (read: [[GEEWUN\|"like it used to be"]]), die-cast construction still commands respect from a good many fans, casual and avid. As normally used in Transformers, however, the material is less forgiving of abuse, and must usually be coated in chip-prone paint. Toys with die-cast parts are notoriously susceptible to breaking at the spots where mobile plastic parts and joints must move heavy inflexible metal (i.e. [[Jetfire (G1)/toys\|G1 Jetfire]]'s ~~mid~~-~~body transformation struts)~~. These durability risks cause many fans to view die-cast ~~construction~~ as more trouble than ~~it is~~ worth.		For its real advantages of strength and heft, and for its perceived advantage of being "high quality" (read: [[GEEWUN\|"like it used to be"]]), die-cast construction still commands respect from a good many fans, casual and avid. As normally used in Transformers, however, the material is less forgiving of abuse, and must usually be coated in chip-prone paint. Toys with die-cast parts are notoriously susceptible to breaking at the spots where mobile plastic parts and joints must move heavy inflexible metal. Generation 1 toys with die-cast metal are among the most breakable of Transformer toys. Examples include [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys\|Bluestreak]]'s and [[Jazz (G1)/toys\|Jazz]]'s roofs, [[Mirage (G1)\|Mirage]]'s waist, [[Swoop (G1)\|Swoop]]'s wings and beak, and [[Jetfire (G1)/toys\|Jetfire]]'s shoulders. This is not all the fault of the die-cast parts — the plastics used were more brittle, there were fewer angles of jointed motion to absorb stresses, and the methods of joining and construction less forgiving of abuse — but they certainly must share the blame. These durability risks cause many fans to view die-cast components as more trouble than they are worth, or perhaps meant for luxe showpieces that stand apart from mainstream toys and [[play pattern\|play methods]].

	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==

Thylacine 2000: /* Differing reputations */

2022-12-25T15:13:39Z

Differing reputations

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 25 December 2022
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	Perhaps this perception of high quality also comes from their memories of the early toys with die-cast parts. Unfortunately, the Generation 1 toys with die-cast metal are among the most breakable of Transformer toys. Examples include [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys\|Bluestreak]]'s and [[Jazz (G1)/toys\|Jazz]]'s roofs, [[Mirage (G1)\|Mirage]]'s waist, and [[Swoop (G1)\|Swoop]]'s wings and beak. This is not all the fault of the die-cast parts — the plastics used were more brittle, and the methods of joining and construction less forgiving of abuse — but they certainly must share the blame.		Perhaps this perception of high quality also comes from their memories of the early toys with die-cast parts. Unfortunately, the Generation 1 toys with die-cast metal are among the most breakable of Transformer toys. Examples include [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys\|Bluestreak]]'s and [[Jazz (G1)/toys\|Jazz]]'s roofs, [[Mirage (G1)\|Mirage]]'s waist, and [[Swoop (G1)\|Swoop]]'s wings and beak. This is not all the fault of the die-cast parts — the plastics used were more brittle, and the methods of joining and construction less forgiving of abuse — but they certainly must share the blame.

	==~~Differing reputations~~==		==Reception==
	For its real advantages of strength and ~~perhaps weight~~, and for its perceived advantage ~~in that nebulous quantity known as~~ "quality", die-cast construction still commands respect from a good many fans, casual and avid. As normally used in Transformers, however, the material is less forgiving of abuse, and must usually be coated in chip-prone paint. These ~~real disadvantages, coupled maybe with a dislike of nebulous quantities,~~ cause ~~a good~~ many ~~other~~ fans to ~~dislike~~ die-cast construction.		For its real advantages of strength and heft, and for its perceived advantage of being "high quality" (read: [[GEEWUN\|"like it used to be"]]), die-cast construction still commands respect from a good many fans, casual and avid. As normally used in Transformers, however, the material is less forgiving of abuse, and must usually be coated in chip-prone paint. Toys with die-cast parts are notoriously susceptible to breaking at the spots where mobile plastic parts and joints must move heavy inflexible metal (i.e. [[Jetfire (G1)/toys\|G1 Jetfire]]'s mid-body transformation struts). These durability risks cause many fans to view die-cast construction as more trouble than it is worth.

	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==

Thylacine 2000: /* Use in Transformers toys */

2022-12-25T04:12:20Z

Use in Transformers toys

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:12, 25 December 2022
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	...did we mention it's a lost art?		...did we mention it's a lost art?

	==~~Use~~ in Transformers ~~toys~~==		==Original use in Transformers==
	The amount of die-cast in old Transformers toys varies wildly, though it almost never makes up the majority of the toy. In most cases it was used merely for car hoods and occasionally side-panels for the larger toys. In some examples, like [[Tracks (G1)\|Tracks]] or the [[Inferno (G1)\|Inferno]]/[[Grapple (G1)\|Grapple]] mold, only a very small amount of the toy uses die-cast metal. Die-cast parts were used for early [[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]] toys derived from the ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' lines, ~~''Binaltech'' (~~the ~~Japanese counterparts of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Alternators]]'', which used plastic instead of die-cast parts) and the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figures~~.		The amount of die-cast in old Transformers toys varies wildly, though it almost never makes up the majority of the toy. In most cases it was used merely for car hoods and occasionally side-panels for the larger toys. In some examples, like [[Tracks (G1)\|Tracks]] or the [[Inferno (G1)\|Inferno]]/[[Grapple (G1)\|Grapple]] mold, only a very small amount of the toy uses die-cast metal. Die-cast parts were used for early [[The Transformers (toyline)\|Generation 1]] toys derived from the ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' lines, then for the most part phased out around 1986.

	==Die cast metal vs. injection molded plastic==		==Die cast metal vs. injection molded plastic==

Thylacine 2000: /* Die-cast construction today */

2022-12-25T04:01:18Z

Die-cast construction today

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:01, 25 December 2022
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	==Die-cast construction today==		==Die-cast construction today==
	~~Nowadays~~, die-cast is ~~only~~ used ~~extensively~~ in more "adult-aimed" toy lines~~, such~~ as the Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'' ~~and~~ [[Hasbro]]'s [[Titanium Series]] ~~toy lines (both of which still used much plastic~~, ~~including the~~ ''~~Titanium~~'' ~~3-inch figurines)~~.		In the 21st century, die-cast construction is very rare. When it is used at all, it tends to be in more "adult-aimed" toy lines that advertise the metal itself as the value proposition; examples of this include early ''[[Masterpiece]]'' figures, Japanese ''[[Transformers: Alternators\|Binaltech]]'', [[Hasbro]]'s [[Titanium Series]], and ''[[Art Storm\|Ultimetal]]''. The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.
	The more recent "Metal Heroes" sub-line of the [[Robot Powered Machines\|RPMs]] and the [[Speed Stars]] are also made of die-cast.

	==Fiction==		==Fiction==

GobotsFanForever at 03:32, 28 August 2022

2022-08-28T03:32:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 28 August 2022
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	==Fiction==		==Fiction==
			===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
	The legendary [[Autobot]] starship known as the ''[[Ark (G1)\|Ark]]'' was created using die-cast construction. By the era of the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)\|Predacons]], this technique was considered to be a "lost art." {{storylink\|The Agenda (Part III)\|The Agenda (Part III)}}		The legendary [[Autobot]] starship known as the ''[[Ark (G1)\|Ark]]'' was created using die-cast construction. By the era of the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)\|Predacons]], this technique was considered to be a "lost art." {{storylink\|The Agenda (Part III)\|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Doomdorm64 at 06:22, 25 October 2018

2018-10-25T06:22:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 25 October 2018
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	{{disambig2\|the lost art\|the Autobot spaceship\|DieCast}}		{{disambig2\|the lost art\|the Autobot spaceship\|DieCast}}
			[[File:G1Soundwave toy.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|Soundwave uses a lot of die-cast pieces.]]
	A '''die-cast''' product is one which was produced by the injection of molten metal into steel molds under high pressure. The process is practically identical in concept to plastic injection molding, but uses molten metal. Many non-ferrous metals can be die-cast. The process is quick and precise, and is used to produce a wide variety of parts in many sizes. Some toys, including certain [[Toy\|''Transformers'' toys]], are made partly or wholly from die-cast parts.		A '''die-cast''' product is one which was produced by the injection of molten metal into steel molds under high pressure. The process is practically identical in concept to plastic injection molding, but uses molten metal. Many non-ferrous metals can be die-cast. The process is quick and precise, and is used to produce a wide variety of parts in many sizes. Some toys, including certain [[Toy\|''Transformers'' toys]], are made partly or wholly from die-cast parts.

Cyberlink420 at 16:47, 28 August 2018

2018-08-28T16:47:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 28 August 2018
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	==External links==		==External links==
	* [http://www.diecasting.org NADCA website, including a die casting FAQ]		* [http://www.diecasting.org NADCA website, including a die casting FAQ]
	* ~~[[Wikipedia:Die casting~~\|Die casting]] on Wikipedia		* {{w\|Die casting}} on Wikipedia

	[[Category:Beast Wars technology]]		[[Category:Beast Wars technology]]
	[[Category:Fan terminology]]		[[Category:Fan terminology]]
	[[Category:Toys]]		[[Category:Toys]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 25 October 2018
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	{{disambig2\|the lost art\|the Autobot spaceship\|DieCast}}		{{disambig2\|the lost art\|the Autobot spaceship\|DieCast}}
			[[File:G1Soundwave toy.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.4\|Soundwave uses a lot of die-cast pieces.]]
	A '''die-cast''' product is one which was produced by the injection of molten metal into steel molds under high pressure. The process is practically identical in concept to plastic injection molding, but uses molten metal. Many non-ferrous metals can be die-cast. The process is quick and precise, and is used to produce a wide variety of parts in many sizes. Some toys, including certain [[Toy\|''Transformers'' toys]], are made partly or wholly from die-cast parts.		A '''die-cast''' product is one which was produced by the injection of molten metal into steel molds under high pressure. The process is practically identical in concept to plastic injection molding, but uses molten metal. Many non-ferrous metals can be die-cast. The process is quick and precise, and is used to produce a wide variety of parts in many sizes. Some toys, including certain [[Toy\|''Transformers'' toys]], are made partly or wholly from die-cast parts.