Need help finding a vacuum forming manufacturer - Please Read

[TxBabyHuey]

Hello all, recently I did some toys for a band and want to continue doing this.

For the next project I would like to do a throwback to the Ben Cooper Costumes. Instead of a vinyl apron I am going to do a shirt but I can do that here. I found a place here around me that can do the vacuum forming of the mask but they are kind of expensive, almost to the point where the band doesn't really want to do it.

So I asked Mark Poon and he doesn't know anyone around him so I am assuming it's an ancient process to where I need to find a specialized factory.
Right now I am looking at about $30 a piece (Vacuum formed, cut and painted) and I am hoping to find a place where I can get these $5-$10 formed and painted.

If you have any advice or help I would do what I can to make it worth your while. And I really appreciate the help as I am really hoping I find some place. I know I am compromising quality by going overseas, but I am really hoping to figure something out.

These are the type of masks I want to make.

 

[Psicorp7]

$30 is a fair price for a low volume run, cut and painted. If you are looking for $5-10 each, formed, painted and cut out, you should be placing an order for a couple thousand with a Chinese mask company. I can't think of anyone in the US that would touch that for the prices you are looking to get.

 

[TxBabyHuey]

The cutting and painting is on me, but the second process is called distortion printing which yeah if someone can't do here I am hoping there is an overseas manufacturer which could help illeviate costs if I do between 200 -1000.

I am just trying to see what comes up

 

[TxBabyHuey]

Has anyone every gone through Alibaba for overseas manufacturers?

 

[cavx]

Has anyone every gone through Alibaba for overseas manufacturers?

Yes I have and it can be a painful process.

How many units are you wanting to do? Like everything, it gets cheaper the more you do, but sometimes making a few thousand is not viable just to bring the cost per item down.

 

[TxBabyHuey]

I'd say between 200-1000 (1000 at most)

If I paint these by hand I am really limited to about 50-100 just because it's a pain in the ass.

Here is the place I've contacted and they speak English. But I don't know if alibaba is known for scam artists.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...ting-vacuum-forming-embossed_60555894218.html

Yes I have and it can be a painful process.

How many units are you wanting to do? Like everything, it gets cheaper the more you do, but sometimes making a few thousand is not viable just to bring the cost per item down.

 

[cavx]

I'd say between 200-1000 (1000 at most)

If I paint these by hand I am really limited to about 50-100 just because it's a pain in the ass.

Here is the place I've contacted and they speak English. But I don't know if alibaba is known for scam artists.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...ting-vacuum-forming-embossed_60555894218.html

So if you are hand painting 100 units, that makes your run to about 100 units.

Have you looked at local plastic fabricator? If you make the buck and maybe even provide the plastic, you should be able to do these fairly cost effectively without the hassle of international language barriers, minimum amounts, shipping etc. Most sellers on Alibaba are legit, but sometimes you get a dodgy. The biggest frustration I found was when they don't understand what you want, they go silent because they don't want appear incompetent. This is not a good feeling if they have your money and there is no communication.