Why dont they make dolls with molded polymer for the frame and stainless joints attached to the polymer? Seems like this would cut down on costs, weight and the issue of welding and said potential failures.
Certain polymers maintain rigidity while still being flexible.
Any thoughts?
@skal this reminds me of an "enthusiastic" conversation I once had with some members on a "big box" doll forum, a few unpleasant adjectives were attributed to me by insinuation of course, LOL 😅
I am happy to report that at the end reason and the prospect of the common benefit prevail. ✌
A stainless rod could even be molded into the polymer limbs to increase rigidity, although I doubt that would be necessary. Breaking a filled polymer leg would be next to impossible short of using a power tool.
I have thought about this and I have come to the conclusion that these skeletons are the same used in Mannequin design. Or very similar. This may be the reason they haven't switched to something else.
Maybe Polymer could not withstand the stress of the stainless joints?
Although I know for a fact that some polymers used in military applications are very strong. As strong as steel in some cases, at lower cost.
There is the issue of joint attachment. Which would require it to be molded in or attached after the fact. Although the existing weld times and cost may be offset.
Just a theory.