What it's made of, and how.
Every FIGURO figure is 3D-printed one at a time in our own studio in Fukuoka, in PLA made from plant-based raw material. Here's what that material is, why we chose it, what it means for you — and, honestly, what it can't do.
What our material means for you
The colour is the material, not paint
Full-colour figures are printed with up to 7 coloured materials (base and name included). There's no paint sitting on the surface, so there's nothing to chip or peel.
Made one by one, from your own 3D model
No moulds — each figure is printed straight from its own data. That's why every figure can be different, and why you can check and approve your 3D model before we print.
Light, easy to display, easy to give
Inside is a fine lattice structure, so the figure is lighter than it looks — easy to place on a desk or shelf, and easy to send as a gift.
Virtually odour-free
Display it in your room as soon as it arrives.
Made from plant-based raw material
The material, PLA, is made from plant starch such as corn.
How a figure is made
- 1
Photo → AI preview
From one phone photo, free previews in four styles — with outfits and poses to choose from.
- 2
You check & approve the 3D model
After you order, we send images and a 360° view of the print-ready 3D model. We print only after you approve it.
- 3
3D-printed in our Fukuoka studio
Built up layer by layer. Typical print time per figure: about 14–32 hours in full colour, 1.4–4 hours unpainted.
- 4
Finished and checked by hand
We remove the print supports, then finish and inspect every figure by hand.
- 5
Packed and shipped
Carefully packed and sent to you — or straight to the person it's for.
How it compares with other ways to make a figure
No method is best at everything — each has its strengths.
| FIGURO (multi-colour 3D print) | Hand-sculpted & hand-painted | Full-colour gypsum 3D print | Resin print + hand painting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Accessible | Highest | Mid | Mid–high |
| See the shape before it's made | ◎ You approve the 3D model first | △ Depends on the maker | △ Depends on the service | △ Depends on the maker |
| How it's coloured | Coloured material (up to 7 colours) | Hand paint (finest finish) | Printed colour (best gradients) | Hand paint |
| Durability | Body resists chipping; thin parts can snap | Depends on material | Brittle, chips easily | Hard, but chips on impact |
| Lead time | Delivery date shown before you order | Weeks to months | Depends on the service | Several weeks+ |
| Weak points | Layer lines, colour limit, heat | Time and cost | Fragility | Finishing time and cost |
* General tendencies only. Price, finish and lead time vary by maker and service.
What we want you to know up front
There are fine lines on the surface
Because figures are built layer by layer, you'll see fine horizontal lines up close, and sometimes small marks where supports were removed.
Up to 7 colours
Base and name included. Fine patterns, gradients and small text from the photo are simplified.
The material dislikes heat
PLA starts to soften at around 55–60°C and can warp. Don't leave it in a car in summer or on a sunny windowsill.
Thin parts can snap
Hair tips, fingers and small accessories can break under force. It's a display piece for ages 15+, not a toy.
For full details on the finished figure, see Shipping & returns.
Care and display
- Brush dust off gently with a soft dry brush or a blower.
- Don't wash it or wipe it with solvents or alcohol.
- Keep it out of direct sun, heat and humidity. An acrylic case keeps it looking new for longer.
Material FAQ
Does it break easily?
The body won't crumble or chip the way gypsum does, but thin parts like hair tips and fingers can snap if dropped or pressed hard.
Will the colour fade?
The colour is in the material, so it can't peel like paint. Long exposure to strong sunlight can still change the colour, so keep it out of direct sun.
Can I keep it in a car or on a windowsill?
We don't recommend it. The material softens at around 55–60°C, so a summer car or a sunny windowsill can warp it.
How is it different from a handmade figure?
Hand-painted figures offer the finest finish. FIGURO lets you check the 3D model first, costs less, and shows the delivery date before you order — in exchange for visible layer lines and a 7-colour limit.
Is it an eco-friendly material?
The raw material is plant-based. It does not break down in normal conditions, though — that needs industrial composting. We make figures to be kept and displayed for a long time.