Metal Used for Andrea Figures

[Jim Patrick]

Was working on an Andrea figure tonight (SUPRISE, SUPRISE JOE HUDSON!) and I noticed something which seemed odd to me at first. The metal seemed "softer" than previous examples I have bought over the years from Andrea. At first I chalked this up to the fact I haven't worked on a figure in....oh, I don't know....YEARS! Then I reached into a small stash of older Andrea figures and sure enough, the metal on the older figure seemed to be harder. Both by Andrea but different figures. This just struck me as odd. Has anyone else noticed this?

PLEASE DON'T TURN THIS INTO A "LET'S BASH ANDREA" THREAD!!!!!!!

I am very happy with the figure (7th Cavalry Trooper, 1876). It is both beautifully sculpted and cast. In fact, to be honest? I have never had a problem with Andrea figures.

I just thought this was a bit odd and was wondering if anyone else has noticed this as well.

Jim Patrick

 

[Jeff]

They have been having their casting done in China for some time now. If I had to guess I would guess they are using more lead in the mix. It may not even be something that Andrea is aware of. One of the hazards of having casting done off shore just ask Mattel.

 

[Jim Patrick]

They have been having their casting done in China for some time now. If I had to guess I would guess they are using more lead in the mix. It may not even be something that Andrea is aware of. One of the hazards of having casting done off shore just ask Mattel.

Doesn't that pose a problem here in the U.S. with too much lead? At least I thought there were import regulations as far as having a product with lead is concerned?

I wasn't painting figures back in the day when they were predominately lead. I was only modeling plastic (and not very good at it either :lol.

Jim Patrick

 

[IIICorps]

...Doesn't that pose a problem here in the U.S. with too much lead?...

You don't know that it's lead. Why not contact Andrea and ask?

 

[Marcel]

I would not be surprised that with the change of regulations and increase of the metal prizes the mix of the casters is changed during the last years.

Marcel.

 

[P GREEN]

As per there lead content I have found the metal to be lighter almost a bit zinc like. I have worked on their 100mm mounted Hussar and its way light, the material also seams to have a finer grain.
Cheers
Paul

 

[Einion]

PLEASE DON'T TURN THIS INTO A "LET'S BASH ANDREA" THREAD!!!!!!!

But I had my hammer out and ready and everything! Spoilsport

There are a number of white metals that can be used to cast minis, with more or less tin, antimony and other metals in them. Some are softer than others, without necessarily having to have lead in them (although it's a definite possibility if the casting had been done in China).

In addition to being softer, is it more grey/gunmetal in colour and less silvery?

They have been having their casting done in China for some time now.

There was a post a short while ago that indicated they'd ceased casting stuff in China, although I don't know if it referred just to resin.

Einion

 

[carl reid]

It's almost imposible to tell if there is any lead. There is lead free pewter but it is very difficult to get a finish, hense the reason why alot of casting pewter has a trace of lead.

Lead castings have a blue hint to them. As for sourcing casting in China, if you specify what you them cast in they will follow your requirememnts. Because it's against the law to export lead!

Carl

 

[Jim Patrick]

Intresting....

I have to say the figure "looks and feels" like their normal castings. The detail of the casting also holds up well. I noticed that it was softer when I started cleaning the figure up (i.e.- filing, sanding, scraping).

Does anyone know where the castings are done now?

Jim Patrick

 

[Jeff]

Well it is hard to say what they are using. They could be using other metals and that may be the reason it is light. Zinc is light but sensitive to heat. If you like to apply heart to dry your paint it can actually cause the figure to crack or actually explode. Though not in a spectacular way. You usually just hear a small pop and the figure is in pieces. Have had this happen to me and we are not talking very high heat.

It seems lead and China go hand and hand. So that is why I went there. The factory could be doing this on the sly. So I am not trying to say that it is a plan by Andrea. I am sure they did not tell Mattel what they were adding led to the vinyl to make the Barbies cheaper. So yes you can get in trouble if you get caught. Most do not get caught.

It could be they are using cheaper lighter metals in the mix, and there is no lead. Adding a little lead could go almost unnoticed. if you are not using a lot just a little bit in every batch the figures would still look just like white metal and not lead.

 

[Einion]

The weight of castings is certainly some clue to lead being in the mix, as can softness (together, not separately).

Softness isn't by itself a sure guide to lead content or the mount of it. The old alloy used in printing in the old days - type metal - was also used as a model casting alloy and it's still available today, but despite having a highish lead content it's tough and resilient as you'd expect from its intended use. Back before I knew that it was akin to the metal figures were cast in I had the chance to handle lettering periodically and it feels plenty hard.

Here are two good pics of what type metal looks like:
http://textus-receptus.com/w/images/a/ae/Metal_movable_type.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hypowren/2234536811/sizes/z/in/photostream/
These castings will be over 50% lead.

The lighter stuff might be a similar alloy to the one that Prince August sell as 5 Star Metal, which is mostly zinc with some tin and antimony. It weighs much less and is noticeably lighter in colour than their other alloys, which both contain lead.

Einion