So I’ve got both good and bad news.
The good news is that the Clear bodies and Multiverse Metallic frames are packed and ready. These are great for customizations such as
a clear body + human head combo, or
prosthetics for a human. The only thing left is the usual expectation setting to make sure folks know the reasons why they want to avoid this product.
Now for the bad news part 1 - this product is a DIY kit.
Each kit includes an uncut clear vinyl set and a pre-assembled Metallic Evolve frame, complete with a support stand - thats enough to build one clear body.
We don't have the capacity to cut the clear vinyl sets at this moment in time as our focus is always on the human skin tones - and then we only do gray if we can fit some in.
So for the foreseeable future, clear bodies will be sold as uncut kits. The frames are pre-assembled but you need to pull off the shins, feet and arms so that you can assemble the body. The spine attachment is much easier than before - you will need a plus screwdriver.
As for bad news part 2 - the initial and solitary production run of our Multiverse Metallic ended up inflicting damage on the molds. The culprit was metal deposits, which had accumulated in the molds from the molten plastic.
To illustrate this, compare the cocoa and cinnamon frame photo. The cocoa represents the default dimensions, while the cinnamon shows the result from the damaged molds. The metallic deposits imbued the chest with an almost bio-mechanical heart-like appearance - a somewhat cool albeit unintended effect.
The term "first and only run" comes into play because additional metallic productions would have compounded the metal deposit issue, leading to further growth of the bio-mechanical texture, and ultimately pushing the molds past the point of repair. Thankfully, the metallic batch was small, allowing us to remove the deposits and resurface the core and cavity to their original matte finish.
While the molds are now in working order, we’ve decided not to risk another metallic run, leading to a limited supply. This decision also means a shift in plans for our prosthetics, ruling out the use of metallic. We’re currently exploring alternatives, like a Black Navy frame, which has unexpectedly opened up possibilities for a new skin tone.
Included in this vinyl set is the clear Hikari 2 head and clear cyborg head cap.
If you are wanting to display the Metallic Evolve frame standalone, you may want to nab the free STL files for the Evolve head and hands to complete your display - I recommend spraying your 3D prints in a metallic finish to match the aesthetic.
As a reflection of its limited and challenging production, the clear vinyl body and metallic frame require more zenny than the usual. But before you rush to secure one out of FOMO, I’d like to share a few reasons why this set might not be the right choice for everyone.
Reasons not to buy
- Fresh out of the bag, the clear vinyl comes with a strong scent. It’s advisable to open the bag in a well-ventilated space or, ask your best friend (who you’re not particularly fond of) to do the honors. However, there’s a risk they might not hand it back, especially if they’re aware of your sentiments.
- Currently, we’re only able to provide uncut vinyl. If you find yourself unable to cut the vinyl yourself, the Smart Doll community boasts skilled individuals offering cutting services.
- Cutting clear vinyl can prove more challenging than its opaque counterpart, as it exhibits more resistance, necessitating a higher degree of precision and effort.
- Assembly instructions for the clear vinyl kit aren’t included. That being said, those who have previously assembled a Smart Doll should find the process relatively straightforward.
- The Evolve frame wasn’t initially designed for use with metallic Polyoxymethylene. This material’s distinct polymer properties result in different auditory and tactile responses compared to the standard human-skin tone Smart Doll.
- The clear vinyl surface isn’t inherently transparent. To achieve the clear effect, as seen on the right in the comparison photo, you’ll need to apply a gloss spray like "Mr Super Clear". The untreated vinyl is shown on the left. "Mr Super Clear" is not included ;-)
- This product does not come with a warranty. So, any mishaps during assembly or modification fall squarely on your shoulders.
- The metallic frame will only be available for a limited number of releases.
- This product, while being product grade, falls under our "Chaos" category. As such, it's not available for purchase to first-time buyers. This classification is not an insinuation that all first-time customers are potential fraudsters. Rather, it's a measure adopted in response to historical trends. Despite clear warnings, numerous first-time buyers of our Chaos items have demonstrated unrealistic expectations of perfection right out of the box. This misalignment often resulted in avoidable disputes and chargeback incidents.
- The frame is Evolve version v5.3.0. Evolve is not compatible with the previous Gen 2 frame.
- If we do get some spare cycles to cut the clear vinyl, we may release this set at the same price or slightly more.
- The price of this set may increase as we release the remaining batches. However, if this item is unpopular, the price will decrease.
- We probably can do 5 batches of the Metallic Frame+vinyl sets.
- Final reminder that this product is a kit and not a complete doll - it can be complete if you or a best friend cuts the vinyl and assembles it.
- The photo showing two clear bodies is for comparison purposes only - you do not get two sets for the price of one.
- There is a risk of making a boo boo during assembly which is why we are allowing folks to buy more than one set. Although there is a limited number, we do have enough for about 5 batches. Historically, folks get bored after a few batches so I'm guessing there will still be enough to go around - maybe ;-)
So I’ve got both good and bad news.
The good news is that the Clear bodies and Multiverse Metallic frames are packed and ready. These are great for customizations such as
a clear body + human head combo, or
prosthetics for a human. The only thing left is the usual expectation setting to make sure folks know the reasons why they want to avoid this product.
Now for the bad news part 1 - this product is a DIY kit.
Each kit includes an uncut clear vinyl set and a pre-assembled Metallic Evolve frame, complete with a support stand - thats enough to build one clear body.
We don't have the capacity to cut the clear vinyl sets at this moment in time as our focus is always on the human skin tones - and then we only do gray if we can fit some in.
So for the foreseeable future, clear bodies will be sold as uncut kits. The frames are pre-assembled but you need to pull off the shins, feet and arms so that you can assemble the body. The spine attachment is much easier than before - you will need a plus screwdriver.
As for bad news part 2 - the initial and solitary production run of our Multiverse Metallic ended up inflicting damage on the molds. The culprit was metal deposits, which had accumulated in the molds from the molten plastic.
To illustrate this, compare the cocoa and cinnamon frame photo. The cocoa represents the default dimensions, while the cinnamon shows the result from the damaged molds. The metallic deposits imbued the chest with an almost bio-mechanical heart-like appearance - a somewhat cool albeit unintended effect.
The term "first and only run" comes into play because additional metallic productions would have compounded the metal deposit issue, leading to further growth of the bio-mechanical texture, and ultimately pushing the molds past the point of repair. Thankfully, the metallic batch was small, allowing us to remove the deposits and resurface the core and cavity to their original matte finish.
While the molds are now in working order, we’ve decided not to risk another metallic run, leading to a limited supply. This decision also means a shift in plans for our prosthetics, ruling out the use of metallic. We’re currently exploring alternatives, like a Black Navy frame, which has unexpectedly opened up possibilities for a new skin tone.
Included in this vinyl set is the clear Hikari 2 head and clear cyborg head cap.
If you are wanting to display the Metallic Evolve frame standalone, you may want to nab the free STL files for the Evolve head and hands to complete your display - I recommend spraying your 3D prints in a metallic finish to match the aesthetic.
As a reflection of its limited and challenging production, the clear vinyl body and metallic frame require more zenny than the usual. But before you rush to secure one out of FOMO, I’d like to share a few reasons why this set might not be the right choice for everyone.
Reasons not to buy
- Fresh out of the bag, the clear vinyl comes with a strong scent. It’s advisable to open the bag in a well-ventilated space or, ask your best friend (who you’re not particularly fond of) to do the honors. However, there’s a risk they might not hand it back, especially if they’re aware of your sentiments.
- Currently, we’re only able to provide uncut vinyl. If you find yourself unable to cut the vinyl yourself, the Smart Doll community boasts skilled individuals offering cutting services.
- Cutting clear vinyl can prove more challenging than its opaque counterpart, as it exhibits more resistance, necessitating a higher degree of precision and effort.
- Assembly instructions for the clear vinyl kit aren’t included. That being said, those who have previously assembled a Smart Doll should find the process relatively straightforward.
- The Evolve frame wasn’t initially designed for use with metallic Polyoxymethylene. This material’s distinct polymer properties result in different auditory and tactile responses compared to the standard human-skin tone Smart Doll.
- The clear vinyl surface isn’t inherently transparent. To achieve the clear effect, as seen on the right in the comparison photo, you’ll need to apply a gloss spray like "Mr Super Clear". The untreated vinyl is shown on the left. "Mr Super Clear" is not included ;-)
- This product does not come with a warranty. So, any mishaps during assembly or modification fall squarely on your shoulders.
- The metallic frame will only be available for a limited number of releases.
- This product, while being product grade, falls under our "Chaos" category. As such, it's not available for purchase to first-time buyers. This classification is not an insinuation that all first-time customers are potential fraudsters. Rather, it's a measure adopted in response to historical trends. Despite clear warnings, numerous first-time buyers of our Chaos items have demonstrated unrealistic expectations of perfection right out of the box. This misalignment often resulted in avoidable disputes and chargeback incidents.
- The frame is Evolve version v5.3.0. Evolve is not compatible with the previous Gen 2 frame.
- If we do get some spare cycles to cut the clear vinyl, we may release this set at the same price or slightly more.
- The price of this set may increase as we release the remaining batches. However, if this item is unpopular, the price will decrease.
- We probably can do 5 batches of the Metallic Frame+vinyl sets.
- Final reminder that this product is a kit and not a complete doll - it can be complete if you or a best friend cuts the vinyl and assembles it.
- The photo showing two clear bodies is for comparison purposes only - you do not get two sets for the price of one.
- There is a risk of making a boo boo during assembly which is why we are allowing folks to buy more than one set. Although there is a limited number, we do have enough for about 5 batches. Historically, folks get bored after a few batches so I'm guessing there will still be enough to go around - maybe ;-)