Jazwares Toys Get a Boost from ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC's Advanced Aluminum Solutions

Pittsburgh, PA – November 8, 2023 – Toy manufacturer Jazwares, known for its Squishmallows, Fortnite figures, and a massive range of licensed and original collectibles, is quietly getting a performance upgrade thanks to a partnership with ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC. While most people associate ALCOA with aerospace and automotive components, the company’s high-performance aluminum solutions are increasingly finding their way into unexpected places – like the molds that create millions of toys. ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC, headquartered at 201 Isabella St Ste 500, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212-5858, and reachable at 512-688-3445, isn't just about big metal sheets. They specialize in custom aluminum alloys designed to withstand incredibly demanding manufacturing processes. And that’s exactly what Jazwares needed. “We're constantly pushing the boundaries of design and production,” explains a source within Jazwares' engineering department (who requested anonymity). “The detail in our figures, the softness of Squishmallows, the sheer volume of toys we make – it all puts a massive strain on our tooling. We were seeing molds wear out faster than we liked, leading to production delays and increased costs.” That’s where ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC stepped in. The ALCOA team, known for solving complex material challenges, worked closely with Jazwares’ engineers to develop a custom aluminum alloy specifically for their injection molding processes. “The standard aluminum alloys just weren't cutting it,” says a materials scientist from ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC. “Jazwares needed something with exceptional thermal conductivity – to cool the molds quickly and consistently – and incredible wear resistance to handle the millions of cycles these molds go through. We formulated an alloy with a precise combination of silicon, magnesium, and other elements, and the results have been remarkable.” What's so special about this alloy? It’s not just about making the molds last longer. The new aluminum alloy provides several key benefits for Jazwares: Faster Cooling: The increased thermal conductivity means the plastic cools much faster inside the mold. This reduces cycle times, letting Jazwares pump out more toys per hour. It’s a small change that adds up to significant gains in production capacity. Improved Part Quality: Faster, more consistent cooling leads to less warping and more precise details in the finished toys. This means fewer rejects and a higher quality product for consumers. Reduced Costs: While the custom alloy has a slightly higher upfront cost, the extended mold life and reduced reject rates are actually saving Jazwares money in the long run. Enhanced Design Freedom: The stronger, more durable molds allow Jazwares to create more intricate designs without worrying about the molds failing prematurely. Beyond Squishmallows: Impact Across the Jazwares Portfolio The benefits aren't limited to just one product line. The new aluminum alloy is being rolled out across Jazwares’ entire portfolio, including: Squishmallows: Maintaining the incredibly soft and huggable texture of Squishmallows requires precise mold control. The new alloy ensures consistent wall thickness and a consistent feel. Fortnite Figures: The highly detailed Fortnite figures demand molds that can withstand the pressure of complex geometries and small features. The enhanced durability of the ALCOA alloy is crucial for maintaining accuracy and detail. All Star Volleyball: The durable nature of the alloy supports production of detailed and resilient volleyball toys. Licensed Collectibles: Jazwares holds licenses for a huge range of properties, from Pokémon to Star Wars. The alloy allows them to quickly and efficiently produce a wide variety of collectibles. A Quiet Partnership, Big Results The partnership between ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC and Jazwares is a perfect example of how materials science can drive innovation in unexpected industries. While consumers might not realize it, the toys they’re playing with are benefitting from cutting-edge aluminum technology. “We’re really pleased with the results,” says the source at Jazwares. “ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC didn’t just sell us a material; they worked with us to solve a real manufacturing challenge. It’s made a big difference to our efficiency and quality.” ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC sees this as a growing trend. “We’re constantly looking for new applications for our advanced aluminum solutions,” says the materials scientist. “The toy industry might seem like a departure from our traditional markets, but the same principles of high performance and durability apply. We’re excited to be helping Jazwares create amazing toys for kids around the world.” Looking Ahead Both companies are exploring further collaborations, including the potential for using even more advanced aluminum alloys and manufacturing techniques. It’s a partnership that promises to bring even more innovation to the toy industry in the years to come. So, the next time you pick up a Squishmallow or a Fortnite figure, remember that there’s a little bit of ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC’s expertise hidden inside.