Selects: What Is A Mold-A-Rama?

Moldorama, a Type of vending machine that creates plastic toys on demand, has a rich and fascinating history that intertwines with American culture and ingenuity.

Moldorama, Invented by J.H. "Tyke" Miller in 1937, Replaced a Broken Piece in Their Nativity Scene

In the winter of 1937, J.H. "Tyke" Miller and his wife began what would become an iconic business out of necessity. When they needed a replacement for a broken piece in their nativity scene, they made their own plaster replacement instead of buying a whole new set.

Miller's Company Thrived In WWII With American-Made Nativity Figurines

During World War II, Miller's ingenuity prospered. The U.S. faced a shortage of nativity figures since they were commonly imported from Germany. To fill this void, Miller and his wife established a company, selling what they dubbed "Liberty figures." These American-made nativity figurines allowed them to not only support themselves but also provide the American market with a much-needed product while tensions with Germany heightened.

In the 1950s, the Millers Began Making Plastic Toys, Including the "Earth Invaders" or "Miller Aliens" Line

About ten years after WWII, the Millers shifted from plaster to plastic, embracing the potential of injection molding to create lightweight plastic figurines. Tyke Miller developed a line of plastic toys, known locally for its novelty and charm.

Iconic Figure Inspired a Popular 1950s Song

One particular toy from Miller's "Earth Invaders" or "Miller Aliens" range, the Purple People Eater, gained significant attention. Although there was confusion about whether the toy inspired a hit 50s song of the same name or vice versa, it was eventually understood that the toy was likely a product of the era's trend of creating souvenirs related to popular songs.

Millers' Bankrupt in ...

Moldorama machines captured the fascination of fairgoers at World's Fairs in the 1960s, becoming a significant part of the fair experience and the novelty souvenir industry.

Moldorama Machines a Hit at 1962 World's Fair

Moldorama debuted at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, instantly becoming a hit. The machines were a source of entertainment as they let people watch a plastic figure being molded, produced, and dispensed on-site. People flocked around these machines to watch the mesmerizing process. The art of creating figures such as space needles, monorails, and Buddhas from these machines was on full display for everyone to see.

Moldorama Expanded At 1964-65 New York World's Fair With 150 Machines

By the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, the popularity of Moldorama had grown significantly, leading to the expansion of their presence with up to 150 machines. Companies like Sinclair Oil or Disney took advantage of this excitement by licensing branded Moldorama machines, providing fairgoers with unique branded plastic souvenirs related to their brands.

Companies Could License Moldorama Machines for Branded Souvenirs

According to Josh Clark, th ...

Moldorama machines are unique artifacts of mid-20th-century innovation, combining mechanical precision with on-demand manufacturing to deliver injection blow-molded plastic toys to eager customers at zoos and tourist attractions.

Moldorama Machines Used Hydraulics and Heated Plastic Vats To Mold Figures

Moldorama machines technically serve as on-demand injection blow-molded plastic toy dispensers. They rely on hydraulics to press together two mold halves which create a hollow inside, forming a three-dimensional statuette. Beneath the work surface where the molding takes place is a vat of molten plastic, kept hot at temperatures between 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Machines Seal Molds, Inject Plastic, and Use Air to Shape and Hollow Figures

The plastic starts as pellets that are melted into a molten state and then injected into the molds, which contain a negative of the intended sculpture. After sealing, the mold is filled with this hot plastic. Compressed air is then blown into the hot plastic, pushing it against the sides of the mold. This action shapes the figure and expels excess plastic out the bottom, ensuring the figure is hollow. The leftover plastic is then recycled for subsequent figures.

The two halves of the machine’s mold present one side of the toy each, and when pressed together with hydraulics, they create a significant seal, leaving the molded figure hollow. A closed steam system maintains the molten state of plastic by circulating steam through coils.

Maintenance, Refilling, and Safety For Machines With Toxic Fumes

These complex machines require meticulous maintenance, including managing components such as steam, hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze. In the past, powdered coloring was added to give the figures vibrant hues. Given the toxic fumes produced by the molding process, the machines were traditionally kept outside. However, with advancements in plastic that emit fewer fumes, some Moldorama machines have been ...

The Moldorama industry continues to thrive, sustained by both established businesses operating the original machines and independent operators who repurpose vintage units for modern use.

Replication Devices and Moldorama Inc. Operate Original Moldorama Machines

Family-Owned Business Sustains With 60-70 Moldorama Machines Nationwide

Replication Devices and Moldorama Incorporated represent companies that still operate vintage Moldorama machines today. The Strigals in Florida are continuing the legacy established by Eldon Irwin, the founder of Replication Devices who acquired many Moldorama machines in the early 1960s. The couple, representing Eldon Irwin's grandson and his wife, operate between 60 to 70 Moldorama machines across the country.

The San Antonio Zoo alone, with its Moldorama machine, produces an estimated 130,000 figurines a year. Moldorama Inc., not to be confused with Replication Devices, also operates about 60 machines and is managed as a family business. These machines have supported three generations of their family.

Independent Operators Acquire and Repurpose Old Moldorama Machines

While not explicitly mentioned in the provided segment, it is known that independent operators sometimes acquire and repurpose old Moldorama machines. For instance, the Knoxville Zoo owns and operates its own Moldorama machines, suggesting independent entities are part of this niche industr ...