Bandai reveals future Gundam model kits to include color changing parts thanks to innovative new plastics
A new type of plastic material that is currently in development for model kits has been revealed by Bandai Spirits.
The new material, currently called “Phosphorescent Resin,” was unveiled during the “2nd Gunpla 45th Anniversary Special Broadcast.”
This innovative new resin combines the properties of traditional phosphorescent, or “glow-in-the-dark,” materials with a new, color-changing capability.
Parts that are molded in this new plastic will appear as one color in a well-lit environment.
However, when placed in the dark or exposed to a blacklight, they will glow in a completely different color.
This effect is achieved by mixing the phosphorescent resin with different colored pigments.
A prototype demonstrating this new technology was shown during the broadcast.
The demonstration used a modified version of the “HGUC 1/144 Narrative Gundam C-Packs” model kit.
The Psycho-Frame parts of the prototype, which appeared as a pale red color under the studio lights, began to glow with a vibrant green light when the lights were turned off and a blacklight was applied.
The company stated that the new material is still in development.
They are currently aiming to create other color-changing combinations in addition to the red-to-green that was demonstrated.
No specific products or a timeline for the material’s first use in a commercial kit have been announced yet.
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