Hello everyone. This is Funasen.

After Golden Week, ALTERING Altering molded prototype arrived from the factory!
Today I would like to introduce them to you.





First, this image shows a prototype assembly that has been actually molded using a mold, known as a trial product.
Although it is an unpainted molded color, CSM's parts are subdivided more than DX, so the basic color scheme of ALTERING is reproduced using only the molded color.



We had previously only released the blueprints of the back side, but the actual product looks like this.
Some parts, such as the battery cover, are not yet textured, but it is expected that the entire surface will eventually be textured to remove the cheap look.


We examine the condition of these trial products in detail to check whether the shape deviates from the design data, whether there are any scratches on the mold, whether the molding is distorted, whether there are any sink marks, and whether there are any problems with the operating force.
We also check its strength by actually wrapping it up and jumping around, running around, and even slamming it on the floor.
(However, unlike DX, which is aimed at children 3 and up, CSM is a product for ages 15 and up, so we lowered the strength standards and prioritized the reproduction of the appearance.)

Each part that needed to be corrected was listed and shared with the factory.
The factory then makes the necessary corrections and creates new samples, repeating this process multiple times over the course of several months, gradually making improvements and bringing the product closer to completion.
(There are some areas that cannot be resolved due to design and structural reasons or problems with the resin flow during production.)


And below is a trial product that was painted at the factory.





The image on the reservation page is a photo of a painted sample that was printed out using a one-of-a-kind 3D printer, a process known as light shaping, after the design was completed.
The painting is also done in Japan, and the image above is a sample that has actually been painted in the factory.
Although it's the first try, I think it turned out pretty well.
From here, we make subtle adjustments to the color, find and improve any areas where paint has gone overboard or where there is not enough paint.




The Dragon's Nail paint job is also a nice touch.

Unlike the DX version, the Dragon's Nail is modeled after a prop, so the three belt hooks extend extremely far to the rear, as shown in the image below.





In the DX version, it is a large cover part that even covers the gold part of ALTERING, but since the CSM reproduces the shape of the prop, it has the shape shown above.
If the target age was three or older, this design would not be strong enough, but because the product is aimed at age 15 and older, it was possible to pursue a prop shape and create a design like this.
The three red claws cannot be sharpened to this extent on the DX model. (Even on this model, the tips are slightly rounded so that they don't hurt your hands too much when you touch them.)


While we are finalizing the appearance of ALTERING in this way, we are also continuing to develop the voice program.
We will continue to work hard to create a great product for the September release, so please look forward to it!


That's all for today's blog. The next update will be on Tuesday, May 18th.
There will be a lot of things to introduce on this day.

Well then!


[Products currently accepting preorders on PREMIUM BANDAI are listed here]