Mass Customization Car Model Production Case Study
An automotive brand commissioned a model factory to mass-produce 1:24 scale car models for promoting its new vehicle model, requiring a balance between personalized customization and mass production. This case demonstrates the complete workflow from design to delivery of mass customization.
I. Preliminary Design: Precise Demand Matching
Referencing real vehicle models data on body contours and details (such as grilles, logos, and decal elements) was collected to create 1:24 scale CAD drawings. This clarified customization directions for body structure, decal layouts, and core components like wheel styles and brake caliper colors.
Customization Options: To cater to diverse customer preferences, modular options were provided including "body color (e.g., rose red + black two-tone), wheel styles (e.g., TE37), brake caliper color (pink), and decal themes (JDM style)."
II. Production: Integration of Standardization and Flexibility
Component Production:
Main Body: Cut from ABS sheets using CNC carving for precise body curves and window details;
Individual Parts: Wheels, brake calipers, and spoilers were 3D printed to ensure complex structural accuracy (e.g., painted spoiler effects, metallic caliper finishes);
Custom Decals: Chosen decal elements (e.g., racing decals, brand logos) were transferred into removable decals for easy personalization adjustments.
Assembly Process:
Base Assembly: Pre-assembled body, chassis, and interior for structural stability;
Detail Customization: Installed customized wheels (e.g., TE37), pink brake calipers, and JDM-style decals (e.g., windshield decals, body decals). Black oil-based pens or acrylic pens were used for touch-ups;
Lighting & Functionality: Added micro LED lights (e.g., taillights, headlights) with battery-powered "day/night" mode switches to simulate real vehicle lighting effects.
III. Quality Control & Delivery
Quality Inspection: 10% of each batch was sampled for checks on body gaps, decal adhesion, lighting functionality, and wheel installation precision, ensuring a pass rate exceeding 99%;
Packaging & Shipping: Custom shockproof foam packaging with "fragile, moisture-proof" labels was used for secure transportation via professional logistics.
