RC toys

	Amax’s toy-grade MC-010 is a 4-channel mini RC car measuring 125x70x70mm.

Manufacturers factor in size and weight into their latest designs that boast reliability and durability at low cost.

China’s RC vehicle industry is offering high-performance models in smaller and lighter designs. By doing so, suppliers hope to make their products more affordable to consumers who have tightened discretionary spending amid the current economic climate.

The latest releases include several units that are palm-sized. Requiring less materials and power, these are generally lower in price compared with larger counterparts.

Speed, durability, stability and functions have not been compromised, however, with several even operating better than bigger versions.

In terms of speed, new RC vehicles offer multiple options, typically ranging from 20 to 60kph, instead of having only one.

Low-end units come with at least two, namely slow and fast.

In the midrange and high end, the minimum is three.

To support the higher speed capability, suppliers have adopted materials such as carbon fiber, PU foam and PA for the vehicle frame and body. This enables greater strength and impact resistance, allowing units to survive a drop test of at least 2m.

Further, in RC cars and other land vehicles, dampening springs are being incorporated for shock absorption, enabling the craft’s use on- and off-road.

In helicopters, coaxial rotors are growing popular in line with efforts to achieve greater flight stability.

As added differentiation, a number of recent releases have onboard cameras and microphones, transmitters with LCD screens, audio and video ports, and other devices that provide more play options.

Among marine craft, practical functions such as fish detectors and attracting systems are also on the rise.

To reach a wider market, a few suppliers are diversifying their product lines by acquiring rights to make scale replicas of vehicles released by top automotive companies such as Hummer, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari.

Licensing is an option mostly for large companies, since they are the ones with enough financial resources to afford the fees.

Depending on the land, marine or aircraft being licensed and the terms of the agreement, payments can range from $20,000 to more than $250,000 annually. Remuneration of up to $2 can also be paid for each unit sold.

The Abc Ind. Ltd is among the enterprises offering RC toys based on trademarked vehicles. Its selection consists of more than 50 models, including replicas of BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Renault cars. The scale ranges from 1:32 to 1:3.

	RC helicopter model REH33736 from China Topwin has a 340mm main rotor and 3-channel transmitter.

Toy-grade RC vehicles from China are primarily designed for children between 6 and 12 years old. Cars and helicopters form the bulk of output, but boats, submarines, airplanes and other craft are also manufactured.

Most products have lengths of 5 to 50cm.

Prices generally start at $5. Quotes increase depending on the vehicle’s body, motor, battery and control system, which account for up to 90 percent of unit cost and are also the major determinants of product performance.

For the vehicle body, ABS, PVC, PC, PP and PE are the common materials used.

The adoption of carbon fiber, PU foam and PA is also becoming widespread, particularly in aircraft.

In terms of the motor, most models are fitted with carbon brush types capable of 4,000 to 16,000rpm.Costing $1 to $5 each, these operate at 60 percent efficiency.

RC motors commonly run on rechargeable NiCd, NiMH and Li-polymer battery packs. The first power source is frequently adopted in land and marine craft, while the last is incorporated mainly in flying units, where weight is a major consideration in design.

NiMH batteries, on the other hand, exist as an option for all kinds of vehicles. In the low end, some models are designed to operate on disposable alkaline types.

For control systems, transmitters and receivers typically communicate via radio or infrared signals. Models using radio frequencies often have an operating range of 20 to 150m, while IR types function within a shorter distance.

Most China-made RC toys have 2 or 3-channel transmitters. Those capable of controlling four or more types of action are found only in a few upscale and stunt units.

The raw materials and components employed in RC vehicles are primarily sourced within China, but a few makers procure plastic for high-end models in Taiwan, South Korea or farther abroad. One of the companies interviewed for this report, Woddon Industrial Ltd, purchases PA grains from a UK-based supplier.

Designs for export typically comply with EU and US standards. Among the common specifications followed are those of EN 71 Parts 1 to 3, EN 50088, RoHS, REACH, ASTM F963, CE, FCC, UL, RTT&E and EMC.

China’s RC vehicle industry consists of more than 500 suppliers, most of which are small and midsize companies with 200 to 700 employees. Privately owned enterprises with local, Hong Kong and Taiwan investors account for the bulk of the sector.

Manufacturers typically offer at least three kinds of craft, with the selection including toy- and hobby-grade models. Many companies release three to five new designs each month.

Guangdong is the main production center for RC vehicles. And in this province, Shenzhen and Shantou are the two key areas.

The first is regarded primarily as an R&D base, with many suppliers establishing product development facilities in the area. From their proximity to Hong Kong, companies have the advantage of convenient access to the latest trends in toy design.

Shantou, meanwhile, is the main production center. Several enterprises with their headquarters and R&D teams in Shenzhen built factories in the city, resulting in output consisting mostly of midrange and high-end RC vehicles.