All right, let's jump into today's deep dive and get this. It's all about legos.
Legos, huh?
Yep. You know, those colorful little bricks, probably spent a good chunk of your childhood playing with them.
Oh, absolutely. Yeah.
Well, turns out there's a lot more to those little bricks than meets the eye. So many people were asking, like, how are they made? And not just the, like, step by step, but, like, what choices did LEGO make along the way? Why do they do things the way they do?
Yeah, I'm curious too.
So to answer all those questions, we dug up a bunch of articles and technical papers, and let me tell you, I was blown away. Like the engineering, the innovation, and even how much they're doing for sustainability, it.
Really is mind boggling when you think about it. Like something we think of as, you know, simple childhood play actually involves some serious tech.
Exactly. Okay, so first things first, let's talk about how these little bricks are actually made. Yeah, and that starts with something called injection molding. It's like the heart and soul of LEGO production. So basically, they melt plastic down, inject it into these super precise molds, and boom, out pops a LEGO brick.
So simple in theory, right?
Right. You'd think. But then you think about how many bricks LEGO makes every single year. Billions. It's insane. And every single one has to be like exactly the same.
Well, that's why injection molding is so key. It's the only way to make that many bricks that fast. You make sure they're all consistent.
That's so true. Like you can grab a LEGO brick from like 30 years ago and it'll still click perfectly with a brand new one.
It's crazy, right? That, that precision. I was talking about that. And you know how strong they are. Injection molding really ensures the plastic is evenly distributed throughout the brick.
Oh yeah, and we've all tested that durability at some point.
Ah, definitely.
I mean, stepping on a LEGO brick in the middle of the night, that's. That's a pain I'll never forget.
Uh huh, I hear.
But speaking of the bricks themselves, like the material, let's talk about the plastic they're made of.
Right, yeah, let's dive into that.
So it's this stuff called ABS Plastic Acryla Nitrile Butadiene styrene.
A mouthful, right?
It is. But ABS is like the workhorse of the LEGO world.
And it has to be to live up to, you know, the LEGO name.
For good reason too. Like, it's strong, it lasts forever, and the colors they don't fade, like at all. You find a LEGO creation from years ago and it still looks brand new.
Yeah. It's pretty remarkable how well ABS holds its color, especially considering how much those bricks go through.
Right. Like sun, maybe even a trip through the washing machine.
Exactly. But I think it's interesting why ABS specifically. Were there other plastics they could used?
Oh, yeah, I didn't even think of that. Good point.
Well, there are always options, but ABS just has this like perfect combo of properties. It's tough enough to withstand, you know, all the things kids put their Legos through.
Right. And it can be molded into those super intricate designs Lego's known for these days.
Exactly. And on that note, you know, Lego's been doing some interesting things lately with different materials, like those clear bricks and even plant based plastics.
Oh yeah, tell me about that. Like how do they even make clear Legos? I mean, they're plastic. Right.
So those clear bricks use a different plastic. Polycarbonate.
Yeah.
It's super clear, obviously, and known for being like really impact resistant, which makes sense.
Kids are going to be building all sorts of crazy things with them.
Exactly. Think spaceships with windows or, I don't know, underwater scenes. It just opens up so many possibilities for like creative building.
And the plant based plastic, that's like a whole sustainability thing, right?
Exactly. So they're using this biopolyethylene, which is made from sugarcane. And it's part of this big goal they have, like to make all their bricks from sustainable materials by 2030.
Wow, 2030, that's ambitious.
It is. But this shift to biopolyethylene, it's not as simple as it sounds. I mean, it is a renewable resource. Right. But there's still questions about like, the land they use to grow the sugarcane and the farming practices and the overall environmental impact.
Makes sense.
And achieving 100% sustainable materials across like their whole product line. That's huge. Like really huge.
Totally. It just puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Like a LEGO brick seems so simple at first glance, but wow, there's just so much to consider.
That's the beauty of these deep dives, right?
It is. And that reminds me, we were talking about injection molding earlier and you mentioned those super precise molds. Like how do they even make those?
Oh, that is a whole other level of impressive, let me tell you. To get that level of precision where every single LEGO brick fits perfectly, the molds themselves have to be insanely accurate.
Like down to the millimeter.
Right. Even smaller, we're talking like 10 micrometers micrometer.
What even is that?
It's tiny. Think about this. It's like splitting a human hair into 10 pieces. That's how tiny the tolerances are.
No way.
It's true. And to achieve that, they use this advanced CAD software. So first they design the molds digitally and then they use these things called CNC machines, which are basically like robotic sculptors to actually carve out the molds with insane precision.
Okay, so like robots making molds for the little plastic bricks. Mind blown.
Right. And of course, every step of the way, they've got super strict quality control. Got to make sure everything meets Legos, like, you know, legendary standards.
It's just amazing to me how much technology and precision goes into something that, you know, seems so simple.
It's a symphony of engineering.
But here's something I'm wondering, like with all this focus on detail and all the tech involved, how do they balance that with the need to be sustainable? Like we talked about biopolythylene, but are there other things they're trying to do to be, you know, more eco friendly?
Oh, for sure. That's a question Lego is grappling with big time, like how to be both innovative and sustainable. And it's definitely a balancing act.
I can imagine. It's not just about finding a material that's like, good for the planet. It has to work perfectly with, you know, the whole LEGO system.
You got it. It's got to click, it's got to be strong, the colors have to be right.
I guess that's what makes it so challenging. Right?
Yeah. They've had some great wins with the biopolyethylene, using it in some of the elements. But like, to replace all the ABS.
Plastic, that's a massive undertaking.
It is. Sourcing enough of it, processing it, and then making sure the colors are consistent. It's no easy feat.
Yeah, I can see that. It really makes you think, doesn't it? Like, you pick up a LEGO brick and it seems so straightforward.
It's deceptively simple.
Right, but there's just this whole web of decisions and considerations behind it.
Exactly. And that web gets even more complex when you factor in sustainability, for sure.
So beyond the biopolythylene, are there any other, like, sustainable materials Legos looking into?
Absolutely. One of the big ones is recycled plastic. Imagine, like giving plastic a second life as a LEGO brick.
That would be so cool. But I bet that comes with its own set of challenges, right?
Oh, yeah, for sure. Like getting enough high quality recycled plastic. That's a big one. And then there's the color issue. Recycled plastic usually comes in like a mishmash of colors.
Yeah, that's not really going to work with legos. Like, you know, rainbow of colors.
Exactly. And of course, safety is paramount. They have to make absolutely sure any recycled materials are safe for kids, especially knowing how much Lego, you know, ends up in little mouths.
Okay, that's a good point. I hadn't even thought about that.
It's a lot to consider, but lego's definitely taking it seriously.
It seems like they're really trying to approach sustainability from all angles, not just the materials themselves.
You're right. Like, they're doing things to reduce waste during production. They're making their factories more energy efficient and even looking into using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Wow, I didn't know that. Oh, good, that's impressive. It's like they're tackling it on every level, not just the end product.
You got it. It's about responsible practices at every stage of the game.
That's really cool, but I'm cur with all this focus on sustainable materials and manufacturing, does it ever, like, limit the creativity of the LEGO designs? Like, did the designers ever feel constrained by having to think about sustainability?
That's a really interesting question. And I think in a way it actually pushes them to be even more creative. It's like it gives them a new set of parameters to work within, a new challenge to overcome.
So it's like a new puzzle they have to solve.
Exactly. Like, how can we come up with these awesome, imaginative designs, a and d eco conscious, at the same time?
I bet that leads to some pretty groundbreaking designs.
I think so too. And lego's really open about all of this, by the way. They publish these, like, in depth sustainability reports every year outlining their goals, what progress they've made, even the challenges they're facing.
Oh, wow, that's awesome.
It is. It's refreshing to see that level of transparency and accountability, you know?
Yeah, absolutely. Especially when it comes to something as important as, like, you know, saving the planet. Okay, so we've talked a lot about, you know, the materials, the how of LEGO bricks. But I'm also really fascinated by the who behind it all. The people who dream up these sets, the designers. What can you tell me about them?
Oh, lego's got this amazing design team, super talented people from all walks of life. Artists, engineers, architects, even people who just, like, loved LEGO as kids and turned it into their career.
That's so cool.
And they draw inspiration from everything, like movies, books, history, science, you Name it. It's like their minds are always working, always looking for that next great LEGO set.
I can just picture it like giant walls covered in sketches, prototypes everywhere. Maybe even a few stray LEGO bricks underfoot, probably.
LEGO really encourages this, like, playful and collaborative design environment. It's all about experimenting, taking risks, and really letting your imagination go wild.
It honestly sounds like the dream job, but how do they go from, like those initial sparks of inspiration to a finished LEGO set you can actually buy in a store?
Well, it's a surprisingly iterative process. They start with rough sketches, then build prototypes using, like, you know, real LEGO bricks. Then they test them with kids, get feedback, refine the designs, and they just keep doing that, like over and over.
Oh, wow. So it's not just about what looks cool on paper, it's about how it actually feels to build and play with.
Exactly.
And I bet technology plays a big role in all of this too, right?
Absolutely. LEGO uses this really sophisticated CAD software to create, like, super detailed 3D models of their sets. It's like they can virtually build and test designs on a computer.
Whoa. That's amazing. Like a digital LEGO world.
Pretty much. And it saves a ton of time and resources, so they can really play around with different ideas before committing to anything.
But even with all this technology, I imagine there is still some limitations to what you can do with a LEGO brick, right? I mean, there's still just, you know, little plastic bricks.
Of course, the size and the shape of the bricks, that definitely creates some inherent limitations. But that's also part of what makes LEGO so unique. It's about finding creative solutions within those limitations, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
So the limitations actually fuel the creativity.
Exactly. Like it's a game with rules and the designers have to figure out how to bend those rules without breaking them. And that's what makes LEGO so enduring. It's a system that encourages you to problem solve, to think spatially, and to just like explore endless possibilities.
It's more than just a toy.
It's like it's a cultural phenomenon.
Got it. And speaking of cultural phenomenon, we got to talk about the LEGO community. I mean, it's huge. Like, you've got die hard fans, incredible artists and builders who are doing things with LEGO I can't even imagine.
It's true. It's amazing to think about how these, like, simple little bricks have spawned such a vibrant and diverse community.
It really is. It really is. It's amazing to think about, like, how those little plastic bricks have created this whole world of creativity. And passion.
What I find fascinating is how LEGO has become this like, medium for self expression and it's for everyone. Doesn't matter how old you are, where you come from, what you do. Like you got kids building their first towers and then you've got adults making these ins. Insanely intricate models.
Oh yeah. And then there are the artists, like people who use LEGO as their main way of creating art.
Right. Like it's mind blowing. I've seen some incredible LEGO creations online. Life size sculptures, machines that actually work. Even entire cities built out of lego.
It's true. It's like they've taken these, you know, simple building blocks and turned them into like this limitless art form. What do you think it is about LEGO that like sparks that level of passion and creativity?
That's a good question. I think it's the, like the combination of simplicity and possibility.
Okay. Yeah.
Like the LEGO system itself is super easy to understand. Even little kids can get it.
Right.
But at the same time it has this incredible depth to it. You can start with a basic set and then boom, your imagination just takes over.
Right. It's like there's no limit to what you can create.
Exactly. And I think that open endedness is a big part of what sets LEGO apart.
Totally. There's no right or wrong way to build. No instructions you have to follow.
You can experiment, you can be curious, you can just play.
And that sense of play, I think it sticks with you even as you get older.
Oh yeah, for sure. For a lot of adults, LEGO is like this, you know, way to reconnect with their inner child.
It is, it's like a portal back to a time when like anything felt possible.
Exactly. And LEGO just, it brings back that sense of wonder and possibility, you know?
Totally. Like even now open a new LEGO set, it's still exciting, but I think it goes beyond just like nostalgia, doesn't it?
What do you mean?
Like, there's this real sense of community and connection that comes with lego. Especially now with all the online fan groups and events and stuff.
Oh, absolutely. The LEGO community is incredible. It's so supportive and welcoming. Like people share their creations online. They give each other tips and tricks and even collaborate on these like massive building projects. It's really cool.
It's like a global network of LEGO lovers.
Yeah.
All united by their love of these little plastic bricks.
It's pretty amazing. And it doesn't matter if you're like a master builder or just starting out, everyone's welcome. Exactly. And speaking of passion, we can't forget about the people who actually work at lego.
Yeah, like the people who make it all happen.
I get the sense that they're not just like employees punching a clock. They really believe in LEGO and what it represents.
It seems like that comes through in everything LEGO does.
Right. Like lego's known for having this really positive work environment. They encourage creativity, they're all about innovation.
I can see that.
And they value their employees, like their ideas and contributions.
It seems like they've built a company culture that like reflects LEGO itself. You know, playful, collaborative and with this sense of purpose.
Totally. And I think that's a big part of lego's success. Their employees are passionate about what they do and that shows in the quality of their products and how they treat their customers.
It's like a win win for everyone.
It is like happy employees make great products, which inspires passionate fans who then like contribute to the community. And it all feeds back into the company culture.
The virtuous cycle.
Exactly. It really shows the power of like creating a company that lives its values and genuinely cares about its people and, you know, the impact they're having on the world.
Well, wow, we've covered a lot of ground today, from the nitty gritty of injection molding to the amazing LEGO community. I gotta say, I've gained a whole new level of appreciation for those little plastic bricks.
It's amazing, isn't it, how much depth there is to something that seems so simple at first glance.
He really is.
It's a testament to, like, human ingenuity and creativity and the power of play.
And I think that's the biggest takeaway from me. Lego, it's not just a toy, right? It's a tool for learning, a way to spark your imagination and a reminder that like, even the most complex things can be built from simple pieces.
I love that. It's a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of play and how important creativity is and, you know, the joy of making things with our own two hands.
So true. So to our listener, thanks for joining us on this LEGO journey. I hope you've learned something new. And maybe, just maybe, this deep dive will inspire you to like dust off your old LEGO sets or even start.
A brand new building adventure.
Exactly. Keep building, keep learning and keep playing.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Until next time. It really is. It's amazing to think about how these simple little bricks have created this whole world of creativity and passion.
What I find fascinating is how Legos become this like, medium for self expression. And it's for Everyone, like it doesn't matter how old you are, where you come from, what your background is. You've got kids building their first towers and then you've got adults creating these crazy intricate models.
Oh yeah. And then you've got the artists.
Right.
Like people who use LEGO as their main way of creating art.
It's mind blowing. I've seen some incredible LEGO creations online. Like life size sculptures, machines that actually work, even entire cities built out of lego.
It's true. It's like they've taken these simple building blocks and turned them into like this limitless art form. What do you think it is about LEGO that sparks that level of passion and creativity?
Hmm, that's a good question. I think it's the combination of simplicity and possibility.
Yeah.
Like the LEGO system itself is super easy to understand. Even little kids can get it. But at the same time it has this incredible depth to it. You can start with a basic set and then boom, your imagination just takes over.
Right. There's no limit to what you can create.
Exactly. And I think that open endedness is a big part of what sets LEGO apart.
Totally. There's no right or wrong way to build, no instructions you have to follow.
You can experiment, you can be curious, you can just play.
And that sense of play, I think it sticks with you even as you get older.
Oh yeah, for sure. For a lot of adults, LEGO is like this, you know, way to reconnect with their inner child.
It is, it's like a portal back to a time when like, anything felt possible.
Exactly. And LEGO just brings back that sense of wonder and possibility, you know?
Totally. Like even now opening a new LEGO set, it's still exciting, but I think it goes beyond just like nostalgia, doesn't it?
What do you mean?
Like, there's this real sense of community and connection that comes with lego. Especially now with all the online fan groups and events and stuff.
Oh, absolutely. The LEGO community is incredible. It's so supportive and welcoming. Like people share their creations online, they give each other tips and tricks and even collaborate on these like massive building projects. It's really cool.
It's like a global network of LEGO lovers all united by their love of these little plastic bricks.
It's pretty amazing. And it doesn't matter if you're like a master builder or just starting out, everyone's welcome. Exactly. And speaking of passion, we can't forget about the people who actually work at lego.
Yeah. Like the people who make it all happen.
I get the sense that they're not just like employees punching a Clock. They really believe in LEGO and what it represents.
It seems like that comes through in everything LEGO does.
Right. Like, LEGO is known for having this really positive work environment. They encourage creativity. They're all about innovation.
I can see that.
And they value their employees, like their ideas and contributions.
It seems like they've built a company culture that like, reflects LEGO itself. You know, playful, collaborative, and with this sense of purpose.
Totally. And I think that's a big part of LEGO success. Their employees are passionate about what they do and that shows the quality of their products and how they treat their customers.
That's a win win for everyone.
It is like, happy employees make great products, which inspires passionate fans who then, like, contribute to the community and it all feeds back into the company culture.
It's a virtuous cycle.
Exactly. It really shows the power of, like, creating a company that lives its values and genuinely cares about its people and, you know, the impact they're having on the world.
Well, we've covered a lot of ground today, from the nitty gritty of injection molding to the amazing LEGO community. I gotta say, I've gained a whole new level of appreciation for those little plastic bricks.
It's amazing, isn't it, how much depth there is to something that seems so simple at first glance.
It really is.
It's a testament to, like, human ingenuity and creativity and the power of play.
And I think that's the biggest takeaway for me. Lego, it's not just a toy, it's a tool for learning, a way to spark your imagination and a reminder that, like, even the most complex things can be built from simple pieces.
I love that. It's a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of play and how important creativity is and, you know, the joy of making things with our own two hands.
So true. So to our listener, thanks for joining us on this LEGO journey. I hope you've learned something new. And maybe, just maybe, this deep dive will inspire you to dust off your.
Old LEGO sets or even start a brand new building adventure.
Exactly. Keep building, keep learning and keep playing.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Until next