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Lego's 0.002mm specification and its implications for manufacturing (2025) (thewave.engineer)

397 points by scrlk · 173 days ago · 333 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses Lego's manufacturing specifications, including a 0.002mm tolerance, and its implications for the company's products. However, the actual article text is not available, and the discussion is based on the comments. Commenters share their experiences with Lego bricks and their compatibility over time. The conversation also touches on the company's history, licensed sets, and comparisons with other toy manufacturers.

Main themes

  • Lego manufacturing specifications
  • Brick compatibility and durability
  • Licensed sets and product history
  • Comparison with other toy manufacturers
  • Tolerance and precision in manufacturing

What commenters say

  • Lego's 0.002mm tolerance may be misleading without context, and the actual mold precision is 10 microns.
  • The company's bricks have stood the test of time, with some commenters reporting that old bricks still fit perfectly with new ones.
  • Other toy manufacturers, such as Pantasy and Cobi, offer similar or superior products in terms of coloring, fit, and design.
  • Lego's high price point may not be justified by its manufacturing quality, which, although impressive, is not unique in the industry.
  • The company's attention to detail, such as the difference in friction between black and grey technic connecting pins, contributes to its superior product quality.
  • The use of licensed sets and intellectual property has expanded Lego's product line and appeal, but may also introduce variability in manufacturing quality.
  • Lego's long history and experience in manufacturing have allowed it to refine its processes and maintain high standards, but other companies are catching up.
  • The comparison between Lego and other manufacturers is not always fair, as different products have different requirements and challenges in terms of molding and tolerance.