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Action Figure Collector Terminology Guide

Clear, plain-English explanations of the key collecting and display terms — from MOC and card warp to UV protection and acrylic thickness

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TERMINOLOGY GUIDE

Quick Definitions. Real Collector Context.

Use the search bar or category filters to find terms fast — every definition includes a “why it matters” note, so you know what impacts long-term MOC display.

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Term Meaning Why it matters

SecureRail™ Tech

Card-control rail system

 An internal support/rail system designed to keep the card positioned correctly and reduce unwanted movement inside the case. Helps reduce case rub, slows card warp drift, and keeps the card centred for a cleaner long-term display.

AeroLift Support Tech

Suspension-style support

 Support geometry that helps avoid loading pressure into the blister edge and common stress points. Helps reduce stress whitening and pressure-related marks around the blister seam, especially on deeper bubbles.

GlideLock Access Panel Tech

Slide-open access

 A slide mechanism designed to access the case without flexing lids or bending tabs. Reduces handling risk that can cause card corner dings, bubble scuffs, and accidental crease damage.

Bubble Clearance Tech

Designed space around the bubble

 Intentional internal clearance so the blister doesn’t press into the case during storage or stacking. Helps prevent bubble dents, reduces stress lines, and supports long-term seal stability.

Card Control Tech

Stops card drift

 The way a case holds the card stable so it doesn’t slide, slump, or twist over time. Reduces edge wear, helps avoid rub marks, and keeps “front-on” presentation sharp for collectors.

Warp Control Tech

Support against bowing

 Structural support intended to reduce how much a card can bow or curl while displayed. Helps slow card warp caused by gravity, humidity, and uneven support — one of the biggest long-term MOC killers.

Seal Protection Tech

Protecting the bubble-to-card bond

 Design choices that reduce stress on the blister edge and adhesive line. Helps reduce risk factors linked to bubble lift (pressure, heat, contact points) and keeps the seal looking cleaner.

Stack Stability Tech

Rigid, aligned stacking

 How well a case stays rigid and aligned when displayed in rows or stacked on shelves. Reduces flex-related movement that can contribute to case rub and long-term warp drift.

Collector-Safe Loading Tech

Lower risk when inserting MOC

 A loading approach that avoids forcing the card past tight tabs or flexing acrylic. Helps prevent accidental corner dings, card creases, and bubble scuffs during setup.

Bubble Dent Damage

Blister pressed inward

 When the blister gets pressed in from contact, stacking pressure, or tight cases. Avoid contact points and ensure bubble clearance — dents hurt presentation and can stress the seal line.

Blister Seam Stress Damage

Stress lines on seam edges

 Stress marks/whitening around the blister edge where it meets the card. Support that avoids seam pressure helps reduce visible stress lines over time.

Corner Ding Damage

Corner knock / crush

 Small crushed/knocked card corner damage caused by handling, loading, or transit. Better loading access + rigid protection reduces the chance of new dings.

MOC Card

Mint on Card

 A figure still sealed on its original backing card, inside the factory blister (bubble). MOC displays are vulnerable to card warp, corner creases and UV fade — stable support and UV-defended panels help preserve value.

MIB Card

Mint in Box

 Factory-sealed figure still inside its original box packaging. Box corners and window plastic are easily crushed or scuffed — rigid, dust-safe display helps keep it sharp.

Mint Condition

As close to perfect as possible

 Collector term for near-flawless condition (card, bubble, paint, and overall presentation). “Mint” is what drives value — stable support reduces future warp, rub, and edge wear.

Near Mint (NM) Condition

Very minor wear

 High-grade condition with small flaws only (tiny edge nicks, light shelf wear). Near Mint can drift fast if displayed badly — avoid pressure points and UV exposure.

Cardback Packaging

Backing card

 The printed cardboard backing behind the figure and blister. Cardbacks warp, fade, and crease — controlled support keeps them flatter and looking “fresh”.

Bubble Packaging

Same as blister

 Collector slang for the clear plastic blister attached to the card. Bubble scuffs and seam stress show instantly — avoid lids that press into the plastic.

Deep Bubble Packaging

Extra-deep blister profile

 A thicker blister that protrudes further from the card (common on some lines/figures). Generic cases often contact the bubble — you need clearance to avoid stress marks and lifting.

Bubble Lift Damage

Blister starting to detach

 When the blister begins separating from the card (adhesive failure or stress). Pressure and heat accelerate lift — good fit avoids contact and helps keep the seal stable.

Punch / Hang Tab Packaging

The hanging hole area

 The top hole/tab used for retail display (often the first area to crease). Top creases kill the “front-on” look — keep the card supported and not slumping.

Peg Warm Slang

Sat on shelves for ages

 Figure that stayed on retail pegs a long time (often more sun/fluorescent exposure). Higher chance of fade and card warp — UV defence matters more for these.

Variant Collector

Alternate version

 A different release of the same figure (paint, accessory, card, country, logo, etc.). Variants can be high value — protect the card print and bubble clarity for resale confidence.

Recard Packaging

Re-sealed on a new card

 A figure placed onto a replacement card (not factory original). Collectors scrutinise edges and seals — clean display helps show condition honestly (and avoids further damage).

Reseal Risk

Re-glued blister

 When a blister has been reattached with glue or adhesive after removal/lift. Heat and pressure can re-activate glue lines — avoid tight lids pressing the bubble edge.

Card Stock Card

Card thickness/rigidity

 The thickness and stiffness of the backing card material. Thinner stock warps easier — stable support helps keep the card flatter over time.

Factory Seal Packaging

Original bubble-to-card bond

 The original bond line where the blister is attached to the card at the factory. Seal integrity is everything for MOC — pressure and heat can cause lift and stress whitening.

TVC Line

Star Wars: The Vintage Collection

 Modern Star Wars line styled after classic Kenner cards, with multiple cardback sizes and bubble profiles. Sizing varies across waves — line-specific fit prevents movement and card rub.

Kenner Vintage

Classic Star Wars era

 Original manufacturer for vintage Star Wars figures (1970s–80s) and a common shorthand for vintage-era packaging. Older cards are more fragile — corner and edge support is crucial.

Card Crease Damage

Fold line / bend mark

 A visible fold line in the card, often at corners, hang tab, or along the top edge. Creases are permanent — prevent new ones by avoiding tight loading and keeping cards supported.

Soft Corners Condition

Rounded corner wear

 When sharp card corners become rounded from handling or friction. Friction in loose cases worsens it — a stable, centred hold reduces edge rub.

Edge Wear Condition

Whitening / scuffs

 Visible wear along card edges, often showing lighter paper beneath. Movement causes micro-rub — tighter control helps slow further wear.

Scuffing Damage

Surface rub marks

 Light scratches or rub marks on the bubble or acrylic surface. Clear presentation is the whole point — keep bubble away from lids and avoid abrasive contact.

UV Fade Damage

Colour loss from light

 When inks or plastics lose colour from UV exposure over time. Faded cards lose eye appeal and value — UV-defended panels help slow it down.

Yellowing Damage

Plastic discolouration

 When clear plastics (bubbles, accessories) or some plastics shift toward yellow over time. Light and environment accelerate it — display away from windows and use UV defence where possible.

Sticker Silvering Damage

Air trapped under sticker

 Reflective “silver” patches under a sticker/label caused by air pockets or lifting. Humidity swings worsen it — stable environment helps keep adhesives happier.

Foxing Damage

Speckled brown spots

 Spotting/staining on paper/card caused by moisture, age, or storage conditions. Often linked to humidity — sealed display reduces dust and helps maintain consistent conditions.

Stress Whitening Damage

White stress lines

 White marks that appear when plastic is bent or stressed (often on bubble seams). Tight lids can cause this — clearance and smart support protect the bubble edge.

Ding Slang

Small impact mark

 A minor knock/impact mark on corners, edges, or bubble. Often happens in shipping — good packaging and rigid cases reduce transit damage risk.

Shelf Wear Condition

Retail handling wear

 General wear from retail life: rub marks, soft corners, light creases. You can’t undo it, but you can stop it getting worse with stable, protected display.

Case Rub Damage

Friction inside a case

 Wear caused by a card moving inside a loose case and rubbing the interior. Loose fit = slow damage — controlled support keeps the card in the same position.

Optical-Grade Acrylic Build

High clarity acrylic

 Acrylic selected for high transparency and clean light transmission (less haze). Better clarity = better display photos and a cleaner “museum” look on the shelf.

Haze Build

Cloudy look

 A cloudy or foggy look in acrylic that reduces display clarity. Haze makes figures look dull — higher-grade panels keep the “crystal clear” vibe.

Rigidity Build

Resistance to flex

 How much the acrylic resists bending under pressure or stacking. More rigidity helps keep cases aligned and reduces flex that can transfer stress to the card.

Solvent-Welded Seam Build

Bonded acrylic join

 Acrylic joined using a solvent process that fuses panels (often cleaner than glue). Cleaner seams improve strength and looks — less risk of messy glue lines in display photos.

Tolerances Engineering

Precision fit margins

 The small allowable variation in sizing that affects how tight and repeatable a fit feels. Tighter tolerances reduce movement — movement causes rub, warp drift, and presentation issues.

UV-Defended Protection

UV filtering acrylic

 Acrylic formulated to reduce UV transmission versus standard clear acrylic. Helps slow fading on cards and plastics during long-term display.

Scratch Resistance Build

How easily it marks

 How well a surface resists micro-scratches from handling, stacking, or wiping. Scratched acrylic kills the premium look — handle with microfiber and avoid abrasive cloths.

Microfiber Cloth Care

Safe cleaning cloth

 Soft cloth designed to clean acrylic without adding scratches (when clean and dry). The wrong cloth can haze the case — microfiber helps keep clarity and finish.

Stacking Display

Cases on top of cases

 Storing or displaying cases vertically stacked on shelves or in storage. Rigid cases stay aligned and reduce flex — important for safe multi-case displays.

Wall Display Display

Mounted / hung display

 Displaying carded figures upright on a wall system, shelves, or display panels. Gravity + time can worsen warp — controlled support helps keep the card true.

Dust Ingress Storage

Dust getting inside

 Dust entering a case due to loose joins or poor sealing. Dust sticks to bubbles and cards — a tighter enclosure keeps displays cleaner longer.

Humidity Environment

Moisture in the air

 Air moisture level that affects paper/card stability and adhesives. Humidity drives card warp and spotting — stable conditions help preserve the cardback.

Off-gassing Environment

Chemical release over time

 Slow release of chemicals from plastics/adhesives (often in sealed storage situations). Good airflow in the room + avoiding heat helps — don’t bake sealed figures in direct sun.

Display Angle Display

How it sits on shelf

 The way a case is positioned (upright, leaning, flat), affecting stress points over time. Leaning can increase warp and pressure — keep cases supported and stable.

Direct Sunlight Risk

Window exposure

 When displays get direct rays from windows (highest UV and heat risk). Fastest route to fade and bubble yellowing — relocate displays and use UV defence.

Fit (Line-Specific) Display

Made for that card style

 A case designed around the exact card dimensions and bubble profile of a specific line. Stops movement and rub — and makes the display look “centred every time”.
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