OEM vs. ODM in Sculpture Production: What’s the Difference?

If you are sourcing sculptures for your business, you have probably seen the terms OEM and ODM used in product descriptions or factory profiles. Understanding the difference between the two can save you time, help you choose the right partner, and ensure that your final product meets your expectations.

In the sculpture industry, OEM and ODM are two different ways to work with a factory — and knowing which one you need is the first step toward a smooth project. At Ruiheng, a professional custom sculpture factory, we offer both OEM and ODM services to meet different types of client needs. Here’s a clear explanation of what each term means and how to decide which is right for your project.

Stainless steel polar bear sculpture

1. What Is OEM in Sculpture Production?

OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer.” In simple terms, OEM means the client provides the design, and the factory is responsible for producing the sculpture according to that design.

For example, if you already have a 3D model of a resin figure or a detailed drawing of a large outdoor sculpture, you can send it to the factory. The factory will create molds, produce samples, and carry out mass production exactly as specified.

Choosing OEM sculpture production is ideal for brands or designers who have a unique concept and need to maintain creative control. This method ensures your product is truly exclusive, but it requires you to have clear design files and specifications before production starts.

2. What Is ODM in Sculpture Production?

ODM stands for “Original Design Manufacturer.” With ODM, the factory provides existing designs or develops new designs based on your idea. You can select from the factory’s catalog, or work with their design team to customize color, size, or branding.

This is perfect for businesses that want to launch products quickly without investing in a full design process. A reliable ODM sculpture manufacturer can save time and reduce costs by using proven designs and production techniques.

For example, Ruiheng often works with gift shops and retailers who want new seasonal products. They choose from our existing range of Christmas figurines or Halloween decorations, and we add custom logos or adjust packaging to match their brand.

3. Which Option Should You Choose?

The choice between OEM and ODM depends on your goals, budget, and timeline:

Choose OEM if you have a unique design, want full exclusivity, and are ready to invest in mold fees and development time.

Choose ODM if you prefer faster turnaround, lower development cost, and are open to using or slightly modifying existing designs.

A good factory can help you evaluate both options and recommend the best solution for your project.

Ruiheng sculpture production

4. Why Work with Ruiheng for OEM and ODM

Ruiheng is not just a manufacturer — we are a partner that supports both OEM and ODM production under one roof. As a custom sculpture factory, we have our own design team, mold workshop, and painting department. This means we can create new designs from scratch or adapt our existing products to match your brand.

Our OEM services include 3D modeling, sample development, and full-scale production. Our ODM services include ready-to-produce designs, flexible customization, and attractive factory-direct pricing. No matter which path you choose, we keep communication open and update you at every stage — from design confirmation to final shipping.

Simulation tiger sculpture

Work with Ruiheng Today

Choosing the right production method is key to the success of your sculpture project. By understanding the difference between OEM sculpture and ODM production, you can plan more effectively and avoid costly mistakes.

Ruiheng is a trusted ODM sculpture manufacturer and OEM partner for clients worldwide. Whether you need fully custom designs or quick-to-market solutions, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can turn your ideas into high-quality sculptures.