Alexander Dick’s first encounter with 3D printing came in the early 1990s, when a neighbor brought home parts made by Ford. After studying mechanical engineering, Dick went on to operate what he describes as the first EOS plastic laser-sintering printer in the United States. He has worked in 3D printing ever since.
In 2014, Dick joined brothers Dustin and Aaron Cram, who had recently launched Protopasta through Kickstarter. Based in Vancouver, Washington, the company makes its own filament and designs and builds its extrusion equipment in-house.
Why produce filament in-house?
Protopasta began with the Cram brothers’ enthusiasm for making things. Building their own extrusion equipment gave the team control over the materials and production process, helping them develop distinctive products and maintain consistent formulations.
That control is also important for quality, Dick says. A reliable foundation in material chemistry helps the company deliver consistent performance.
Experimenting with materials and colors
Having equipment on-site allows Protopasta to test materials hands-on, whether the goal is improved function or a particular appearance. In the 2010s, when desktop printers had more limited capabilities, the company focused especially on aesthetics.
Dick says the community became part of that process. Working with creators, including Joel Telling of 3D Printing Nerd, Protopasta developed custom colors such as Highfive Blue, along with other special color projects.
Materials remain a challenge
As 3D printers have become more capable and affordable, it has become easier to acquire multiple machines. But Dick sees filament as a continuing bottleneck. Some large-scale, low-cost suppliers sell out frequently or provide materials with inconsistent formulations, making it difficult for users to rely on a stable supply.
While much of the filament market is focused on low prices and consumer volume, Protopasta aims to serve customers who prioritize quality, reliability and creative options.
One example is Out of Darts, whose founder, Luke Goodman, worked with Protopasta on custom colors inspired by his company’s brand. After experiencing inconsistent quality and availability from different vendors, Goodman switched to Protopasta. The company has also developed custom formulations for other businesses to meet specific functional and visual requirements.
Dick says the team is looking forward to applying its experience to distinctive industry needs. More information about the company and its materials is available on Protopasta’s website.