Protopasta Australia: Specialty Filament Imported Direct
About Protopasta
Protopasta (Proto-pasta) is made by ProtoPlant in Vancouver, Washington. They focus on specialty filaments that the bigger brands do not make: real-metal composites, heat-treatable PLA and unusual infused PLAs.
What we stock
- Metal-fill PLA: brass, copper, iron, steel. Polishable, magnetic in iron-fill
- HTPLA: high-temp PLA that can be annealed for >100 C heat resistance
- Infused PLA: pigment-rich finishes and specialty colours
- Protopasta PETG: the PETG range in their colour catalogue
HTPLA annealing
HTPLA prints like normal PLA (200 to 220 C). After the print is finished, baking the part in an oven at 110 C for 15 to 30 minutes crystallises the polymer and raises the heat deflection temperature above 130 C. Parts shrink slightly during the bake, so design with about 2 percent shrink margin if the dimensions matter.
Metal-fill: tips
- Hardened nozzle is not optional; brass nozzles wear in hours on metal-fill
- Heavy parts: a 200 g brass-fill print weighs the same as a 400 g standard PLA print
- Polish: progressive sanding from 400 to 1500 grit, then metal polish, gives a real metallic shine
- Iron-fill picks up magnets and rusts in damp air (which can be the look you want)
Why people choose Protopasta
There is no equivalent in most Australian shops. The composite range and HTPLA are the standout reasons; the QC is consistent because the factory is small enough to control each batch.
Browse the range
All Protopasta, Metal PLA, HTPLA, Infused PLA, Protopasta PETG.