dustin
ProtoPlant founder Dustin Cram.

While 3D printing continues to make headlines and revolutionize production, options for individual consumers have been limited. Although personal 3D printers are becoming more accessible, the high-quality exotic materials necessary for many prints are generally only produced for commercial printers.

That’s where Proto-pasta comes in. After raising more than $36,000 in a successful Kickstarter campaign this past November, the Vancouver, Wash.-based startup began designing a line of unique, high-performance 3D printer filaments.

Proto-pasta is a subsidiary of ProtoPlant, an engineering consulting partnership founded by Dustin Cram, who also serves as Proto-pasta’s CEO.

Cram and his brother Aaron teamed up to design specialty colored and customized filaments, which are now available to consumers around the world. All their products are designed and tested in house.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in the 3D printing business — for example, the FDA just approved 3D-printed facial implants, and the U.S. Air Force is enlisting the technology to build rocket engines.

That excitement will be on display this weekend in Seattle during the 3D Printer World Expo. The event will give individuals the rare opportunity to see large-scale 3D printing up close — a goal that the Proto-pasta team shares.

We caught up with CEO Dustin Cram and Proto-pasta’s media consultant Sara Shepard for this installment of Startup Spotlight, a regular GeekWire feature.

Explain what you do so our parents can understand it: “Proto-pasta designs and manufactures exotic 3D printer filament for personal 3D printers — filament is the ‘ink’ 3D printers use to create items.”

Inspiration hit us when: “After taking a look at the current personal 3D printer market, it was clear there was a serious shortage of unique materials made for lower-grade 3D printers. With Dustin’s engineering skills, Aaron’s technical know-how, and Alex’s years of 3D printing experience, it seemed like the perfect time and team to make this happen.”

VC, Angel or Bootstrap: “We selected Kickstarter as our funding source because the 3D printing community is so strong (and active) on that website, as is the Internet as a whole. By releasing our testing data on our Kickstarter page and engaging in conversations directly with potential backers, we were able to build confidence, secure funding, and find future customers all at once.”

IMG_6196Our ‘secret sauce’ is: “Endless curiosity and continual engagement with the 3D printing community.”

The smartest move we’ve made so far: “Hiring Alex — when it was just Dustin and Aaron, the task of producing (and testing, and shipping, and marketing, and selling) filament was overwhelming. Good people, who are passionate and know how to get things done, are essential for success.”

The biggest mistake we’ve made so far: “When we first started, we really underestimated shipping — how time-consuming sending out individual shipments would be, how much it would cost (especially international), and tracking. Now we’ve automated the process … somewhat.”

Would you rather have Gates, Jobs, Zuckerberg or Bezos in your corner: “None of the above, unless they were willing to bring us doughnuts on a daily basis.”

Our world domination strategy starts when: “People begin 3D printing drones who can 3D print drones — using our filament, of course.”

Rivals should fear us because: “We keep up with the changing industry and are never satisfied. With our stellar team, we’re poised to tackle any problem and present the greatest solutions to the world.”

logoWe are truly unique because: “We are a small group of highly passionate individuals working hard to produce a quality line of products for an emerging industry, right here in the great Northwest.”

The biggest hurdle we’ve overcome is: “Designing and making all of our own manufacturing equipment and keeping all the manufacturing in Washington state, doing it all ourselves.”

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other entrepreneurs just starting out: “Starting your own business is more of a life-style choice than a career choice. You’re going to face huge challenges and uncertainties. Be adaptable, be persistent, and stay positive.”

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