Mechanical Engineer Dustin Cram and his brother Aaron Cram, with a background in Computer Science, have launched Proto-Pasta, a Kickstarter project aiming to “change the landscape of what is available for consumer grade 3D printing materials and how those materials are evaluated”. More information is on the Kickstarter Page.
The first materials offered as rewards for consumer 3D printers are Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA, Heat Resistant PLA, and Polycarbonate ABS alloy.
All materials have datasheets giving the exact material or compound and average test results of actual printed parts. It will be the first time users can compare actual mechanical properties of parts printed with different materials using empirical data. Material properties are based on testing using a printed test sample that is 60mm X 10mm X 3mm. Datasheets include the Heat Deflection Temperature, Impact Resistance, Stiffness, Flexural Strength, and information on printability of the material.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA is made from NatureWorks 4043D PLA Resin compounded with 15% by weight Tenax short chopped Carbon Fibers. It is designed to be stiff, or to resist bending.
Proto-Pasta High Temperature PLA is made from a custom compound consisting of mineral filled impact modified PLA with a nucleating agent to help promote crystallization.
When annealed, Proto-Pasta Polycarbonate-ABS (PC-ABS) Alloy is an incredibly tough material designed for strong, resilient parts.
