General FAQ

About Protopasta

What is Protopasta? Is it made of Pasta? Can I eat it?

While our filament may resemble spaghetti, Protopasta is not actually pasta. The name is a combination of our company, Protoplant, and the pasta-like shape of filament. #donteatthepasta

Where is Protopasta made?

All Protopasta products are produced at Protoplant, in Vancouver, Washington, USA. Read more about ProtoPlant and our story here

Product Help

What’s the difference between PLA and HTPLA?

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I'm trying to start x project. How do I know what product is the best filament for the job?

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Is Protopasta food-safe?

There are a number of organizations that provide food-grade (meaning it can be consumed safely) or food-safe (meaning it can come in contact with food safely) certifications. These include documentation from FDA, ISO, GFSI, and the GMP, among others. It is a lengthy audit of suppliers' practices, raw materials, all additives, equipment on site, and employee certification. It is possible for a filament manufacturer to become certified through any number of audits. However, Protoplant, Inc has not pursued this route for two reasons:
  • A food-safe product must have documentation of certification at every step in the process, from the raw materials through the final printing process. So while it may be possible for a filament manufacturer to become food-safe certified, the customer would also need to complete the same audit with their own printing setup in order to claim that their end product is food-safe.
  • The nature of FDM implies that you will have layer lines. Those layer lines are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or mold, as they are extremely difficult to clean with soap and a brush. Additionally, because PLA can only withstand up to 60C, it is impossible to sanitize your product with heat alone.
Protoplant, Inc, has not obtained food-safe certification from any qualified organizations, and cannot be held responsible for any harm done by allowing our product to come in contact with food. The customer assumes all risk of allowing Protopasta to come in contact with food, and will hold Protoplant, Inc, harmless from any threat associated with food contact.
There are a number of food-safe sealants on the market that could allow for safe contact with food. This may aid in protection of the layer lines. Additionally, if the food product that comes in contact with the printed product is then baked, like in the case of cookie cutters, this process could kill off any associated bacteria.

Payment & Shipping

What kind of payment options are accepted?

We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, JCB, Diners Club, and Venmo.

Do you collect tax on my purchase?

We are required to collect tax in a number of states, with that list always growing. Currently, this list includes: 

  • Alaska
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington

Do you live in one of these states, but believe you are tax exempt? Please fill out this form so we can add you to our exemption list!

How long does shipping take?

Domestic (US) orders shipped USPS Priority Mail should arrive in 1-3 days of shipment. Our lightweight, economy service uses USPS First Class Mail which requires as much as 1 week for transit from time of shipment. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! Depending on your local government rules, additional TAXES, DUTIES, and IMPORT FEES may be required to receive your shipment. It's up to you to understand and pay these additional costs. Transit is typically 1-3 days with DHL anywhere in the world (with transit up to a week including customs).  USPS First Class International can take as much as 1-2 months for for transit, while UPS and USPS Priority Packages typically take 1-2 weeks (plus customs).

How much does shipping cost?

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Where can I buy Protopasta 3d printer filament in store?

Protopasta filaments can be found at select retailers worldwide. We have a full list of current local retailers that carry our products, and we welcome new retailers who would like to carry our products in their store or on their website.

Returns & Exchanges

Can I return my product?

At Protoplant's discretion, returns and replacements will be accepted within 90 days of purchase. Please check the material label before opening your product.  Only sealed product can be returned. Shipping of items for exchange or refund is paid by the customer. Contact Protoplant at info@protoplant.com before shipping any returns to obtain an RMA number. 

My item arrived defective. What can I do?

Protoplant will pay shipping to return and/or replace product with manufacturing defects or not matching your order.

The filament color wasn’t what I expected. Can I exchange for another color?

You are welcome to return any unopened spools in sellable condition, with return shipping at your expense. Once we receive the spool in sellable condition, we will issue a refund for the cost of the product. However, we do not make exchanges, so you'll need to simply place a new order for the preferred color.