3D Printer Filament: Made in America
Specifically, made in Arkansas. What does it take to succeed with a (seemingly) commodity product made in the USA?
On the latest episode of The Z Axis, I visit Push Plastic to speak with the company’s president of global sales, Seth Hollingsworth. Push Plastic makes 3D printer filament, the long plastic strand delivered on spools that feeds extrusion-style 3D printers. 3D printer filament is often purchased on price, often regarded as a commodity, often ordered from producers in China. But Push Plastic manufactures its product with a U.S. workforce in a U.S. facility. I talk to Hollingsworth about the differences that distinguish filament and how the company succeeds against low-cost producers.
Also in this episode, we see the factory. Anyone with a desktop 3D printer will likely appreciate this view of how filament is made. Hollingsworth says he routinely confronts disbelief from new customers; they assume Push must be an importer, not a manufacturer. To help with correcting that view, I am happy to offer this visual record of 3D printer filament production being done in Arkansas:
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