In a nod to Apple’s iconic design history, vintage computer enthusiast Joe Strosnider has introduced a new 3D-printer filament that precisely replicates the distinctive “Platinum” color used in Macintosh computers from the late 1980s to the 1990s. This beige-gray tone, synonymous with the Apple IIgs and classic Macintosh models, now has a second life thanks to Strosnider’s efforts to preserve and recreate the aesthetic charm of Apple’s early hardware.
The new filament, made from polylactic acid (PLA), is compatible with standard desktop 3D printers. It is designed for hobbyists interested in printing nostalgic accessories, custom cases, or replacement parts that authentically match the look of original Macintosh machines. Strosnider, who maintains a comprehensive collection of vintage computers in Ohio, collaborated with Polar Filament to develop the material and make it publicly available. The filament is priced at $21.99 per kilogram and produced in the standard 1.75 mm format, suitable for most consumer 3D printers.
Passion-Driven Innovation for a Niche Community
To bring this unique product to life, Strosnider invested around $900 in color-matching and purchasing an initial 25-kilogram batch of the 3D-printer filament. Rather than keeping the formula exclusive, he chose to release it to the public, hoping it would benefit other vintage computing enthusiasts. As he shared in a post on the Tinkerdifferent forum, the Platinum shade was matched using a speaker box from a Mac Color Classic as the reference. His request to Polar Filament included an agreement to make the filament broadly available, marking an important contribution to the preservation of retro computing culture.
Previously, collectors had limited options when restoring vintage Apple devices, ranging from costly specialty orders to inconsistent materials. Strosnider’s filament helps address these challenges by offering a consistent, affordable, and easily sourced material for the community. He encouraged supporters on Bluesky to buy in bulk and show demand, which could help maintain ongoing production of the specialty color.
Fueling a Revival in Retro-Tech Projects
The launch of the Platinum PLA 3D-printer filament coincides with a growing interest in blending retro computing with modern tech. One prominent example is the SE Mini project, developed by a user known as “GutBomb,” which allows vintage Macintosh SE and SE/30 boards to be repurposed into compact desktop computers compatible with current monitors. The SE Mini case, designed to be 3D-printed in sections, requires about half a spool of filament and highlights the value of color-accurate materials like Strosnider’s for creating authentic-looking replicas.
These modern-retro mashups often incorporate newer components such as Pico power supplies and BlueSCSI storage solutions while preserving the visual and tactile feel of Apple’s classic design. Projects like these illustrate how the passion of hobbyists continues to bridge the gap between past and present technologies. Thanks to the dedication of individuals like Strosnider, the legacy of the original Macintosh aesthetic is not only being remembered but actively revived, one print at a time.
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