A newly released 3D printer filament specifically created to closely match the legendary "Platinum" finish of vintage Macintosh computers has just become available. Developed by computer collector Joe Strosnider, the new PLA material gives hobbyists an inexpensive, genuine means to recreate and restore classic Apple hardware from the late '80s and '90s.
This specialized filament, which costs $21.99 a kilogram, is a game-changer for retro computing fans who want to restore or recreate the original Macintosh design with unprecedented color fidelity.
The Platinum Color is a Signature of Apple's Golden Age
Apple debuted the Platinum color scheme on the Apple IIgs in 1986, establishing its desktop and notebook aesthetic throughout the 1990s. The color, a muted, gray-beige combination, became indelibly linked with Apple's design identity before the iMac.
In time, though, the old plastics turned yellowed and cracked with age, not to mention the effects of UV exposure, making restoration difficult. That's when Strosnider came along to restore that nostalgic sound to life.
The Quest for the Perfect Match
Strosnider, who maintains an enormous collection of vintage Apple equipment in Ohio, spent years attempting to get the original shade just right. He finally partnered with Polar Filament, shelling out $900 of his own capital to create a 25-kilogram batch and pay for an exact color match, based on the speaker box from the inside of his Mac Color Classic.
Because of his love for retro devices, he made the formula available to the public instead of a proprietary project. This is to give the retro community wider access to the product.
A Boost for Vintage Computer Restoration
The 1.75 mm Platinum PLA filament is completely compatible with consumer-grade 3D printers and automated material systems, unlocking applications in widespread use for hobby projects. According to Ars Technica, users can print cosmetic covers, keyboard components, and full-size cases with high accuracy and durability using the filament.
Strosnider even made a plea in public through Bluesky, asking users to "order lots" to help indicate demand and keep the distinctive color on production in the long run.
SE Mini Case Projects
The timing couldn't be more opportune. The retro computing world has witnessed renewed interest in 3D-printed enclosures and peripherals for vintage Mac parts.
Among the notable projects, the SE Mini Case by modder "GutBomb" miniaturizes SE/30 logic boards into compact desktop computers with contemporary output possibilities.
This sort of design, which requires half a spool of filament and several days of printing time, greatly benefits from material that is color-accurate. With Platinum PLA, hobbyists can now preserve that classic Macintosh look while incorporating features such as Pico PSUs and BlueSCSI drives.
Bridging the Past and the Present
If you're planning to restore a vintage relic or create something fresh from scratch, Platinum PLA provides a means of combining nostalgia with innovation. It's a love letter to a bygone design era for tinkerers and Apple collectors alike. It's a functional aid for keeping that legacy alive amid the 3D printing revolution.
Retro is now, and this time, it's printable.
Originally published on Tech Times
