Mcor surprises with its new 3D printer which 3D prints from paper

A situation of Mcore an Irish producer of professional 3D printers which can create colourful paper models from paper, is peculiar. On the one hand wins a lot of prestigous prizez for its machines, on the other hand, as far as its popularity among clients is concerned, is still behind 3D Systems offering devices in technology CJP. It will maybe change because of a new printer presented on CES w Las Vegas – Mcor ARKe.

ARKe is a true revolution when you compare it with another Mcor devices. It’s much smaller than models Iris and Matrix in size similar to low-budget 3D printers printing in FDM. A process of 3D printing has been also modified – instead of paper sheets A4, printer prints using a paper from scroll.

A technology used by Mcor is called SDL (Selective Deposition Lamination) and comes from LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) which is known for ages.  In case of Iris and Matrix it runs as followed:

• firstly, paper sheets A4 are printed with a full-colour ink in the first chamber,
• then the’re transfered to the second chamber where a ploter cuts them into shape of each layer,
• a paper sheet is covered with glue and the next sheet is put on it and then they are pressed,
• after finishing of the whole process you have to remove fragments of paper which don’t stick to “extract” a ready model,
• your model is tough and it looks rather like a piece of wood, not like a paper; and it has intensive colours which are impossible to obtain in another 3D printing technologies.

A process of 3D printing used by ARKe is similar but more optimalized. The producer resigned from single sheets of paper, it’s also not necessary to use two separate chambers. The next sheets aren’t pressed, the’re brazed. I have to admit, that it’s the most intriguing moment of the whole process and I’m wondering if it will carry out the same role as a press?

Assuming that printouts from ARKe are the same like from IRs and Matrix, we have to recon with a truly revolutionary divice – as far as 3D printers printing in full colour are concerned. The device is small and according to TCT Magazine it may cost about 6000 $.

Technical specification:

• working area: 24 x 20,5 x 12,5 cm
• material: paper
• resolution: 3D XYZ: 0,1 mm
• colour: Photorealistic HD Colour 4800 x 2400 DPI in X, Y and 254 in Z (up to 508 in Z with 50GSM paper)
• system software: Mcor Orange
• network connectivity: WiFi, LAN, USB
• office compability.

It is avaiblable in several colours. The printouts are just impressive!

If everything works like Mcor says it will ba a very interesting solution solution for architects and designers who need full-colour prototypes.

Source: www.mcortechnologies.com