The printer is also low cost, around £4000; something that Mcor says will enable “3D printing to jump the chasm to a much broader range of creative professionals and truly facilitating creative learning like no other 3D printer has to date”.
With a resolution 4800 by 2400 dots per inch – twice that of industrial machines, the ARKe can provide photorealistic colour models by using razors to cut plain paper into shape, inkjets colour the paper which is then glued together and laminated. As a development over its previous IRIS machine, the ARKe uses a roll of paper, which saves space and reduces the risk of feed issues.
Another feature that Mcor thinks will make the ARKe a more attractive proposition to schools as well as offices is that it is safe and eco-friendly. Because paper is used instead of plastics no harmful particle emissions or toxic chemicals are used during printing.
“Our mission is to put a 3D printer in every office, classroom, and eventually every home, and Mcor ARKe is a huge step in that direction,” said Dr Conor MacCormack, CEO of Mcor Technologies. “I believe that this is a disruptive step that will transform this industry stimulating widespread adoption of 3D printing particularly in education and among creative professional.”
