We've written a few times about the amazing paper 3D printer from MCOR, which uses common A4 paper as it's build material. Now we see it being used by a professional design firm: Freedom Of Creation.

They've been experimenting with the device and produced the iPhone cover shown above. As you can see, they slipped in a stack of rainbow-colored paper into the MCOR's input hopper, resulting the multicoloured iPhone cover. With paper printing, the object can be colored before it's even made!

Some comments from FOC on this technology:

What is intriguing about printing in paper is that the process itself is fairly simple, its about stacking layers of paper and removing what you don’t need.

It’s the greenest and most low-cost technology for 3D printing, therefore Freedom Of Creations’ Imagineering department is researching possible applications ranging from collection products to scale models and promotional material for clients.

It sounds like they'll be making good use of the technology in coming months. Can we have that in green?

Via Freedom Of Creation

MCOR passed us images of sample prints from their new MCOR Matrix 300 3D paper printer (that's right - it uses sheets of paper as it's build medium.) We're quite surprised at the quality and features. Look for yourself:

Our 3D paper printer really lends itself to a very different approach in printing this type of model – as well as colour the Matrix 300 can print texture – a brick wall, a cobbled patio, a wood floor and wallpaper on the walls!

We've also received some details on the Matrix 300's specifications:

• Build chamber: 27.7 x 19.0 x 15.0 cm (10.9 x 7.5 x 5.9 inches)
• System weight: 160 kg (350 pounds)
• Material: A4 paper, 80 grams
• Z-Axis thickness: 0.1mm
• Power: 240 volts, 1 kilowatt

The Matrix 300 comes with proprietary software for using existing .STL files - but alas, Windows only.

All that with operating costs of less than one euro cent (or maybe just over a US cent) per cubic centimetre of printout. The price? €29,950 including software for UK and Ireland; no pricing for other locales has yet been set. Initial deliveries to UK and Ireland customers will occur in January!

• Faster turnaround (however, we saw no statistics on this) at similar cost
• Sleek design (see image above)
• Enhanced software that simplifies the process, including optimized waste removal
• Smooth curves and "parts that have a real tactile finish"
• Parts with "variable stiffness"

• Hector Serrano (objects to reduce carbon footprint)
  
• Redesign's Doing It for the Kids (sustainable toys and other play resources)
  

• MCOR claims to be the only 3D printer capable of producing a "variable stiffness" effect, in other words, able to make a "living hinge". In the video you will see a small object with an actual flexible hinge
• The Matrix is "50 times cheaper" to operate than its competitors, mainly because it uses paper as its raw material
• The Matrix is the only "eco 3D printer" again due to the paper media

We wonder if you can recycle the printed objects? 

Via YouTube (Hat Tip to Deirdre)

The exhibition was at Dublin's Science Gallery - and no, do not be alarmed by the mask-laden individuals who appear throughout the video. They are not dressed in sterile suits to protect themselves from noxious paper fumes emitted by the MCOR Matrix; no, they are part of the "Infectious" exhibition, which focused on disease. MCOR was there to print enormous replicas of common virii such as the Rhino virus.

We're wondering if the MCOR is going to work in North America, however, as it's designed to accept A4-size sheets! Just Kidding!

Via YouTube

Could a 3D Printing company win the prestigious World Technology Award? MCOR technologies, whom we've written on several times in past months, is nominated in the IT Hardware (Corporate) category for their amazing plain paper-based 3D printer.

The World Technology Awards are an annual event featuring numerous awards in many categories:

... nominees are those individuals (in 20 categories) and companies/organizations (in 10 categories) who are doing the innovative work of "the greatest likely long-term significance" in their fields. They are those creating the 21st century.

MCOR is up against several other companies in the IT Hardware (Corporate) category:

• Belkin International, Inc.
• Mcor
• Motorola
• Nujira Limited UK
• Perceptive Pixel
• Quicklogic, Inc
• Reactrix Systems
• Sequoia communications
• SONY
• SundanceDSP Inc.
• Trace Optics
• UGOBE, Inc.
• VholdR Wearable Camcorder
• Xelerated AB
• Zink Imaging

We'll find out on July 16th whether MCOR is selected. Good Luck, MCOR!

Via WTN (Hat Tip to Deirdre)

Remember mcor technologies? They are the folks building a 3D printer that uses plain old ordinary paper as its media. In fact, the printer is beyond development - they launched it two weeks ago at the TCT Exhibition in Coventry, UK.

According to their press release:

The Mcor Matrix is the only 3D printer in the world that can use ordinary/used A4 paper to make 3D objects. This key technology breakthrough shatters the industry’s cost barrier to universal access to 3D printing. Infact, the operating costs of using the Mcor Matrix is up to 50 times less expensive than competitors’ current technologies.

Mcor CEO, Dr Conor MacCormack believes a lower total cost of ownership will expand the market further and accelerate adoption into smaller companies in the area of engineering, design, and architecture and will reach out to every student in these disciplines. "Right now 3D printers are jewels not tool," he says. The matrix will put multiple parts into multiple hands.

Models straight out of the Mcor Matrix have the appearance of a wood-carving and are – tough, durable and eco-friendly TM. The final models can be treated to give them a smooth, shiny finish and increases the life of the part, making it even more durable.

and

The Mcor Matrix is now available direct in Ireland and the UK and it is expected to be rolled out globally in 2009.

We think this is a wonderful concept that can get over the problem of expensive and difficult-to-find media that are often used by other 3D printers.

Via mcor technologies