Gizmodo Australia » prototyper

Mcor Matrix 3D Printer Replicates Objects on the Cheap With Simple Paper and Glue

John Mahoney — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:40:00 +0000

3D printers are awesome. Feed them a computer model, and out comes a real object–often with complexity that is impossible to conjure into reality via any other means. Still blows my mind nearly every time I see one in action. Especially cool, then, is the Mcor Matrix, a 3D Printer that aims to keep cost of ownership at a minimum by using as its elementals regular office paper and a common water-based glue. This hand model, for instance, was produced for only €3.70 ($US4.73).

Using paper also allows the Matrix’s models to be fashioned with a blade, rather than a laser, which also keeps costs down. After the models come out, they can be sanded, painted and finished just like they were made of wood.

The Matrix has been in prototype form for a while, but Mcor has recently fought through the vapourware stage that keeps many 3D printer concepts down, claiming availability in Europe, with the rest of the world to follow next year. [Mcor Matrix via Gadget Lab via Hack-a-Day]

Objet Alaris30 3D Printer Puts a Star Trek Replicator On Your Desk

John Herrman — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:45:50 +0000

3D printers are a boon to industrial designers, many of whom have been happily using ultra-expensive real-life Star Trek replicators for years now. Yeah, cool, good for them, but when the hell will I be able to print my own Army Men? Considering the recent announcement of Objet’s Alaris30 3D desktop printer, my miniature plastic battle royale may not be as far off as I thought. The printer is no bigger than a regular printer/scanner combo, plugs into a regular power source, connects to any office network and ships with simple drivers and software that let your send CAD files to be produced from modelling plastic in dimensions up to 29 x 20 x 15 cm.

No price has been announced yet, but if Objet want to go mainstream with this thing they should probably take aim at the $US2400 DIY systems that are already floating around the tubes (update: Oh shucks, it’s going to be about $US40,000). Full details are on Objet’s site, and you can see an example of the printer’s capabilities at BBG. [Objet]