Guys Upstairs - Tech

I remember as a kid making models of various objects using paper and glue, but Mcor Technologies has taken that a step further with their Mcor Matrix. The Mcor Matrix is a 3D printer that does not use lasers and plastics like most that are currently available. The core materials are paper, adhesive, and a cemented tungsten carbide blade. The adhesive is a special water based PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) adhesive that will be offered by Mcor Technologies along with the blades. The paper will be supplied by the user and can be as low cost as 20 lb paper. The vertical resolution is based on the paper thickness and will be 0.1mm with 20lb paper although thicker paper will allow the process to be faster at the cost of reduced resolution.

There is also the option to make colored parts with colored paper. The machine reduces waste by selectively putting more adhesive only on the cross-section. The part profile is then cut with the blade. The finished parts appear similar to wood and post processing can include hardening with cyanoacrylate adhesive, sanding, and painting. The cost of producing parts is drastically reduced by up to 40 times less than current methods due to the use of low cost materials. The Mcor Matrix is scheduled to be released in Q1 2009 in the US. The maximum build (316.33 oz.) of the printer costs under $135.

[Hack a Day]