2D Copy Centres are sooooo 2011. 3D Copy Centres – now that’s something I need. You know that feeling when you drafting a CAD model and you need it in your hand? And it’s 3am? And no one’s given you the new code to the Stratasys because you kept on 3D Printing what your boss called ‘unmentionable’? And you owe Shapeways because of that Paypal scam? Well fret no more, there’s a Staples around the corner and they do full-colour 3D Printing.
Somewhere in that Stack of Paper is my Prototype
Mcor developed a neat 3D printing technology that takes sheets of paper and cuts each layer and glues them to the preceding layer, selectively creating an object. The advantage is that one can use off-the-shelf full-colour inkjet technology and create very realistic models. I’ve seen them myself – they’re much more vibrant than ZCorp’s Colour Printing. And significantly more durable. When I first heard about Mcor’s tech, I didn’t think they had a chance. 2 years later, I’m pleasantly surprised by their ability to find the right niche market.Here’s an overview of their printer.
Staples’ Easy 3D will offer consumers, product designers, architects, healthcare professionals, educators, students and others low-cost, brilliantly coloured, photo-realistic 3D printed products from Staples stores. Customers will simply upload electronic files to the Staples Office Centre and pick up the models in their nearby Staples stores, or have them shipped to their address. Staples will produce the models with the Mcor IRIS, a 3D printer with the highest colour capability in the industry and lowest operating cost of any commercial-class 3D printer.
Unfortunately, the “online platform for Staples Easy 3D will initially be made available in the Netherlands and Belgium in Q1 2013 and will be rolled out quickly to other countries.” So, you have a little time before you’ll be popping over to the store for paperclips and your 3D print.
Never Convince Yourself It’s Easy
Staples has reams and reams of paper and gallons of ink and a huge office supplies market. For all those small architectural or engineering firms, this is useful. It really does put the EASY in 3D. It may be something that consumers may appreciate – students are always picking up supplies at Staples. An engineering student might appreciate the chance to wow their prof with a finished model of their project, completed in full-colour. That is, if it’s as cheap as it really could me. As with most printers, the materials cost nothing. Time is the key. Thus reliability and machine functionality as well as a well-trained staff is going to have to be executed right for this endeavour succeed.
Because, no one wants to return to the days of PC LOAD LETTER. NO ONE.
FRANKFURT, GERMANY, 29 November, 2012 – In a giant step toward the reality of 3D printing for all,Mcor Technologies Ltd has struck a deal with Staples Printing Systems Division to launch a new 3D printing service called “Staples Easy 3D,” online via the Staples Office Centre.
Staples’ Easy 3Dwill offer consumers, product designers, architects, healthcare professionals, educators, students and others low-cost, brilliantly coloured, photo-realistic 3D printed products from Staples stores. Customers will simply upload electronic files to the Staples Office Centre and pick up the models in their nearby Staples stores, or have them shipped to their address. Staples will produce the models with theMcor IRIS, a 3D printer with the highest colour capability in the industry and lowest operating cost of any commercial-class 3D printer.
Mcor announced Staples Easy 3D today at Euromold 2012in Hall 11.0, Stand B109.
“Given our market leadership in commercial print, why would we ever stop at two dimensions?” said President Wouter Van Dijk, president of the Staples Printing Systems Division in Europe. “Customised parts, prototypes, art objects, architectural models, medical models and 3D maps are items customers need today, in a more affordable and more accessible manner. Mcor will help us to keep prices low, quality high and colour brilliant as we meet the demand.”
Although 3D printing is evolving on a similar path to 2D printing, there’s no sign that every home will have a 3D printer right away. “Until that time, consumers will look to service bureaus,” said Mcor Technologies co-founder and CEO Dr. Conor MacCormack. “Staples is uniquely positioned to become the pre-eminent service bureau to the world, and we will help them deliver highest quality and value. Staples Easy 3D is a breakthrough service in innovation and access for consumers and businesses alike.”
The online platform for Staples Easy 3D will initially be made available in the Netherlands and Belgium in Q1 2013 and will be rolled out quickly to other countries, according to Oscar Pakasi, director business development of Staples Printing Systems, who is responsible for developing the concept and the design of the Staples Easy 3D print service platform.
About Mcor Technologies Ltd
Mcor Technologies Ltd is an innovative manufacturer of the world’s most affordable, full-colour and eco-friendly 3D printers. They are the only 3D printers to use ordinary business-letter paper as the build material, a choice that renders durable, stable and tactile models. Established in 2004 with a talented team of specialists in the area of 3D printing, software and CAD/CAM, Mcor’s vision is to make 3D printing more accessible to everyone. The company operates internationally from offices in Ireland, the UK and America. www.mcortechnologies.com.
For further information, please contact:
Deirdre MacCormack
Mcor Technologies Ltd
Tel: + 353 (0) 41 6862800 deirdre@mcortechnologies.com
