Rapid prototyping company Mcor are trying to break the strangle-hold of existing rapid prototype manufacturers and redefine the business model. Instead of selling relatively cheap machines and expensive refill materials, the Mcor Matrix 3D Printer makes 3D models from sheets of A4/Letter paper, all you need to supply is the glue and new blades.

The Matrix uses a water-based PVA adhesive to laminate sheets of paper and then cuts them with a fine, tungsten-carbide blade, building up solid structures one sheet at a time. The completed parts can be hardened and sanded and if you want coloured parts, just feed the machine coloured paper. The maximum build volume is 297mm x 210mm x 150mm. You can also choose whether you want a 0.1 or 0.2 mm height increment by using either 80 gsm or 160 gsm paper.

Mcor state that the Matrix can use new or recycled paper and that the operating costs of the Matrix are 50 times less than with existing rapid prototyping machines. The cost of the build material is around �0.01 per cubic centimetre and the finished product is said to have a consistency similar to that of carved wood. The Matrix is currently on sale in Ireland and the UK and will be rolled out globally in 2010.

The Mcor Matrix desk top modeler can produce ready to use, three dimensional models from standard A4/Letter Paper. This cost effective model maker will enable students, designers, engineers and hobbyists to create 3D models at 2D prices.

Tags: gadget, mcor+matrix+3d+printer, rapid+prototyper, paper+rapid+prototyping