Mcor Iris Skull
A skull model, printed in full-colour on the Mcor Iris
Some interesting mid-show news from Mcor Technologies today as they announced a deal with a major name from the 2D printing market, Staples. A division of the American giant will partner with Ireland-based Mcor in Europe to offer a 3D Printing services — Staples Easy 3D. The initiative is a fantastic way of opening access to 3D printing with the combination of a known and trusted brand in Staples, as well as the low-cost full-colour printing from Mcor. Both companies are known for their keen interest in environmental issues, with the paper-based printer offering recyclable parts and Staples extensive use of renewable energy.
Users upload designs online with Staples using the Mcor Iris paper-based printer to create the models. Users can then collect from the local store or have the parts mailed back to them. Simples.
Full details in the release below:
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 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.
Mcor announced Staples Easy 3D today at Euromold 2012 in 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.
