Attractive Matrix Applications

It was only a matter of time before the applications started filtering through for the Matrix 300 3D printer. I saw this machine when it was introduced over a year ago and it was launched commercially at the end of last year, at the TCT show. I had heard on the grapevine that there had been some sales of the machine and I am not surprised that things are going well.

The Matrix, from Irish company Mcor Technologies, is a 3D printer based on LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) technology. At the time of its introduction, this did raise some eye brows, because the original LOM process from Helisys died a death around the middle of the nineties and seemed to be forgotten. However, the Matrix differs from all of its competitors in a couple of interesting ways.

First and foremost, the printer itself requires a similar capital outlay to mid-range 3D printers (around 25,000 euros), but unlike every other machine out there the consumables are cheap and easy to access. The machine uses A4 paper (80 gsm). Which leads onto the other very attractive characteristic of the printer — it is extremely eco-friendly. Surface finish of the Matrix models are proving to be very competitive too.

Janne Kyttanen, Founder & Creative Director of Freedom of Creation has been producing some stunning models using the Matrix, his comment being; “Most refreshing stuff I have seen for a long time." 'Stuff' referring to the 3D process, not his own models.

The picture of his iphone cover above is a clear demonstration that there will be much more to come. I have long been a fan of the sculptures and products that the FoC guys produce, but it's always been out of my price range. It will be interesting to see if the retail prices of the FoC Matrix models are modified in line with their material costs!!!?