Mcor Announces Adoption of 3MF File Format for ARKe

In San Francisco, the Microsoft Build 2016 conference is now underway. The annual event attracts thousands from the developer world, and attendees can expect major announcements about new updates, apps and technological developments. So far, news has been delivered about significant updates to Windows 10, the continuing development of the incredible holographic augmented reality application HoloLens, and more. (They’ve also admitted that they may have erred by unleashing Tay the Nazi AI chatbot upon the Internet so quickly.)

Although 3D printing is far from the major focus of the conference, the industry is certainly represented this week. Microsoft’s biggest contribution to 3D printing may ultimately be the 3MF file format and its dedicated 3MF Consortium, which continues to steadily grow and add new members. The newest contributor to the spread of 3MF is Irish 3D printer manufacturer Mcor, whose Mcor Orange software now supports the 3MF format.

The adoption of the file format will allow users to export full color digital data directly to the Mcor ARKe, the company’s unique, recently introduced color 3D printer that, like Mcor’s other printers, notably uses paper as a printing material. Although it hasn’t yet begun shipping, the ARKe has already generated a great deal of excitement and thousands of preorders. The addition of the 3MF format should only increase its appeal, especially among Microsoft developers and designers.

“The ARKe’s new software, Mcor Orange, is a great way to illustrate some of the key values and benefits of the 3MF format,” said Adrian Lannin, Group Program Manager for Microsoft. “By using 3MF, it’s much easier for 3D applications to define and print with full-fidelity color information. Innovative 3D tools such as Mcor ARKe and Mcor Orange are adopting 3MF because it helps them to provide complete, working solutions.”

The ARKe will also be on display at Microsoft Build – the only desktop 3D printer at the conference, in fact. Representatives from Mcor will be on hand to demonstrate the printer’s 3MF capabilities in the Hub expo area. The ARKe is slated to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2016.

“We are in this business to expand the possibilities of 3D printing and make it accessible to everyone, so we couldn’t be more excited about our new support for 3MF through Mcor Orange Software,” said Dr. Conor MacCormack, co-founder and CEO of Mcor. “Without a doubt, this is huge news for the entire 3D design and printing industry, and will have positive implications moving forward.”

What do you think of this latest? Discuss in the Mcor Adopts 3MF File Format forum over at 3DPB.com.