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Mcor introduced the ARKe at CES on January 6, 2016, as a desktop 3D printer that built objects from paper using the company’s Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL) process. The announcement advertised 4800 × 2400 DPI color resolution and set a launch-era MSRP of $5,995 USD, with availability planned for Q2 2016. Those figures describe the 2016 announcement, not a current offer or confirmation that the printer remains available.
What the Mcor ARKe was
Mcor Technologies presented the ARKe as a desktop extension of its full-color 3D printing approach. Its January 2016 announcement called it the “world’s first” full-color desktop 3D printer; that superlative is Mcor’s claim, not an independently established industry-wide finding. The announcement identified the printing method as Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL). Mcor’s CES announcement
In SDL, paper is the build material. The ARKe therefore differed from desktop printers that form parts by depositing melted plastic or curing liquid resin. The product brochure describes paper-based construction and recyclable materials, but those are manufacturer claims rather than independent environmental test results. Mcor ARKe product brochure
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What its resolution figures mean
Mcor’s launch announcement advertised color resolution of 4800 × 2400 DPI. A separate 2016 product brochure lists 0.1 mm resolution in X, Y, and Z. These are distinct manufacturer-published specifications: the DPI figure describes advertised color resolution, while the millimeter figure describes spatial resolution. Neither figure, by itself, establishes the fidelity or appearance of a finished object. Mcor’s announcement and the product brochure
#1 Best Overall
- 4-Color Multicolor 3D Printing—Create More Without Extra Setup: Bring your ideas to life with a K2 SE 4C 3D Printer designed for effortless multicolor printing right out of the box. No complicated upgrades or additional assembly required. Perfect for printing toys, cosplay props, home décor, prototypes, educational models, and personalized gifts. The compact design occupies 37% less space than traditional multicolor systems, making it ideal for home offices, classrooms, makerspaces, and studios.
- 500mm/s High-Speed CoreXY 3D Printer—Finish More in Less Time: Powered by an advanced CoreXY Motion System, this High-Speed 3D Printer reaches up to 500mm/s print speed with 20,000mm/s² acceleration, delivering fast, smooth, and accurate printing for prototypes, functional parts, cosplay accessories, engineering models, and creative projects. Spend less time waiting and more time designing.
- Auto Leveling for Consistent First Layers & Reliable Print Quality: Forget manual bed adjustments. Intelligent Auto Bed Leveling probes only the active print area, creating accurate first layers while reducing setup time. Combined with a rigid all-metal frame, the printer minimizes vibration for precise details and dependable print quality, helping beginners and professionals achieve successful prints with less wasted filament.
- Smart Features That Protect Every Print: Print with confidence using intelligent protection features including Filament Runout Sensor, Filament Tangle Detection, Power Loss Recovery, and Skip Partial Failure. Whether you're printing overnight or working on long projects, the printer automatically helps prevent failed prints, saving time, filament, and frustration.
- Beginner Friendly with Advanced Creator Features: Start printing within minutes using the Ready-to-Print setup, or unlock advanced customization through Creality OS, Fluidd UI, Root Access, and offline USB printing. Compatible with popular materials including PLA, PETG, and dual-material breakaway supports for cleaner removal, smoother surfaces, and professional-looking results for beginners, hobbyists, educators, engineers, and makers.
Launch price and planned availability
At CES in January 2016, Mcor announced an MSRP of $5,995 USD and said the ARKe was planned to become available in Q2 2016. Both details are launch-period information; they do not indicate a current price, offer, or inventory. The same company announcement reported “over 2,500 pre-orders,” a figure attributed to Mcor and not independently audited. Mcor’s January 6, 2016 announcement
Software and connections listed in the brochure
The brochure describes Mcor Orange software for Mac and Windows PCs, a mobile app, and Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. These are features stated in 2016 product literature, not confirmation that the software, app, or online services still operate or support current systems. Mcor ARKe product brochure
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- Multi Color Printing: Creality K2 Combo 3d printer, combines with a K2 3d printer and a CFS. Which can fulfill the multi color printing, up to 16 colors can be printed together. Single color printing is tedious, this printer brings you a new experience in printing job, increasing much fun in your life. An intelligent management of multiple filaments, no worry to paint your prints
- Efficient Printing: Creality K2 Combo, adopting industry-grade 3 step-servo motors-located in the extruder and on the X/Y axis -work together to take extrusion consistency and printing accuracy to the next level. The printing speed can up to 600mm/s with 20000mm/s³ acceleration. Smart auto leveling speeds up the bed leveling process by probing only where your model will be printed
- Monitoring System: Chamber Al camera on the K2 Combo 3d printer for watching over printing failure such as spaghetti, foreign objects, idling, etc. and notify users to take action; Reminding users if the heatbed is empty without a build plate; Capturing 3d printing for sharing
- Durable Direct Drive Extrusion: Creality K2 Combo 3d printer equips hardened steel gears for better durability No issue coping with the repeated filament ingress and egress. 40mm³/s high-flow hotend powered by an 80W powerful heater, the flow rate of ABS at 280℃ can reach 40mm³/s, quick-swap hotend modularly designed for higher repairability and the nozzle cover is magnetic for easy removal. The nozzle, capable of reaching up to 300°C and featuring a hardened steel tip, is built for abrasive engineering filaments.
- Other Unexpected Features: Large Printing Size: K2 Combo 3d printer printing size is 10.24x10.24x10.24 inch, able to print a helmet or many small pieces all at once. Save the need for model splitting. Super Sturdy Matrix Frame: A rigid exoskeleton comprising parts die-cast out of aerospace aluminum alloy. The XYZ axis are also beefed up. Flawless Print Quality: Adaptive mesh leveling for a perfect first layer in much less time.Two auxiliary fans ensuring instant part cooling
What is known about availability and support now
The available sources do not confirm current ARKe inventory, pricing, parts, software support, or service availability. AGA Color Solutions has a page listing an “ARKe Pro” printer and related offerings, including installation/instruction and maintenance guarantees. That listing alone does not establish present stock, whether the ARKe Pro is equivalent to every ARKe model, or compatibility of its services with a particular unit. AGA Color Solutions’ ARKe Pro listing
For anyone evaluating a used or reseller-listed machine, confirm the exact model and what is included directly with the seller. Ask whether the printer can be demonstrated, whether its software and required connections work with your setup, and what service or consumables are available. The cited product literature identifies paper as the build material but does not establish a currently compatible paper or consumable SKU.
Rank #3
- 【Multicolor Printing Made Easy】Unleash your creativity with the K2 3d printer and the Intelligent Creality Filament System (CFS). Perfect for hobbyists, designers, and makers craving professional-quality results. CFS sold separately, not inclued.
- 【Smooth, Fast, Ultra-Quiet Performance】K2 prints at speeds up to 600mm/s with exceptional precision—while staying whisper-quiet. Its generous 260mm³ build volume lets you create large, detailed models.Fully pre-assembled and ready to print right out of the box.
- 【Rock-Solid “Matrix” Frame for Reliable Precision】The K2 features an aerospace-grade die-cast aluminum frame with reinforced XYZ axes, minimizing vibrations for crisp, accurate layers. Combined with its robust design, every print comes out consistently sharp and professional-looking.
- 【Next-Gen Extruder for Great Printing】Equipped with a 40 mm³/s high-flow hotend, a hardened steel nozzle (up to 300 °C), and durable direct drive extrusion, K2 handles PLA, ABS, PETG, and even engineering-grade filaments with ease.
- 【Smarter Printing, Safer Experience】Stay in control with the AI Chamber Camera for failure detection, time-lapse recording, and build plate monitoring. The built-in air purifier filters VOCs, while Wi-Fi connectivity and 8G local storage make printing faster, safer, and smarter than ever.
How Mcor described its ambition
In the launch announcement, Mcor co-founder and CEO Dr. Conor MacCormack said: “Our mission is to put a 3D printer in every office, classroom, and eventually every home, and Mcor ARKe is a huge step in that direction,”
Quick Recap
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