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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Mcor introduced the ARKe at CES on Jan. 6, 2016, positioning it as a desktop printer for full-color 3D models. It used the company’s Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL) process, which built objects from paper. The launch announcement listed a $5,995 USD event MSRP and planned availability in Q2 2016—historical launch details, not current offers.
What the Mcor ARKe was designed to do
Mcor described the ARKe as a desktop extension of its full-color 3D printing technology. In its Jan. 6, 2016 announcement, the company called it the “world’s first” full-color desktop 3D printer; that wording is Mcor’s claim, not an independently established industry-wide finding. The announcement said the printer used Mcor’s Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL) process. Mcor’s launch announcement
In the ARKe’s paper-based workflow, sheets of paper served as build material. That makes the machine distinct from printers that form parts by depositing molten filament or curing liquid resin. The product brochure also described the materials as recyclable; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independently tested environmental assessment. Mcor ARKe educational brochure
How to interpret the ARKe’s resolution claims
Mcor’s launch announcement advertised 4800 × 2400 DPI color resolution. The brochure separately listed 0.1 mm resolution in X, Y, and Z. These figures describe different specifications: the first is an advertised color-resolution figure, while the second is a spatial-resolution claim. Neither, by itself, guarantees the fidelity or appearance of a finished object, and the cited materials do not provide independent verification.
#1 Best Overall
- Up to 16 Colors: Bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, perfect for showcasing your creativity. Note: Connecting Bambu Lab AMS is required.
- 500mm/s and 20000 mm/s² Acceleration True High Speed: Don't wait around for your masterpieces. Lightning-fast printing speed lets you focus on creating, not waiting.
- Enclosed Design: Fully enclosed body improves print performance for advanced filaments. Automatic Bed Leveling: Say hello to high-quality, successful prints. Auto bed leveling makes 3D printing such an easy thing.
- Set Up in 15 Minutes: Spend more time printing and less time setting up. User-friendly design ensures a hassle-free assembly experience for all skill levels.
- Supported Filament: Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET ABS, ASA; Capable : PA, PC; Not Recommended: Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer.
Software, connections and intended use
The 2016 brochure listed Mcor Orange software for Mac and Windows PCs, a mobile app, and Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. It also presented the printer for educational use. Those are product-literature descriptions from the launch period, not confirmation that the software, app, network services, or support remain available or work with a particular ARKe today. Mcor ARKe educational brochure
Launch price and availability
Mcor announced an MSRP of $5,995 USD for the CES event and said the ARKe was planned to be available in Q2 2016. The company also reported “over 2,500 pre-orders” in the launch announcement; this was Mcor’s own figure, not an independently audited count. These details describe the 2016 launch and should not be read as a current price, stock status, or sales offer. Mcor’s launch announcement
Rank #2
- One-Click Automatic Printing: Experience hassle-free 3D printing with the Adventurer 5M Series. Enjoy automatic bed leveling for flawless first layers, ensuring consistent adhesion and saving time with no manual adjustments required.
- 12X Ultra Fast Printing: Featuring a CoreXY structure with 600mm/s travel speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration, the AD5M maximizes efficiency, reduces production cycles, and ensures high precision, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and mass production.
- Smart and Efficient Design: Quick 3-second nozzle changes, a high-flow 32mm³/s nozzle, and fast 35-second warm-up to 200°C deliver stable high-speed printing. Its dual-sided PEI platform and versatile options provide easy removal and adaptability for various creative projects.
- Superior Print Quality & Adaptability: Combines a 280°C direct drive extruder with dual-fan cooling and vibration compensation. Includes a standard 0.4mm nozzle and accepts optional sizes from 0.25mm to 0.8mm to fit various printing needs.
- Real-Time App Monitoring: Monitor print progress, adjust settings, and receive instant status alerts remotely with the Flash Studio. Smart mobile control ensures a seamless, effortless printing experience anytime, anywhere.
What is known about ARKe availability now
Current inventory, pricing, service, and software support are not established by the cited materials. AGA Color Solutions has a page listing an ARKe Pro and related installation, instruction, and maintenance offerings, but that listing does not establish that a unit is in stock, that the ARKe Pro is equivalent to every ARKe model, or that its services apply to a specific machine. AGA Color Solutions’ ARKe Pro listing
For anyone assessing an existing machine or a possible purchase, confirm the exact model and ask the seller or service provider directly about stock, consumables, software compatibility, parts, and maintenance. The cited brochure identifies paper as the build material but does not establish a currently available, compatible paper or consumable SKU.
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Rank #3
- 600mm/s Speed & CoreXY Structure — Powered by an all-metal CoreXY frame and 20,000mm/s² acceleration, Adventurer 5M Pro reaches speeds up to 600mm/s. Integrated vibration compensation algorithms eliminate ghosting and ringing for smooth, high-precision surface finishes.
- 3-Second Quick-Swap Nozzle & Auto Leveling — Features a tool-free, quick-release nozzle mechanism for effortless 3-second replacements across multiple sizes (0.25/0.4/0.6/0.8mm). One-click full auto-leveling ensures precise bed calibration and a perfect first layer every time.
- Dual Filtration System & Quiet Enclosure — Built with an integrated dual filtration system and a fully enclosed chamber to ensure a clean printing environment and thermal stability. Powered by low-noise motion control, it operates quietly under 50dB for seamless home, office, or classroom use.
- 280°C High-Temp Extruder & Broad Material Compatibility — With a 280°C max nozzle temperature and a 110°C heated bed, it reliably prints engineering materials like ABS, ASA, and PETG-CF, as well as standard PLA and PETG.
- Smart Camera & Mobile Control — Features a built-in camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse video creation. Monitor progress, adjust settings, and receive instant status alerts via Flash Studio. Integrated with filament detection, power loss recovery, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen for effortless operation.
Why the ARKe mattered to desktop 3D printing
The ARKe announcement presented full-color output and paper-based SDL technology as a way to bring Mcor’s approach to a desktop-sized product. 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,” Mcor’s Jan. 6, 2016 announcement
For construction and design contexts, the practical point is the intended combination of color models and a paper build material—not proof of suitability for structural parts, jobsite use, or any particular engineering application. The available specifications describe a product concept and manufacturer claims; they do not supply independent performance testing or a basis for ranking the ARKe against current printers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easy 3D Printing with Auto Leveling: The Creality SPARKX i7 features automatic bed leveling, quick setup, and streamlined calibration for a smoother desktop 3D printing experience. Designed to reduce manual adjustment and help beginners start printing more easily while maintaining reliable everyday performance.
- Smart Camera Monitoring for Reliable Printing: Built-in smart camera monitoring supports remote viewing, time-lapse recording, and print status detection to help improve print reliability and reduce unnecessary filament waste. Easily monitor your WiFi 3D printer from your smartphone or PC.
- Quiet High-Speed Desktop 3D Printer: With an optimized motion system and low-noise operation, the SPARKX i7 delivers stable high-speed 3D printing with reduced vibration and consistent print quality. Suitable for everyday desktop printing, creative projects, and long printing sessions.
- Large Build Volume for Bigger Creative Projects: Featuring a 260×260×255mm build volume and flexible PEI build plate, the SPARKX i7 supports larger models, props, functional parts, and batch printing projects while allowing easier print removal and a more efficient workflow.
- 5-Second Quick-Swap Hotend for Easy Maintenance: The tool-free quick-swap hotend design allows faster nozzle replacement and simplified maintenance, helping reduce downtime and making everyday 3D printing more efficient for both beginners and experienced makers.
Rank #4
- Vivid Multi-Color Printing: Bring your creations to life with vibrant, multi-color prints. This printer supports up to 4 colors simultaneously, giving you endless creative possibilities.
- 1-Click Auto Leveling: Enjoy smooth, uninterrupted prints with the advanced 1-Click Auto Leveling feature that automatically calibrates your print bed for optimal results every time.
- Ultra-Fast 12X Printing Speed: The AD5X features a Core XY structure with speeds up to 600mm/s and acceleration of 20,000mm/s². Its stable design boosts both efficiency and print quality, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and batch production.
- Exceptional Print Quality: The AD5X delivers outstanding print results with its advanced dual-channel cooling fan, vibration compensation system, and 300°C direct-drive extruder.
- Versatile Nozzle Options: The AD5X supports four nozzle sizes (0.25mm to 0.8mm) for full creative control. The 0.4mm nozzle comes pre-installed for versatile, everyday printing. For specialized tasks, optionally upgrade to the ultra-fine 0.25mm nozzle for miniature details, or to the 0.6mm/0.8mm nozzles to slash print time on large, sturdy models.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
